Understanding the impact of your programs isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about truly grasping how effective your efforts are and where improvements are needed. That’s where evaluation comes in. It’s not just a tool; it’s essential for enhancing the effectiveness of the great work you do in the communities you serve.

Understanding the impact of your programs isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about truly grasping how effective your efforts are and where improvements are needed. That’s where evaluation comes in. It’s not just a tool; it’s essential for enhancing the effectiveness of the great work you do in the communities you serve.

I love facilitating groups and am always looking for new ways to engage hashtag#community groups. In this post, I share some inspiration using my stash of card decks all designed to inspire. Let me know if you use them or if you have another favorite.

Today, I want to share a series that the Hidden Brain podcast is doing, called Us 2.0.

The first episode in the series is “What We Have in Common” and explores why we feel the way we do about people with differing political views with psychologist Kurt Gray.

Episode 2 in the series is, “Win Hearts, then Minds.” Sociologist Robb Willer shares the common mistakes we make in trying to persuade others.

This week, the 3rd episode is “Living with Our Differences” and features psychologist Peter Coleman. Dr. Coleman studies conflict and how disagreements become intractable and what we can do about it.

Since last year I failed miserably at my goal to transition to a 4-day work week, I decided to travel more in 2023 and take longer weekends more frequently. This past fall, I traveled to Shenandoah National Park. This is #10 out of 63 NPs for me.

Life teaches us so many lessons if we just open our hearts, minds, and spirit a bit.

I will take these 3 lessons with me as I continue to work in communities. Perhaps they will resonate with you as well.

Reflecting on AEA 2023 and our coalition workshop. No more death by powerpoint.

What a garden can teach a lesson about systems change.

How do you make connections in your community? Read on….

Dig deeper to get to root causes. Try the 5 Whys excercise.

Four tips for making your (coalition) garden grow.

Conflict is part of being human. Learning how to manage it effectively is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. Relationships between siblings, couples, friends, colleagues, or members of coalitions and nonprofit boards will all experience conflict.

Logic Models, besides being the recipe behind the work you are trying to do, is your map. They have directionality explained through a series of If- Then statements.

How do you cultivate a culture of collaboration among your community coalition?

I no longer make New Year’s resolutions. I make intentions instead.