We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

Latest Episodes:

629. A Call to Kinship: Reimagining Generosity and Connection (Birgit Smith Burton, Mide Akerewusi and Nneka Allen) Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

This is a conversation our hearts have been waiting for.

It’s a powerful gathering of voices answering a call that feels more timely—and more necessary—than ever: a call to kinship.

In this episode, we sit down with three extraordinary leaders: Birgit Smith Burton, Mide Akerewusi, and Nneka Allen. They bring deep wisdom, lived experience, and a global lens to a heartfelt conversation about what it means to lead with empathy. Together, we explore how we return to one another by centering relationships, rooting our work in love, and embracing our shared humanity.

This isn’t about checking a box or shifting strategy. It’s about reimagining generosity, reclaiming connection, and healing the soul of our sector through kinship that transforms.

Learn:

Why kinship is foundational to healing the sector
How to prioritize relationships over results
What it means to practice mutual care and shared responsibility
How generosity extends beyond money to spiritual and emotional connection
The power of radical love, curiosity, and truth-telling in philanthropy

Episode Highlights

Voices of Experience (05:26)
Radical Kinship in Action (13:40)
The Necessity of Kinship Today (19:39)
Activating Kinship in Everyday Life (28:54)
Radical Kinship and Dialogue (35:56)
The Power of Storytelling (38:19)
Mide, Birgit and Nneka’s One Good Thing (38:41)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/629

Join us at The Spread!

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We Are For Good is joining forces with GB to host in-person hackathon meetups on Friday, Oct. 2, in New York, Seattle, LA, Denver, and Indianapolis, so you can build alongside other nonprofits in the community.

Learn more and save your free spot today.

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Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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628. Multiplication Mindset: How Responsive Fundraisers Build Movements - Jon and Becky Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Fundraising doesn’t have to feel transactional—and it shouldn’t.

This episode comes straight from the virtual stage of the Responsive Nonprofit Summit (RNS)—and it's packed with the kind of mindset shift we all need right now. Jon and Becky explore how moving from an "addition" mindset to a multiplication mindset can unlock transformational change in your fundraising efforts. It's not about doing more—it’s about thinking differently and leading with purpose.

With meaningful stories, real-world examples like Susan G. Komen, and insights rooted in research from leaders like Dr. Vivek Murthy, you’ll uncover how to spark a movement grounded in genuine human connection.

Whether you're a one-person shop or leading a major org, this episode will leave you inspired to stop working for your community and start building with them.

👉 Learn:

Why community is your greatest multiplier
How to move from transactional asks to transformational engagement
Strategies to turn supporters into passionate ambassadors
Lessons from employee giving campaigns that sparked movement
How ethical storytelling and joy fuel lasting connection
Practical ways to build a platform for engagement and influence

Episode Highlights

Introducing the Multiplication Mindset and Redefining Fundraising (01:32)
Community Voices: Sharing Meaningful Connections and Belonging (04:18)
The Susan G. Komen Foundation Movement Strategy (07:14)
4 Strategic Principles for Nonprofit Growth (22:29)
Joy as a Strategic Multiplier (45:31)
Responsive Fundraising Manifesto: Building Movements Through Human Connection (48:12)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/628

Join us at The Spread!

Givebutter's biggest innovation event of the year is here — The Spread, built entirely around co-creating with nonprofits like yours. 💛

Learn more and save your free spot today.

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627. Healing Through Conversation: Building Trust in Polarizing Times - Katie Hyten, Essential Partners Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Meet Katie 🤝, the Co-Executive Director of Essential Partners. She’s helping communities navigate tough conversations and build trust across divides. With a background in international negotiation and conflict resolution from Tufts University’s Fletcher School, Katie brings deep expertise in dialogue, identity, and civic action.

In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to hold space in polarized times—and why dialogue might just be our most powerful tool for healing and change. Katie shares practical tools for listening, building understanding (even across disagreement), and creating space for connection when it feels hardest.

If you’re craving deeper, more human conversations in your life and work—this one’s for you. 💙

Learn 💡

Dialogue isn’t about winning—it’s about understanding
Creating space for real conversation means rethinking how we engage
Listening well can be even more powerful than speaking
You don’t have to agree to make progress together
Small shifts in communication can lead to big breakthroughs

Episode Highlights:

Essential Partners: Building Trust Across Divides (06:41)
Creating Conditions for Authentic Dialogue (09:11)
Real-World Imapct: Stories of Transformation (12:46)
Integrating Dialogue into Culture (16:58)
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Dialogue (19:19)
Navigating Difficult Conversations in Nonprofits (22:56)
Moments of Generosity and Community Support (27:47)
Katie's One Good Thing: The Power of Silence in Conversations (31:04)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/627

Resources Mentioned:

(YouTube) Katie’s Stand Talk

Join us at The Spread!

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Gather At The Well: Human-Centered Offboarding - Lindsey Fuller Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

How do we navigate the hardest moments in leadership, without losing sight of our values?

This week on Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller returns to explore a topic that doesn’t often get the care it deserves: offboarding. Whether it’s layoffs, transitions, or role closures, Lindsey reminds us that how we say goodbye matters just as much as how we welcome someone in.

