Through the Noise

Latest Episodes:

#140 Consumer Technology Association - Dr. Shawn DuBravac, CFA Feb 02, 2016

Show notes

Our latest Nonprofit Problem of the Week: setting up a Member Community. How could a Member Community benefit your organization?Today we have a very timely guest -- Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist of the Consumer Technology Association, the organization responsible for the world's largest technology trade show which just wrapped up in Las Vegas. With over 150,000 attendees and 3500 exhibitors, it's hard not to hear the breathless reports all over mainstream media as people gush about the newest gadgets. Beyond organizing the wildly popular Consumer Electronics Show every January, the Consumer Technology Association is a trade organization working on policy and representing its 2200 members. Don't miss today's episode as we talk technology in 2016.

Dr. Shawn DuBravac is chief economist of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), where he provides crucial economic analysis to association and industry leaders regarding future economic activity and the relative health of the technology industry. DuBravac is the author of CEA's third book Digital Destiny: How the New Age of Data Will Transform the Way We Work, Live, and Communicate (Regnery, 2015), which explores how the world's mass adoption of digital technologies portends the beginning of a new era for humanity in the realms of economics, health, travel and culture.

CEA is the U.S. trade association representing more than 2,000 consumer electronics companies, which owns and produces CES, the world's largest gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.

#139 American Art Therapy Association - Cynthia Woodruff Jan 30, 2016

Show notes

Our latest Nonprofit Problem of the Week involves an association management system that was acquired and installed without proper integration into the association's website, leaving members unable to login and interact with the organization. Don't let your members or donors down with a compromised system, contact Infamia today to ensure your processes are working smoothly. Today's guest is Cynthia Woodroof of the American Art Therapy Association that works to support the young but fast-growing field of art therapy. Engaged in lobbying, outreach, and education, the staff of AATA is dedicated to making art therapy not only known, but also accessible to people around the country who require mental health support. Many people assume that anything involving art -- including the recent trend of adult coloring books -- can be considered art therapy, but in order to qualify, one must work with a therapist who also has a masters in art therapy from one of forty different master's programs around the country. Don't miss this episode if you'd like to learn more about this revolutionary approach to treating mental health.

Cynthia spent first half of her professional journey working for major media networks and decided to give up the corporate world in 2007 to pursue a more personally rewarding career in non-profit. She is currently the Executive Director of the American Art Therapy Association, a 5000 member associations that is the leading voice for art therapy in the US.

For your audience that may not be aware, Art Therapy which is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication commonly practiced in clinical settings with veterans, children, seniors, etc.

#138 International Bottled Water Association - Joseph Doss Jan 18, 2016

Show notes

Today's Nonprofit Problem of the Week addresses CRMs. Are you pleased with the technology you're using to manage your member and donor relationships? Do you have all the functionality you require -- without tons of extraneous options? Call Infamia if you are ready to stop struggling with this essential part of nonprofit management. And our guest is Joseph Doss of the International Bottled Water Association who helps dispel some of the rumors about the bottled water industry. Did you know that most bottled water manufacturers are small businesses? 90% of IBWA's members have revenue under $10 million, and a large number are multi-generational family businesses that have been filling water coolers and stimulating office conversation for decades. The water bottle industry has greatly reduced their impact over the last 15 years while working to shrink their bottles and cut back on waste. If you're a devoted tap water drinker or a lover of bottled water, you won't want to miss the insights in this episode.

Joe Doss is President and CEO of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). He has extensive experience in food and drug issues, government relations, public affairs, association management, and legal matters. Joe has a B.A. in government from The College of William and Mary and a J.D. from George Mason University School of Law, and he is a member of the Bar in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA's membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers.

#137 National Association of State Boards of Education - Kris Amundson Jan 18, 2016

Show notes

Today's nonprofit problem of the week: Wonky mobile apps that inexplicably changed fonts. Have you had issues with your mobile app behaving erratically? Infamia can help... Join us today for a conversation with Kris Admundson, the Executive Director of the National Association of State Boards of Education as we explore some of the new "No Child Left Behind" law and what it means for state boards of education, local community organizations, teachers, and students. Representing the Education Boards of 37 states, the NASB walks a difficult line -- working to emphasize the skills necessary for all students to thrive while respecting the idiosyncratic characteristics of wildly different areas across our diverse country.

Kristen Amundson is executive director of the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE). She is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates (D-Fairfax) and former chair of the Fairfax County School Board.

The National Association of State Boards of Education is the only national organization giving voice and adding value to the nation's state boards of education. A non-profit organization founded in 1958, NASBE works to strengthen state leadership in educational policymaking, promote excellence in the education of all students, advocate equality of access to educational opportunity, and ensure continued citizen support for public education.

#136 Obadal, Filler, MacLeod and Klein - Brett Levanto Jan 15, 2016

Show notes

Levanto of Obadal, Filler, MacLeod and Klein, a law firm specializing in public policy and association management. Many quite small nonprofits don't have the ability to maintain a full-time staff -- or hire one person who can wear every hat -- and that's where association management firms come in. We explore different reasons nonprofits would have a lawyer on staff and how a single issue organization can avoid putting itself out of business. You may recognize this as a regular theme among guests on Through the Noise. What are your thoughts today?

Brett Levanto is vice president of operations of Obadal, Filler, MacLeod and Klein, PLC managing firm and client communications in conjunction with regulatory and legislative policy initiatives. He provides strategic and logistical support for the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Associated Equipment Distributors and the Aviation Technician Education Council.

Obadal, Filler, MacLeod and Klein, Professional Limited Liability Company (PLC) is a boutique law firm that provides legal, legislative and administrative services to individuals, businesses, industry coalitions and trade associations. It has an impressive track record of shaping laws and regulations that impact its clients.

#135 American Physical Therapy Association - Michael Bowers Jan 05, 2016

Show notes

Do you feel the stress of working in an office, huddled over a computer is taking a toll on your body? Or worry about that old running injury that keeps flaring up? Today's guest, Michael Bowers of the American Physical Therapy Association has some ideas for you -- and 95,000 people at his fingertips that can help you address problems of your physical body so that your mind can work freely without worry. He has seen the wonders that physical therapy can offer to people of all ages through the tremendous success the therapy has had with his three year old granddaughter who was born prematurely. First developed to treat wounded warriors during World War I, physical therapy has grown and evolved, and continues to improve dramatically as a non-invasive way to treat people's injuries and maintain health throughout the aging process. After listening to this inspiring episode, you might find yourself calling one of the members of the American Physical Therapy Association. Your body would probably appreciate it.

Bowers, is the recently appointed chief executive officer for the American Physical Therapy Association. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Harding University in Seacry, Arkansas, as well as having prior experience as a therapist in the justice system and as a minister. His most recent experience is that of CEO at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Bowers worked for AAMFT for over 25 years in a variety of leadership positions where he developed expertise in many aspects of association management, including advocacy, governance, volunteer development, financial management, and member relations.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is an individual membership professional organization representing more than 90,000 member physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and students of physical therapy. APTA seeks to improve the health and quality of life of individuals in society by advancing physical therapist practice, education, and research, and by increasing the awareness and understanding of physical therapy's role in the nation's health care system.

#134 Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Jon Pratt Jan 04, 2016

Show notes

Today we take another cultural departure from Washington, DC and chat with Jon Pratt of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. The Council exists to make nonprofits more effective and helps share resources, education, and training among nonoprofits working in Minnesota. This helps their member organizations stay current on trends and technology even while focusing primarily on their core issues. Minnesota as a whole and the nonprofits working there benefit from a unique state tradition -- the Keystone Awards. Find out how charitable organizations are supplementing their fundraising and maybe something you hear in today's episode will trigger a great actionable idea for your organization.

Jon Pratt is the executive director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. He has worked at Minnesota Public Interest Research Group as an attorney and lobbyist, as regional director at the Youth Project, and as director for the Philanthropy Project.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) was founded in 1987 to meet the increasing information needs of nonprofits and to convene nonprofits to address issues facing the sector. It is the largest state association of nonprofits in the U.S. Through MCN, nonprofits join together across interest areas to work on issues of common concern to all.

#133 Counterpart International - Special Part II Dec 24, 2015

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work alongside local communities and businesses in far reaching corners of the world? How to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS across villages in Malawi? Talk about access to justice with indigenous tribes in Timor-Leste? Spread amessage of peace on the ground in Papua New Guinea? Find out from the experts in the second half of our two-part series with leaders from Counterpart International, a development organization that for 50 years has been working in close partnership with people and communities in more than 65 countries around the globe.

In this episode, you'll hear from three of Counterpart's country directors – Bedilu Shegen, Steve Wisman and Carolyn Tanner – who share a bit about their experiences working in some of the world's most challenging places to bring life-changing health and justice programs directly to the doors of those who need them most. Best of all, when you're finished this episode and eager to hear more, take a listen to our recent conversation with Counterpart leaders from Guatemala and the Dominican Republic (episode #132) and with Counterpart President and CEO Joan Parker (episode #84).

#132 Counterpart International - Special Part I Dec 17, 2015

Show notes

This holiday season, we invite you to sit back and enjoy a stimulating two-part series addressing today's leading development issues: from climate change and capacity building to education and health and nutrition. Our conversations will engage experts, working on the ground, from Counterpart International, an international nonprofit that's been working for 50 years – and in more than 65 countries – to help people build better lives and more durable futures.

In our first episode, you'll meet Maria Esther Bucaro, Counterpart's Country Director for Guatemala, and Paul Guggenheim, Country Representative for the Dominican Republic. In their lively conversation, Maria and Paul share insights into some of the challenges facing local communities in the regions where they live and work. Maria explains an innovative strategy for equipping farmers in rural Guatemala to overcome malnutrition and earn sustainable incomes. Paul speaks about efforts in the DR to improve climate resiliency, including a recent national action plan drafted in collaboration with the DR's Climate Council and presented last week at the COP21.

Next up, remember to check back for our follow-up episode with Counterpart's Bedilu Shegen, Steve Wisman and Carolyn Tanner representing Malawi, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste respectively. In the meantime, dive into our archives for our chat in May with Joan Parker, Counterpart's President and CEO (Episode #84).

#131 EPolitics - Colin Delany Dec 09, 2015

Show notes

Have you struggled to make connections to your supporters? Found visitors to your website visit a single page or two before leaving? You won't want to miss today's episode when we talk with online communications consultant and the founder of EPolitics, Colin Delaney. Many nonprofit organizations get buried in the details of their own work that they have limited time to seek out techniques to amplify their work and make sure it gets in front of the right people. If your organization is humming along perfectly and you have as many supporters and money as you need, congratulations! Check out some of our archives and tell us your secrets -- want to be a guest on the show? For everyone else, welcome!

Colin Delany is a twenty-year veteran of internet politics, a digital strategy consultant, the founder/editor of EPolitics.com and a columnist for Campaigns & Elections. Delany is the author of several ebooks, including the digital campaigning guide "How to Use the Internet to Win in 2016" and a definitive overview of Barack Obama's groundbreaking 2008 online campaign for president.

Epolitics.com is an award-winning, multi-author website that analyzes the tools and tactics of online politics and digital advocacy.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected