We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

Reflecting on Season 8, Jon, Becky, and Julie highlight key takeaways including the power of collective action and the need to create a future-ready organization. They discuss the importance of trusting your gut, making good mainstream, and realizing that the burden is not all on your shoulders. They also introduce We Are For Good PRO, a program offering capacity building and community for nonprofit professionals.

Meet Kevin. He’s an award-winning social entrepreneur and the author of the new book, "When We Walk By", a must-read guide for ending homelessness in America. 1 in 3 people experiencing homelessness lose their social support systems, creating unimaginable levels of isolation. He’s also the Founder and CEO of Miracle Messages, a game-changing nonprofit tackling "relational poverty." Since 2014, Miracle Messages has been working to ensure that no one goes through homelessness alone by providing family reunification services, a phone buddy program, and the first basic income pilot for people experiencing homelessness in the U.S., supported by Google.org. During this eye-opening conversation, nine-year-old Julia Endicott joins as a guest host to find out how everyone can make a difference in the lives of the unhoused, especially kids 🤝Today’s GuestKevin F. Adler, Founder and CEO, Miracle MessagesEpisode HighlightsKevin’s story and journey to where (4:45)The Go Pro experiment (17:55)Overview of Miracle Messages (23:45)No one goes through homelessness alone.No one should feel helpless on this issue.Basic income pilot program (28:30)What kids can do to help (33:50)A powerful moment of philanthropy in Kevin’s life (35:45)Kevin’s One Good Thing: Inspiration from $7.  (36:55)How to connect with Kevin (40:40)For more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/498.Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, 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.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Leah. She’s an expert in helping nonprofit teams break free from daily routines to foster creative thinking🎨 As senior director of strategy and innovation at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, she helps nonprofits approach their work in new ways to better achieve their missions and solve social problems. She urges nonprofits to embrace risks and adapt based on learning, sharing examples from innovative organizations like World Reader, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Drawing from her book, 'Innovation for Social Change,' she offers practical tools to inspire innovation at your org Tune in to add some game-changing innovation tools to your arsenal🚀💡LearnSparking innovative ideas with design thinking toolsWays we can move our ideas into actionHow to create a theory of changeToday’s GuestLeah Kral, Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation, Mercatus Center at George Mason University Episode HighlightsLeah’s story and journey to where she is today (2:35)The opportunity that exists for nonprofits today (5:55)Design thinking + sparking innovative ideas within our team (10:15)Traits that we can cultivate to embrace innovation (16:00)How we can move our ideas into action (22:45)Creating theories of change (26:45)A powerful story of philanthropy in Leah’s life (35:15)Leah’s One Good Thing: Empower people on the frontlines. (38:30)How to connect with Leah (41:45)For more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/497.Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, 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.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Erin. She’s the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana, the region’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network. Despite facing four federally named natural disasters in less than a year, Erin and her team remained resilient and unwavering in their commitment to the community. In a surprising turn of events, a mysterious email led to a $1.1 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott🎁 Erin used this gift to launch the Big Defender Fund, securing the future of youth mentoring programs in her community, no matter the challenges Mother Nature throws their way🌩️ Erin shares valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders on thriving in turbulent times, seeking help amidst chaos, and rebuilding organizations to be stronger and more resilient than ever💪 Prepare for some touching stories – you won't want to miss this one! 💡LearnCase Study: BBBS Southwest LouisianaHow nonprofits can thrive during turbulent times During Turbulent TimesWays to build a future-ready organizationToday’s GuestErin Davison, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest LouisianaEpisode HighlightsErin’s story and journey to where she is today (2:30)Leading an organization during four catastrophic events (7:00)An unexpected $1.1 million donation (11:40)The impact of a transformative gift (16:40)Erin’s lessons learned about creating a future-ready organization (25:15)A powerful moment of philanthropy in Erin’s life (29:55)Erin’s One Good Thing: Grace. (35:20)How to connect with Erin and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana (38:15)For more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/496.Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, 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.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Jon and Becky are here with an episode all about getting geared up for the year ahead. As we're on the brink of 2024, it's the perfect time to take a breather, reflect on where you're at and map out some meaningful goals. You've likely been knee-deep in year-end fundraising, plotting out your business goals, and scheming up your strategy for the new year. But, we hope you’ll take some time today to explore the 4 V’s of Meaningful Goals. We’re bringing you an actionable framework, crafted by Abby Fox,  We Are For Good's Chief of Staff, that you can put into action right away whether you’re a team of one or a large shop. Get ready for some impactful goal planning🎯Episode HighlightsTonsetting (0:35)The 4 V’s:Step 1: Vantage Point (1:55)Step 2: Vision (5:30)Step 3: Values (9:05)Step 4: Versatility (12:45)Join us in We Are For Good PRO (17:35)Becky’s One Good Thing: Build a virtue of Rest. (19:20)For more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/495.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Ebony. After discovering her son’s asthma was caused by the environment, her fight for her son’s health turned into a fight for the planet. She’s now the Executive Director at the largest national legacy environmental organization, Greenpeace🌿 We’re taking a deep dive into the ways this iconic organization battles the climate crisis with bold, creative campaigns, like projecting powerful messages onto iconic landmarks, and how they encourage all of us to play our part.  In a world facing an escalating climate crisis, every step towards safeguarding our planet for future generations matters🌎 Tune in to see how we all can create a greener, more peaceful, more just world for all. 💡 LearnOverview of GreenpeaceThe role we all play in taking care of our planet Activation around Greenpeace’s mission Today’s GuestEbony Twilley Martin, Executive Director, Greenpeace USAEpisode HighlightsEbony’s story and journey to where she is today (3:00)Overview of Greenpeace (6:30)Why now is a crucial time to discuss this and take action (11:20)There is no climate justice without racial justice (13:00)Our individual roles in the environmental movement (22:00)Future of Greenpeace (27:00)A powerful story of philanthropy in Ebony’s life (29:00)Ebony’s One Good Thing: Lead. (33:00)How to connect with Ebony and Greenpeace (37:00)For more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/494.Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, 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.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Joan. She’s a powerhouse in the nonprofit sector, Principal of Joan Garry Consulting and founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab. With a blog reaching 150,000 leaders monthly and a podcast, Nonprofits Are Messy, with over 2 million listens from 207 countries 🌎, Joan is a sought-after executive coach and strategic advisor for major organizations. Her remarkable journey includes turning around GLAAD during a deep financial crisis (with just $360 in the bank 😬), leading it to prominence and impact. In this episode, we explore the necessity of injecting innovation into nonprofits and the hallmarks of an innovative, modern nonprofit professional. Join us as we uncover the secret sauce to nonprofit success, featuring Joan’s stories that had us literally laughing out loud 🤣💡 LearnInnovation in Nonprofit LeadershipCase Study: Leading GLAADHow to move from Strategic Planning to Strategic VisioningToday’s GuestJoan Garry, Principal, Joan Garry Consulting and Founder, Nonprofit Leadership LabEpisode HighlightsJoan’s journey to where she is today (4:35)How nonprofits can inject more innovation into their work (10:00)Hallmarks of an innovative, modern-day nonprofit professional (14:00)GLAAD Case Study (21:00)Strategic Planning for the New Year (32:00)Practical tips to integrate innovation into the new year (32:00)Strategic Visioning instead of Strategic PlanningMarketing Innovation to the BoardBudgetingA powerful moment of philanthropy in Joan’s life (45:00)Joan’s One Good Thing: Start to think like a partner. (53:00)How to connect with Joan (54:00)For more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/493.Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, 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.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Taylor and Monique. They are the dynamic duo behind the Shortchanged podcast, which is now part of the We Are For Good network🙌 Hearing their stories, from their unique personal journeys to their passion for community building, it’s clear why they found each other in the We Are For Good community. Their heart for the nonprofit sector is their reason for asking more of it. They’re sharing how they uncover and untangle the structures built to accelerate good, but too often slow it down. These two heartwired leaders are changing the world and we’re here for it👏Tune in to get a sneak peek at what’s in store for Season 2 of the Shortchanged Podcast🎙️💡 LearnThe heart and story behind the Shortchanged PodcastInequities in funding in the nonprofit sectorExploring the Overhead MythToday’s GuestsMonique Parker and Taylor Johnson, Co-Hosts, Shortchanged PodcastEpisode HighlightsMonique and Taylor’s stories and journeys to where they are today (3:50)Where leaders fall short in driving change (8:30)What needs to shift within nonprofits (13:30)Takeaways from Season 1 of the Shortchanged Podcast (16:40)How Monique and Taylor were changed by Season 1 (20:50)The "overhead myth" in philanthropy  (24:35)Dreams for the Shortchanged Podcast (29:00)Taylor’s One Good Thing: Setting rhythms. (36:40) Monique’s One Good Thing: Recognize your strengths and pick good partners. (38:45)How to connect with the Shortchanged Podcast (41:10)For more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/492.Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, 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.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Vance. He’s bringing the heart❤️ of nonprofits and the innovation💡 of Silicon Valley together so we can all succeed. Did you know 90% of wealth is in non-cash assets and orgs are still not accepting them at scale? 🤯 Vance is on a mission to inspire the world to give and is the founder and CEO of Overflow, a tool that makes generosity frictionless by unlocking more ways to give, especially those non-cash assets. We’re diving into the importance of embracing risk, innovation and technology to ignite a giving revolution 🔥 including how to engage the next generation of donors. If you’ve ever felt like the nonprofit world is stuck in the Stone Age while the rest of the world races forward with technology, this jam-packed episode is for you - don’t miss it!💡 LearnThe importance of flipping the donor pyramidUnlocking more ways to giveHow to reach the next generation Today’s GuestVance Roush, Founder + CEO, OverflowEpisode HighlightsVance’s story and journey to where he is today (3:00)Building a financial base with early believers (8:00)Investor’s mindset (8:40)High Growth Fundraising: The Silicon Valley Way (17:00)New strategies to multiply  fundraising efforts and expand donations (23:00)Reaching the next generations of donors (27:00)A powerful moment of philanthropy in Vance’s life (31:00)Vance’s One Good Thing: What is one thing you are grateful for today? True generosity flows from gratitude. (32:00)How to connect with Vance and Overflow (40:15)For more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/491.Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, 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.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Trigger Warning: This episode of the We Are For Good Podcast discusses suicide.If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 across the United States. Call or text 988 for help. For information about helplines worldwide, please find resources here.If you're a veteran or service member in the United States in crisis, please call 844.235.2764 or visit Stop Soldier Suicide’s website at stopsoldiersuicide.org. You are not alone.Meet Crystal. We first met her on LinkedIn where she slid into our DM and just filled our cups to the brim with her kindness☕️ She then quickly became an unofficial member of the We Are For Good hype squad📣 Beyond being a devoted listener, she takes her passion for learning and growing to the next level by sharing insights with her team. We’re exploring Crystal's journey, from her roots as a teacher to her work at Stop Soldier Suicide, which has been fueled by a lifelong commitment to building community. Stop Soldier Suicide is on a relentless pursuit of innovation to reduce veteran suicide.  Their team is constantly evolving by trying new things, learning from data and creating groundbreaking initiatives to save lives. Tune in to meet this driving force behind positive change💪Today’s GuestCrystal Clark, Senior Director of Donor Engagement, Stop Soldier SuicideFor more information + episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/490.Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, 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.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter