We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

Meet Jennifer 🤝, the President + CEO of Points of Light. She’s leading the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service—mobilizing nearly 4 million volunteers across 32 countries to create healthier, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.In this episode, Jennifer shares her own story—from her early days as a volunteer to leadership roles with National 4-H Council, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and now Points of Light. Along the way, she’s learned the power of people coming together to serve, and she’s on a mission to double volunteer engagement by 2035.You’ll hear how Points of Light is partnering with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders to meet critical community needs. Plus, Jennifer offers practical wisdom for nonprofits navigating the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteer and her hope-filled vision of what’s possible when we build cultures rooted in service.✨ It’s a conversation about purpose, resilience, and the belief that when we give of ourselves, we light the way for others too.Episode Highlights: Jennifer's Early Experiences with Volunteering and Nonprofit Work (05:30)The Importance of Volunteer Centers and Their Role in Community Impact (12:45)Strategies for Doubling Volunteer Engagement by 2035 (20:10)Challenges in Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers (28:25)Building a Volunteer-Centric Culture in Organizations (35:40)Personal Growth and Resilience Through Volunteering (42:55)Jennifer's ‘One Good Thing’ (40:00)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/634Thank 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 Nelle 🤝, the President + CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. From her start as a board member to leading the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, Nelle’s journey is all about stepping up with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to community.In this episode, she shares the innovative ways her team is reimagining food access—from wellness markets to food-as-medicine initiatives 🌱. You’ll hear how breaking down silos, leaning into collaboration, and lifting up stories of lived experience can spark real change and impact far beyond a meal.Nelle reminds us that leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about compassion, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity at the table. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a volunteer, or simply passionate about social good, her wisdom and heart will leave you inspired to keep building a world where community always comes first.Episode Highlights: Nelle's Journey from Board Member to CEO (02:15)Innovative Strategies for Tackling Food Insecurity (05:45)The Importance of Community Collaboration (10:30)The Power of Storytelling in Social Change (15:20)Practical Advice for Nonprofit Leaders (20:10)Addressing Food Insecurity as a Fundamental Right (25:00)Nelle's "One Good Thing" (35:50)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/642Thank 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 Nicole 🤝, the Executive Director of Boston CASA, a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children affected by abuse and neglect. With over 25 years in education and nonprofit leadership, Nicole has dedicated her career to improving the lives of vulnerable children and driving systemic change through equity and lived experience. Her journey, shaped by deep commitment and resilience, fuels Boston CASA’s mission to create lasting impact. 💙In this episode, Nicole opens up about how her own lived experience shapes her leadership and fuels her dedication to equity and systemic change. She shares what it takes to build volunteer programs that are welcoming and inclusive, and how Boston CASA is working to triple the number of children they support. Tune in to hear her honest reflections on leadership, the power of volunteers, and how one consistent, caring adult can create a ripple of hope and opportunity that lasts a lifetime. This conversation is a heartfelt look at showing up for kids, community, and the kind of leadership that moves people to make a difference. 🎧Episode Highlights: Nicole's Journey from Challenge to Leadership (02:15)The Power of Lived Experience in Leadership (09:30)Cultivating Strong Volunteer Programs (17:45)Boston CASA's Role in Child Advocacy (24:10)The Impact of One Caring Adult (31:25)Nicole’s One Good Thing (30:00)Strategies for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention (38:50)Authentic Leadership and Its Influence (44:05)Episode shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/641Thank 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 Stacy 🤝, the dynamic CEO of The Chronicle of Philanthropy and a true force for good in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore Stacy's journey from a curious student journalist to a leader transforming the landscape of philanthropy. Stacy shares her insights on the future of fundraising, the impact of new generations of donors, and the game-changing potential of unrestricted giving. Her thoughts on curiosity and humor as leadership essentials will leave you inspired and ready to tackle challenges with a smile.Whether you're a nonprofit pro or just passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and inspiration to fuel your mission-driven journey. Tune in and let's change the world together. 🎧Episode Highlights: How Stacy's Journey Shaped Philanthropy (02:00)Why Media Drives Change (10:15)How to Retain Talent in High-Burnout Environments (18:30)Where Resilience Leads Amidst Policy Shifts (25:45)Why Understanding New Donor Generations is Crucial (33:20)How Unrestricted Giving Transforms Impact (40:50)The Importance of Curiosity and Humor in Leadership (45:10)Stacy’s One Good Thing (41:40)Navigating the Future of Fundraising (50:30)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/640Thank 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 Cicley 🤝 She’s the Board Chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, where she’s shaping the future of racial justice and philanthropy with love, transparency, and community at the center.In this episode, Cicley takes us inside her journey from grassroots activism to leading a global movement. You’ll get the inside scoop on BLM’s 12th anniversary Black Play Matters campaign and why joy, play, and community are powerful tools for change.Join us as she breaks down her step-by-step approach to launching campaigns that truly make an impact—being human-centered, telling powerful stories, securing amplifiers, staying agile, and measuring what matters.No matter your role—leading a nonprofit, organizing in your community, or simply seeking ways to spark change—you’ll walk away with practical strategies, renewed hope, and a reminder that everyone has a part to play in building a more just and joyful world.Episode HighlightsHow Cicley Gay Leads (02:00)Where Campaigns Thrive (10:15)Why Change Matters (18:30)How Play Empowers (25:45)Where Philanthropy Impacts (33:20)Why Love Leads (40:50)The Power of Community (45:10)Navigating Leadership Transitions (50:30)Cicley's One Good Thing (55:00)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/639Thank 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 Jesse 🤝 – the dynamic president of The Neurodiversity Alliance and a true champion for seeing the brilliance in every mind.From navigating ADHD and learning differences to finding his voice at UC Berkeley and leading with purpose in the tech world, Jesse’s story is one of resilience, passion, and possibility. He opens up about the mentors who lit the way, the power of belonging, and the movement that’s now reaching over 630 schools to uplift neurodivergent students across the nation.This conversation is equal parts heart and hope. You’ll walk away inspired by Jesse’s vision of a world where every person’s unique abilities are celebrated, and reminded that community is the place where potential turns into transformation.Whether you identify as neurodivergent, love someone who does, or simply want to be part of building more inclusive spaces—you’ll find encouragement, joy, and a renewed belief that together, we rise. 💙Episode Highlights: Jesse’s Journey: From ADHD to National Advocacy (10:15)How to Build Inclusive, Empowering Networks (18:30)Recognizing and Leveraging Your Unique Strengths (25:45)The Highs and Lows of Leading for Neurodiversity (35:00)Jesse’s One Good Thing (50:20)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/638Thank 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

Eric Brown, Co-Founder of Whiteboard, is a creative visionary dedicated to helping purpose-driven brands make a difference. In a captivating conversation, he shares insights on building movements instead of mere campaigns, emphasizing the importance of community as co-creators. He discusses balancing personal and collective missions to avoid burnout and the powerful role of storytelling in engaging supporters. Eric also inspires listeners to choose belief over cynicism, highlighting how collaborative leadership can lead to meaningful change.

Dive into the heart of community-driven movements! Discover Hannah Lowe's inspiring journey as she rallied support to raise $2 million for her son's treatment. Explore the magic of Giving Tuesday and the significance of genuine connections in fundraising. Learn how focusing on deep relationships can sustain engagement and momentum. The discussion emphasizes the joy of participation while prioritizing well-being, urging listeners to empower their communities and ignite collective action. It's a call to transform passion into impactful movements!

Discover the secrets to making your message resonate. Explore how clear communication builds trust and unites communities, with inspiring stories from leaders at St. Jude and beyond. Learn the importance of authentic storytelling in empowering change and fostering strong support networks. Dive into the art of crafting a compelling vision that invites others to join your mission. This engaging discussion offers insights and practical strategies to help you create a movement that truly makes a difference.

Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a personal promise into a powerful movement against breast cancer. She discusses the vital role of organization and strategy in social movements, illustrated by the successes of initiatives like Movember. The conversation explores how structured systems can enhance impact and empower individuals, particularly in supporting women in recovery. Listeners can expect to gain insights into building movements that are both effective and heartfelt.