What to do with stories you collect My colleagues on writing projects always laugh at me because I can’t stop myself from using lots of quotes. I just feel like there are times when I can’t say something more eloquently or powerfully or succinctly than the original writer or interviewee. So whenever I’m collecting stories – whether for a research
How to collect stories with compassion Here’s the thing about people’s stories – as critical as they are for organizations to understand the difference they are making, they’re not always easy to share. I recently experienced this myself. An advocacy group that I am part of, the Ohio Perinatal Behavioral Health Task Force, is collecting stories related to mental/behavioral health
The phone reminder you need to set If I didn’t have a system of reminders, calendar events, and to-do lists running on my phone at all times, I would get nothing done. So it’s really clear which things I don’t have in that system … because they’re hopelessly falling by the wayside (the dust bunnies in my house say hi).
Your back-to-school data checklist After years as a student and educator, it’s my first back-to-school season as a mom, and I’ve got all the feels. But I’ve also got a checklist handy of all the things I need to do and buy. No matter whether you’re a student, educator, parents, or nonprofit staff, this is the time where everyone’s scrambling
Why measuring change can be so hard A conversation I had with a friend yesterday reminded me why measuring change is so hard. I was telling this friend how proud I was of them because I could see how differently they were talking about themself now from a few years ago. Nothing directly measurable about that. Just a pattern I’ve
Why telling your story can solve your #1 problem Someone asked me recently what I think is the biggest problem that child- and family-serving organizations are facing right now. My answer? Funding. Organizations that are trying to make the world better aren’t doing their work for a profit. They’re figuring out how to get the funding they need to do
How to avoid toddler-like meltdowns about your data Have you ever tried putting a toddler to bed when they’re off their routine? If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re already cringing because you know it’s a nightmare. Bedtime routines are a sacred system – a protocol – that allow evenings to run smoothly. Everyone knows what to do and when,
A FREE tool for you to take control of your data! The past two weeks, I’ve been walking you through the Engage with Data process, starting with discovering what you’ve already got and assessing what you need. And like a good former teacher, now I’ve got a way for you to put it into practice. Introducing Start Engaging with Your
What’s driving you nuts about your data right now? We all love to complain sometimes. C’mon, you know a venting session feels pretty good. But thinking through the things we’re always complaining about can actually give us good information. So when I work with child- and family-serving organizations, I invite them to complain. Seriously. Until you uncover the things that
It’s time for spring cleaning! I really like to organize things. I get a thrill from dropping off a trunk full of donations and seeing my space a little less full. Don’t get me wrong though – with a 4-year old, obviously my home is a hot mess. No one ever told me how many papers would come home from
