We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

Meet Melissa Helmbrecht 🤝, the CEO of Give Back. Founded by Bob Carr, this organization is rewriting what opportunity looks like for young people who've faced the hardest circumstances—from homelessness to abuse. In this episode, Melissa shows us the deep, lasting impact of true mentorship and the power of a supportive community.Melissa shares how Give Back helps students not just survive, but truly thrive as leaders through comprehensive scholarships, dedicated coaching, and mentorship. We dive into Bob Carr’s inspiring legacy, whose mission of giving grew from a $250 scholarship he once received, now creating powerful systems of dignity for the next generation.This episode is a testament to belief, the power of second chances, and in the extraordinary power of what happens when we create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and free to become who they were meant to be. Episode Highlights: Melissa's Formative Journey (05:00)The Story of Give Back (07:00)The Power of Small Acts of Kindness (07:23)Empowering the Counted Out (10:06)Reframing Identity and Potential (12:42)Programs Centered in Dignity (15:30)Building Trust and Consistency (18:10)Stories of Transformation (21:09)The Power of Lived Experience (22:32)Bridging Generations in Philanthropy (25:49)Transforming Adversity into Opportunity (28:22)Melissa’s One Good Thing (30:21)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/659Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Veronica, the dedicated teacher and guiding force, alongside Alice, the passionate Senior at Atlanta International School (AIS) and Co-President of AIS Against Human Trafficking. AIS Against Human Trafficking is a dynamic, student-led initiative dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action against human trafficking through education, powerful storytelling, and global partnerships. This story represents the heart-wired generation students who are actively using their empathy and digital fluency to drive monumental societal change 🩵Listen in to learn how this inspiring group has strategically teamed up with major global players like CNN and built a network with other international schools, transforming a local initiative into an undeniable global force. Their campaigns are a masterclass in resilience and creativity, showing the world what happens when Gen Z’s passion for justice is unleashed 🌱Episode HighlightsEmpowering Students Against Human Trafficking (02:14)The Journey of Veronica McDaniel in Nonprofit (10:24)The Impact of Youth Voices in Activism (16:27)Harnessing Youth Energy for Change (21:06)Building a Content Engine for Advocacy (22:51)The Power of Consistency in Messaging (25:29)Inspiring Action Through Awareness (26:47)Intergenerational Learning and Relationship Building (29:17)The Impact of Generosity and Empathy (32:48)Alice’s One Good Thing: Real change starts with empathy and listening (35:49)Veronica’s One Good Thing: Building and Maintaining Relationships (36:39)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/658Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Erin 🤝, Vice President of Community Engagement and Executive Director of the Thunder Community Foundation. In this episode, we explore the story of the OKC Thunder’s meaningful impact far beyond the basketball court. While celebrating their first NBA championship is certainly exciting, Erin shows us how the team’s success has become a grounded catalyst for community philanthropy in Oklahoma City 💙Erin offers thoughtful insights into her journey and how the Thunder builds a lasting legacy, prioritizing sustainable work over fleeting headlines. We explore fantastic initiatives like the Rolling Thunder Book Bus and local court projects. This story shows us the strength found in authentic partnerships and shared values, which are the essential ingredients for creating real, positive change.Tune in as Erin shares a look at utilizing a large platform as a megaphone for positive stories and true community betterment. The episode is filled with transformative examples of intentional kindness and collaboration, offering valuable and encouraging insights into how purpose-driven work quietly strengthens our communities 🎧Episode Highlights: Erin Oldfield's Journey to Community Engagement (02:21)The Thunder's Role in Oklahoma's Community (04:58)Thunder Community Foundation: Programs and Impact (07:57)Building Lasting Partnerships for Community Good (10:48)Stories of Generosity and Philanthropy (18:24)Advice for Sustainable Community Engagement (24:48)Erin’s One Good Thing: Lifting Up Educators (29:17)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com.com/episode/657Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Turn Down the Alarm, Tune Into the Signal. That feeling of stress isn't a sign you're broken—it's your body's brilliant security system asking for your attention. It's a powerful signal that, when truly heard, guides you directly to deeper self-care and genuine resilience.That nagging feeling of stress? It's simply your nervous system alarm stuck on full blast. It isn't a failure; it’s a profound signal gently inviting you to tend to your deepest needs.Step in with us to embrace the art of regulation, not