Today’s headlines could make even the most optimistic person — like me — a little weary. But, my optimism was restored when I watched the… — Today’s headlines could make even the most optimistic person — like me — a little weary. But, my optimism was restored when I watched the recent documentary about the 50-year anniversary of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” called “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” and it transported me back to my childhood. Mr…

When it comes to planning, social sector leaders often ask me how to ensure strategic plans get implemented. They are right to be concerned… — When it comes to planning, social sector leaders often ask me how to ensure strategic plans get implemented. They are right to be concerned — their hard work matters and should not be relegated to a shelf. I respond with the Japanese proverb — “Vision without action is a daydream…

Tomorrow is Earth Day — the first one was held in 1970, more than 50 years ago. Since then, Earth Day has become a global event that has… — Tomorrow is Earth Day — the first one was held in 1970, more than 50 years ago. Since then, Earth Day has become a global event that has mobilized 200 million people across 141 countries to recognize our role in saving our collective ecosystem. The United Nations also has included…

Last week, many of us are celebrating the religious holidays of Easter and Passover. In this time of change, it reminds me of one of my… — Last week, many of us are celebrating the religious holidays of Easter and Passover. In this time of change, it reminds me of one of my favorite parables — Moishe and the Pope. Over a century ago, the Pope decided that all Jewish people had to convert or be forced…

Spring has officially started and with it comes vacations, cookouts and baseball games — and your nonprofit’s retreat. Retreats have… — Spring has officially started and with it comes vacations, cookouts and baseball games — and your nonprofit’s retreat. Retreats have become commonplace in the sector, but many CEOs and board chairs find orchestrating a productive retreat for their organization challenging. When we facilitate a retreat for our clients at Social…

Summer is around the corner and you have a to-do list a mile long — what is an ideal solution? Use interns to help tackle it over the… — Summer is around the corner and you have a to-do list a mile long — what is an ideal solution? Use interns to help tackle it over the summer! We are so excited that apprenticeship (in all its forms: internships, job shadowing and project-based learning) has made a strong comeback…

Sunday marked the beginning of spring. When the tulips and irises start blooming, it feels like a fresh start. We’re lucky enough to get… — Sunday marked the beginning of spring. When the tulips and irises start blooming, it feels like a fresh start. We’re lucky enough to get these windows of inspiration a few times each year. These days, I find the spring to be filled with promise, but when I was a kid…

When I started with the nonprofit Phoenix House right out of college, I was an idealist. I pursued any program and every grant that would… — When I started with the nonprofit Phoenix House right out of college, I was an idealist. I pursued any program and every grant that would help our clients. I believed success would come from the quantity of grants submitted. Now, with nearly three decades of experience, I am much more…

For those of you who are familiar with Social Impact Architects, you already know that many of our team members are graduates of Duke… — For those of you who are familiar with Social Impact Architects, you already know that many of our team members are graduates of Duke University. So, we were really excited last week when Coach K coached his final home game to a packed house at Cameron Indoor Stadium. And, while…