3 Sep, 2024

Ask Nicole: Balancing Participant Feedback & Staff Capacity

By |2024-09-02T18:28:59-04:00September 3rd, 2024|Categories: Workshop, Program, & Curriculum Design|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

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In order to evaluate a program, I start by speaking to staff in charged of running the program.

This helps me understand why the program exists, the ideal participants, program goals, activities, outreach, etc. This helps to develop an evaluation process that’s appropriate to the program’s goals.

This process also helps in providing programmatic recommendations. Even though participant feedback is key to program improvements, so is understanding staff capacity to make these changes.

Navigating grantee-funder relationships while staying true to your mission is complex.

Similarly, it can be a balancing act when staff have to prioritize program participant feedback.

Here are five recommendations to help programmatic staff balance participant feedback with their capacity to implement changes:

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7 Aug, 2024

Ask Nicole: The Four Keys to Flexible Programs

By |2024-08-07T12:51:39-04:00August 7th, 2024|Categories: Workshop, Program, & Curriculum Design|Tags: , |0 Comments

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In the ever-changing landscape of community needs, having a solid yet adaptable framework is crucial for organizations aiming to make a significant impact.

What is a framework?

A framework is a strategic guide that outlines clear goals, structured plans, and collaborative efforts while leaving room for flexibility. This helps organizations remain focused and organized, ensuring that all activities align with their mission.

More importantly, a well-designed framework supports organizations’ ability to quickly adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities, fostering resilience and sustained community engagement.

There are four keys to building flexible programs:

  • Assess community needs and resources
  • Design adaptable program structures
  • Build robust community partnerships
  • Monitor, evaluate, and adapt for improvement

Let’s start with the first key:

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3 Jul, 2024

Ask Nicole: Do We Need a MOU for Our Partnership?

By |2024-07-02T22:13:07-04:00July 3rd, 2024|Categories: Strategic Planning & Sustainability|Tags: , |0 Comments

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As your organization builds partnerships with other organizations, engaging the right partners is crucial to facilitating a process that’s mutually beneficial.

The success of these partnerships hinges not just on the shared vision but also on the clarity and structures.

One of the most effective ways to establish this foundation is through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

An MOU is more than just a formal agreement—it’s a strategic tool that delineates roles, fosters accountability, and enhances communication among partners.

Here are seven reasons why incorporating an MOU into your community partnerships can make a significant difference in ensuring their success and sustainability.

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7 Jun, 2024

Ask Nicole: Reflecting on 8 Years of Full Time Consulting

By |2024-06-07T10:32:31-04:00June 7th, 2024|Categories: Consulting|Tags: , , |0 Comments

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Once upon a time, I wanted to be a professional violinist. Then I wanted to start a nonprofit.

Today, I’m reflecting on the journey of being a consultant, 8 years after leaving my full time job.

Social workers aren’t taught about self-employment or being consultants (at least this was the case during my MSW school years). If we are, it’s usually related to starting and running a therapy practice.

After 8 years, the lessons I learned after my first year as a consultant are still present, and I also feel the same as I did at the five year mark.

During the five-year mark, I wanted better work-life balance. Now, I realize what I really want is work-life alignment.

There’s various definitions of work-life alignment, but what this means to me is my work and my life are in harmony with each other, with my work being positioned to support the life I want.

This has me thinking about not only where I see my business at the 10 year mark, but also at the 20 year mark and beyond.

It makes me think of legacy.

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1 May, 2024

Ask Nicole: What Would It Take for Our Organization to No Longer Exist?

By |2024-05-01T13:30:42-04:00May 1st, 2024|Categories: Strategic Planning & Sustainability|Tags: , , |0 Comments

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In evaluation, we assess a program or service’s impact to understand whether anticipated outcomes were achieved based on the program’s activities and resources, and whether changes in a participants’ behavior, attitude, or actions can be attributed to the program or something else.

But what is impact, and who gets to define this for your work?

In the early years of my social work career, my goal was to be as efficient as possible in helping clients advocate for themselves.

Along the way, I thought about my ideal outcome for my clients: They would no longer be on my caseload.

My clients would know how to advocate for themselves, know exactly where to go and who to call. Their voices would be heard, and actions who be taken to get their ideal outcome. They wouldn’t feel intimidated by medical professionals, and can effectively communicate and collaborate with all of their service providers. They stay on top of their healthcare, and are proactive when things don’t feel right. They would also know that their diagnoses don’t define them, and they can still achieve their dreams in spite of.

Until that day comes, the role of social workers and service organizations like the one I worked for will exist.

Look at your organization’s mission and vision statements.

In order to define your impact, ask yourself:

What would it take for our organization to no longer exist?

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