A Practice of Gratitude

News & Updates

Many people have discovered the benefits of a simple practice: Stop each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for.

Family, friends, the stunts of pets that bring joy. A sunny day, that splash of yellow daffodils someone planted along a barren road. A good laugh with co-workers. A challenge accepted to do more to serve our mission.

We are reflecting on the contributions of:

  • The professionals in the Executive Service Corps who volunteer through us to provide management consulting at sliding scale rates and to support clients in our cohort programs.
  • Members of the Volunteer Manager Corps who help nonprofits engage more volunteers.

In 2013, these volunteers from throughout the state of Washington gave more than 14,000 hours to 501 Commons projects.

We were was so inspired to learn that one of our clients, http://www.theserviceboard.org. incorporates the practice of gratitude into their board and staff meetings and at the end of all of their with youth gatherings. What a terrific counter to the scarcity focus that dominates so much of nonprofit life!

Ashley Miller, tSB executive director, says the practice has had a big impact on the organization as they take the time “to recognize the gifts we have.” This sharing often means that program participants, board members, and staff are hearing directly about the impact they have had on the people around them and the gratitude people feel for their contributions.

Lao Tzu said: “When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” How can you incorporate the practice of gratitude into your life and into the culture of your organization?

How Groups Make Great Decisions

News & Updates

The decision-making process is very much an art form. This excellent article provides links to reference material so that one may drill down on the style/situation that fits your needs. Various ideas are explored, such as

  • · Favoring our own positions and those of people with whom we feel allied over the ideas and contributions of others.
  • · The tendency to only see a few options that are available in a given situation, rather than broadening our frame of reference.
  • · Gravitating toward what’s already in place rather than taking bold new steps.

    • Click here to learn more: How Groups Make Great Decisions

    5 Nonprofit Trends to Watch in 2014

    News & Updates

    Now that we are more than halfway through 2014, let’s see how much we agree/disagree with predictions Nell Edgington, Social Velocity, made in January: 1) growing wealth disparity, 2) greater nonprofit sector confidence, 3) increased movement toward high performance, 4) more capacity investments, 5) accelerated effort to enlarge the 2% pie. Which of these predictions is ringing true or totally off for your organization?

    Click here to read the full article: 5 Nonprofit Trends to Watch in 2014