When I do my storytelling workshops with a board of directors, many members for the first time discover that they have something to say on the organization’s behalf. There is no magic wand I wave, I just help them collect their thoughts rather than memorize a message. I believe every board member has a story […]

This installment of the Sixty-Second Strategy challenges board and staff to frame a compelling message by transforming how they talk about their organization.    

In the May 1st online edition of the Chronicle of Philanthropy a headline stated: “Charities Give Boards Little Training in Fund Raising, Study Finds.” I would argue that most board members do not want training in fund raising. They didn’t join our organizations because they wanted to learn how to prospect, cultivate, and make “asks.” […]

[The following is an excerpt from a keynote I gave to the Southern Minnesota Nonprofit Summit.] Fifteen years ago this week was when I arrived in Minnesota to become the Executive Director of The Playwrights’ Center. My wife and I were newly married. We drove 900 miles from Dallas to Minnesota with most our belongings […]

Your organization’s stories are key to helping you convey the unique value you create for the people you serve. The following 60-Second Strategy video provide five simple questions to help you and your team craft a compelling narrative about your work.