resistance. Lindsey shares her comforting guidance on how to actively turn down that volume and truly tune into your body’s quiet wisdom. You'll learn to craft healthy boundaries—those kind, firm limits that protect your precious energy and bring immediate calm to your system.Ready to find your ease and greater inner awareness? Tune in for the journey 🧘‍♀️Episode Highlights: Reframing Stress: Stress as a sign of unmet needs; introduction to boundaries and the importance of self-care (02:25)Somatic Scan: Turning the Volume Down (3:20)The Science of Stress (11:00)Utilising Boundaries for Peace (13:10)Rebecca Somatic Movement Practice (17:24)Self-Study to Interpret and Regulate Stress (22:13)Revenge Procrastination (25:00) Self-Care as a Conversation (30:00)Resetting the Alarm (31:32)Closing: Practice of turning down stress, micro-dosing wellness, and fostering a rhythm of rest (33:02)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/turndownthevolume//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Becca 🤝, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Good Natured Learning. Her work reminds us that the deepest lessons often begin where the wilderness starts.In this episode, we follow Becca’s journey from exploring Wisconsin’s backwoods to leading educational programs in Kenya and how it’s all about creating true belonging between students, teachers, and nature. Good Natured Learning isn’t just a program but a movement to reshape education, showing nature as the ultimate classroom for connection and growth. Becca guides us on how to overcome imposter syndrome, building community-led solutions rooted in local wisdom, and what authentic leadership really means. This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leading, learning, and living with deeper connection, it’s a beautiful reminder of nature’s healing and inspiring power ✨Learn: Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for many, including foundersHow nature can be a powerful teacher and healer in educationHow Good Natured Learning aims to connect underserved youth with natureWhy community involvement is crucial for effective educationBuilding a global vision requires local insights and collaboration.Stories about how generosity can come from unexpected places and people.The importance of lifting up educators rather than adding burdensWhy being enough is an inside job; everyone can make an impactEpisode HighlightsBecca's Journey and Connection to Nature (02:33)The Birth of Good Natured Learning (05:33)Connecting Underserved Youth with Nature (08:14)Building a Program from the Ground Up (14:06)The Leap of Faith to Kenya (17:27)Collaborating and Launching in Kenya (20:10)Building In-House Expertise in Education (22:56)Diverse Educational Backgrounds and Imposter Syndrome (23:53)Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Founding (26:03)The Journey of Founding and Rejection (29:43)Creating a Lift, Not a Burden for Educators (33:46)Moments of Generosity and Community Impact (38:45)Becca’s One Good Thing: Lifting Up Educators (42:38)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/656Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Special Episode: PART TWOIf you caught our Monday episode, you knew something big was coming—and today’s the day we finally get to share it. We Are For Good is joining the Givebutter family! 🩵 💛We're joined by Givebutter’s Co-founder & CEO, Max Friedman, to unpack the heart, the why, and the how behind this partnership. This community has always been about democratizing access—to ideas, tools, and connection—and now, together with Givebutter, we’re taking that mission to new heights. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story, the moments that made us believe this was meant to be, and how together, we’re building the world’s most loved and trusted home for changemakers—a place where the best nonprofit software, content, and community are accessible to all 🌍We’ve always said this movement isn’t about us—it’s about you. So come celebrate, dream with us, and get ready for what’s next. Because friends, this is only the beginning ✨ Episode Highlights: We Are For Good Announcement (00:52)Introducing Givebutter Co-Founder & CEO, Max Friedman (01:22)Givebutter’s Origin Story and Shared Values (03:30)How Our Teams Connected & the Vision for Accessible Tech (05:00)The Essential Role of Community and Fun in Nonprofit Work (07:59)Mental Health, Wellbeing, and the Evolving Theory of Change (10:29)The Journey and Impetus for This Major Partnership (13:47)Our Vision for the Community’s Future and Impact (17:43)Highlighting the Power of Individual Community Members (26:05)Max’s One Good Thing: Purpose for Future Generations (35:07)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/655//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Special Episode: PART ONESomething big is coming. Today's episode is the conversation before the conversation. Join Jon, Becky + Julie - live in studio together - as we're celebrating five years of the We Are For Good journey and stepping behind the scenes of launching the Impact Uprising.Join us for a deeply heartfelt conversation as we reflect on the journey: how this movement began, what's kept it growing, and why the We Are For Good community has always been the undeniable heartbeat behind every episode, story, and gathering.This special anniversary episode is a love letter to the people who show up every day to do good. To the nonprofit pros, the storytellers, the fundraisers, the dreamers, and the believers who transformed a podcast into a movement.If you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or are a brand-new listener: This one is for you. Thank you for being here 🫶Teaser of What's Coming (1:00)The Power of Community (03:00)The Growth of We Are For Good (09:00)Challenges, Growth, and Creating the Team (13:37)Resilience and Growth (15:00)Launching the Podcast (19:39)From Podcast to Community - Innovation and Impact Up (25:20)Global Community Building and Impact (29:47)The Power of Belief & Core Values (32:31)One Good Thing (40:15)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/654//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

The pause only works if you plan for it. Here’s how to get ready to truly rest.Whether you’re heading into a sabbatical, PTO, or just a long weekend, this episode helps you actually get ready to rest. Lindsey shares three readiness reflections — Finance, People, and Program — to gauge if your org (and you) can sustain time away.You’ll learn how to design an “only-call-me-if” checklist that protects your peace and keeps operations smooth—so you can step away without second-guessing. Then, run a Start–Stop–Continue to help your team prioritize what truly matters, pause what can wait, and sustain the rhythms that make your culture healthy. These simple tools turn time off from something stressful into something strategic.Part of the Power of the Pause series, this conversation reminds nonprofit pros, educators, and helpers everywhere that rest isn’t a reward — it’s a leadership practice.Episode HighlightsPreparing for a Powerful Pause: The Need for Rest (01:00)Extended Breaks & Sabbaticals: Overcoming Resistance (03:00)Readiness Reflections: Finance, People, Program (04:54)The Role of a Co-Leader & Timing Your Leave (08:46)Somatic Practice: Breathe and Bloom (feat. Marisol Pineda Conde) (10:51)Emergency Checklist: Planning for Critical Issues (13:48)Start, Stop, Continue: Transitioning Responsibility (17:58)Somatic Exercise with Marisol Pineda Conde (21:30)Visualization for Restoration & Setting Intentions (23:50)Affirmations and Reflective Questions for Readiness (27:58)www.weareforgood.com/episode/planforapause//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Get ready for a warm and inspiring episode, friend, as we welcome the visionary leaders behind a truly groundbreaking moment: the phenomenal merger of Girl Rising and She's The First. We sit down with Christina Lowery, Nidhi Shukla, Kate Kiama, and Tammy Tibbetts, the women fearlessly charting this new course 💖For years, these two powerhouses have been dedicated to transforming girls' education and leadership. Now, they've united their missions to create one mighty, global force for change 🤝Tune in to learn how they’re innovating for empowerment, with a sneak peek at powerful new programs that are helping girls build unshakeable confidence and chase their dreams. You’ll walk away with valuable, real-world takeaways on navigating the complexities of partnership, and how these leaders keep everyone focused on a shared, unwavering belief in a future where every single girl can learn, lead, and thrive 🌱Ready to be inspired by the true power of partnership? Let's dive deep👇Episode HighlightsMeet the Visionary Leaders (00:53)Girl Rising’s Origin Story (02:37)She’s the First’s Journey (06:57)The Urgency of the Merger (11:27)Global Education Crisis Statistics (13:41)Big Dreams for a Unified Future (17:25)Challenging Nonprofit Merger Norms (19:24)Scaling Up for Systemic Change (26:16)Joining Forces as a Community (33:53)Everyone’s “One Good Thing" for the Future (34:37)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/653Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Maria (Director of Marketing + Data Management, Second Harvest Food Bank) and Charles (Senior Vice President at RKD)🤝. In this episode, dive into their inspiring journey of digital transformation at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Together, they share how embracing innovation helped build a connected ecosystem that fuels smarter decisions and deepens donor relationships💡Feel the impact when mission-driven purpose blends seamlessly with thoughtful technology, unlocking personalized connections that bring generosity and kindness to the forefront. Through heartfelt stories and inspiring insights, Maria and Charles show how innovation can truly fuel the soul of philanthropy.From practical tips to uplifting stories, this episode offers valuable lessons for anyone passionate about making a positive impact — whether you’re in the nonprofit world or simply curious about the role technology plays in social good 🌍Episode Highlights: Digital Transformation Journey (03:00)Aligning Mission and Technology (09:00)Building Donor Relationships (15:00)Challenges and Successes (21:00)Future of Nonprofit Engagement (27:00)Charles Lehosit One Good Thing (29:45)Maria One Good Thing (30:21)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/652Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter