Nonprofit Utopia Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Equity in Action Nov 04, 2019

Show notes

Since 1993, Woods Fund Chicago has awarded more than $65 million to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations in the Chicago region. Central to its grant-making approach is a belief that systemic change is the only way to eradicate poverty and structural racism, and that people most affected by poverty and racial inequity should lead and participate in the process of addressing issues that directly affect them. Consistent with that belief, the Woods Fund has been involved in the creation of the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) framework, and has recently spun off the TRHT Chicago. The TRHT is a comprehensive, national and community-based process to “unearth and jettison the deeply held, and often unconscious, beliefs created by racism”. Support for the effort was provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF). We will hear from Michelle Morales, the new President of the Woods Fund, and Jose Rico, the first Director of Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Chicago, as they share their vision for breaking down artificial racial constructs that keep us divided.

Good Food, Good Communities Oct 14, 2019

Show notes

When Shelby Parchman, Founder of InUrban Strategies, LLC, started coaching small businesses for a local entrepreneurship program, he noticed that many of the businesses with whom he worked were also in urban food deserts--communities with limited access to grocery stores and fresh fruits and vegetables. Shelby also noticed that the multi-billion local Good Food industry is expanding rapidly, and Chicago’s neighborhoods are uniquely positioned to capitalize. What would happen if he narrowed his focus to food entrepreneurs serving Chicago’s South and West Sides? Tune in and find out!

DEI On Demand Oct 07, 2019

Show notes

What are some innovative methods that educators and activists are using to learn from activists from around the world, and engage in cross-border information exchanges? Join us as Dr. Nassim Abdi, PhD, CEO and Co-founder of Docademia/StoryBolt, talks about how she uses on-demand short documentaries and live video conferences with filmmaker-activists to take their organization’s commitment to DEI to the next level. She will also talk about the firm’s upcoming award ceremony celebrating documentary filmmakers who give voice to survivors of gun violence and to engage participants in action-based dialogue. Call in live at (347) 884-8121 to join the conversation. You don't need an account to listen. You can also participate in the live chat. Archived episodes may be found at iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

SPEAK! 2019: 24 Hours of Global Action Sep 16, 2019

Show notes

Last year, CIVICUS’ global SPEAK! campaign connected over 200 organizations from nearly 50 countries, allowing them to “speak” to one another across lines of division, reversing the trend of increasing social and political polarization. Some of the results were truly amazing. Urgent peace agreements were signed, old prejudices were confronted and new relationships established. This year promises to be even more impactful. Join us as Nic MacKay, SPEAK! Campaign Consultant at CIVICUS: World Alliance for Civic Participation, talks about SPEAK! 2019 and shares lessons learned from previous campaigns and ways we can get involved with CIVICUS’s work beyond the SPEAK! Campaign 2019. Call in live at (347) 884-8121 to join the conversation. You don't need an account to listen. You can also participate in the live chat. Archived episodes may be found at iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

Using Corporate Shared Value to Drive Sustainable Business Aug 19, 2019

Show notes

Benefit Chicago is mobilizing $100 million in impact investments to finance the growth of impact enterprises throughout Chicagoland to: 1) build wealth in or for communities; 2) create jobs that are accessible to community residents; and 3) enhance job readiness and skills for those seeking to find, maintain, and advance in employment. Join us as Benefit Chicago’s Executive Director, William W. Towns, PhD, discusses Michael Porter’s shared corporate value strategy, a concept that allows companies to create sustainable business models that enhance their competitiveness, while simultaneously doing good in their communities. He will also share case studies highlighting successful social enterprises that have used shared value concepts to drive sustainable business and community impact Call in live at (347) 884-8121 to join the conversation. You don't need an account to listen. You can also participate in the live chat. Archived episodes may be found at iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

The Intersection of Laws and Markets for Social Enterprise Aug 12, 2019

Show notes

We have often heard people complain that government should stay out of business and let the markets run their course. What if, instead, we focused on how the power of government may be harnessed to facilitate business growth and promote equitable community development? Join us as Attorney Marc J. Lane, President of The Law Offices of Marc J. Lane, PLC, shares case studies of how the Cook County Commission on Social Innovation and other government bodies are crafting groundbreaking legislation to create opportunities for for-profit and nonprofit social entrepreneurs. We will also discuss why you should attend the upcoming Social Enterprise Alliance’s Summit 2019 and join SEA. Call in live at (347) 884-8121 to join the conversation. You don't need an account to listen. You can also participate in the live chat. Archived episodes may be found at iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

Rebroadcast: The Healing Power of Improv Jul 22, 2019

Show notes

Have you ever experienced deep conflict or trauma and wished you could re-write a chapter in your life? For your community? For your organization? Improv for Peace helps organizations, communities and professionals actively resolve miscommunication by facilitating guided improvisations workshops to help participants re-script their past and provide opportunities for participatory community reconciliation. Join us as Founder Andrea Hummel Corrella talks about the healing power of improv and the lessons she’s learned on her journey helping organizations and municipalities resolve conflict.

100&Change, Lever for Change Jul 08, 2019

Show notes

Having launched its first 100&Change Competition in 2016, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced the launch of a second round, through which a grant of $100 million will be awarded to help address one of the world’s critical social challenges. Building on the momentum from 100&Change, MacArthur launched Lever for Change, a nonprofit affiliate committed to helping donors put their resources to work to accelerate social change. In so doing, one of the organizations it is partnering with is the Pritzker Traubert Foundation to launch the Chicago Prize to award $10 million to a single initiative on Chicago’s South and/or West Side that uses physical development and revitalization to catalyze economic opportunities and improve the well-being of residents. Cecilia Conrad, MacArthur’s Managing Director of Awards and Fellows Program and CEO of Lever for Change, will discuss lessons learned from the inaugural round of 100&Change and upcoming Lever for Change competitions. She will be joined by Cindy Moelis, President of the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, to discuss the Chicago Prize and how you can assess your organization’s readiness to apply. Call in live at (347) 884-8121 to join the conversation. You don't need an account to listen. You can also participate in the live chat. Archived episodes may be found at iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

The Pitfalls of Partnership...And How to Avoid Them Jul 01, 2019

Show notes

“No man (or organization) is an island”, as they say. We need partners to help us accomplish our goals with maximum impact. However, establishing partnerships are not without risks, landmines and pitfalls. The best partnerships can have rewards that far outweigh the risks, and can be sustained over the long haul, if structured and managed correctly. Join us as Willie C. Cole, Director of STARS Tutoring and Host Valerie F. Leonard talk about best practices and lessons learned as they relate to collaboration on community-based initiatives. They will talk about balancing the interests of the collaborative and its partners; various partnership models and ways to bring about clarity, focus and accountability. Call in live at (347) 884-8121 to join the conversation. You don't need an account to listen. You can also participate in the live chat. Archived episodes may be found at iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

Look Before You Leap! What You Should Know Before Joining That Nonprofit Board Jun 24, 2019

Show notes

You have just been asked to join the board of directors of an organization, and you are weighing the opportunity to share your skills, time, talents and networks. What should you do before you join? Join us as host Valerie F. Leonard, shares an overview of the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards; the questions you should ask before joining any nonprofit board of directors; some of the common issues you might face as a board member, and strategies you might consider using to address them. Call in live at (347) 884-8121 to join the conversation. You don't need an account to listen. You can also participate in the live chat. Archived episodes may be found at iTunes, Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

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