She invites us into a more human-centered approach—one that acknowledges the weight of these decisions, the grief that can come with them, and the opportunity for real compassion, even in hard moments.

This episode is a brave, honest invitation to lead with heart—even when it’s hard. Because the way we part ways speaks volumes about the kind of culture we’re building. 💛

Affirmations:

"I am enough."
"I choose self compassion."
"I am learning from my mistakes and the mistakes of others."
"This decision does not define me."
"I can take in the past and make the present more healing."

Episode Highlights

Human-Centered Off-Ramps: Key Elements (10:50)
Communication and Transparency in Leadership (20:27)
Whole Person Supports During Transitions (30:02)
The impact of Compassionate Off-Boarding (40:10)

Full Episode Shownotes:

www.weareforgood.com/episode/humancenteredoffboarding

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626. Building a Renewed Narrative with Community (and breaking old story myths!) - Rebecca Bernard, Tim Lampkin, Vivian Borja, Stacy Huston Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful panel conversation about rewriting the narratives that shape our sector. You’ll hear from visionary leaders— Rebecca Bernard, Timothy Lampkin, Vivian Borja and Stacy Huston —as they unpack how we move towards narratives that center community voice, dignity, and truth. Together, they explore how we can challenge stereotypes, spotlight strengths, and co-create stories with the people at the heart of our missions—not just about them. If you care about shifting power, honoring lived experience, and telling more human, honest stories—this convo is for you. 🎧

💡Learn:

How to meaningfully involve communities in storytelling
Tactical strategies for inclusive storytelling
How to identify persistent harmful narratives

Today’s Guests

Rebecca Bernard, Director of Innovation, The Teaching Well
Dr. Tim Lampkin, Founder + Executive Director, Higher Purpose Co
Vivan Borja, Executive Vice President + Chief Marketing Officer at Food For The Poor
Stacy Huston, Executive Director, SixDegrees.Org

Episode Highlights

Rewriting Sector Narratives (3:00)
Breaking Storytelling Myths (13:00)
How to Co-Create Stories with Community (19:00)
Practical Approaches to Narrative Change (26:00)
One Good Thing + Takeaways (29:00)

Full Shownotes Page: www.weareforgood.com/episode/626

Join us at The Spread!

Givebutter's biggest innovation event of the year is here — The Spread, built entirely around co-creating with nonprofits like yours. 💛

Learn more and save your free spot today.

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625. Hold Fast: 8 Takeaways on Finding Resilience + Clarity - Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

What does it look like to hold fast and move forward—at the same time?

In this heart-filled wrap-up of our ImpactUp series, Jon + Becky reflect on eight powerful lessons that emerged from this season’s conversations around resilience, clarity, and building momentum in times of uncertainty.

From grounding ourselves in community to embracing the unknown, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a renewed sense of purpose. We talk about the power of story, the strength in showing up authentically, and how we can all anchor ourselves in values—especially when the world feels wobbly.

This one’s a love letter to nonprofit leaders, social impact folks, and anyone navigating change with heart. 💛

✨ You’ll learn:

Why uncertainty isn’t something to fear—but something to move with
How to build resilience personally + organizationally
Why trust, community, and connection are the real growth strategies
The kind of storytelling that fuels generosity and movement

Come get inspired—and reminded you’re not alone. Let’s keep moving forward, together.✨

Episode Highlights

Embracing Resilience and Grounding (03:03)
Personal Reflections and Insights (06:09)
Key Takeaways from the Series (09:04)
Building Trust and Community (12:12)
The Power of Storytelling (14:52)
Activating Generosity and Belonging (17:48)
Looking Ahead: Movement and Activation (24:00)

Join us July 10 for ImpactUp: Movement! https://www.weareforgood.com/impactup-register

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/625

Join us at The Spread!

Givebutter's biggest innovation event of the year is here — The Spread, built entirely around co-creating with nonprofits like yours. 💛

Learn more and save your free spot today.

Say hi 👋
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Gather At The Well: Understanding and Healing Compassion Fatigue - Lindsey Fuller and Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison (or Dr. J, as many call her) to explore the often unspoken reality of compassion fatigue in human-centered work.

Physical exhaustion? Increased irritability? Social withdrawal? These might be signs of compassion fatigue—and you're not alone. Dr. J connects her personal experience with practical wisdom for creating policies that actually support the humans doing this important work. As she reminds us: "People want to do their best. As a system it's our responsibility to give them all the tools so they can do their best."

You’ll learn:
• How to recognize compassion fatigue before reaching crisis point
• Why policies created without input from those most impacted rarely succeed
• Practical ways to build authentic check-ins into your team culture

Whether you're a teacher, nonprofit leader, or anyone committed to human-centered change, join us for this important conversation. Because naming compassion fatigue is the first step toward healing it. 👊

Affirmations

My worth is not measured by my output.
I lead with compassion, and I extend that same compassion to myself.
I release the need to carry everything alone.
I am allowed to need what I give so freely to others.
Healing is not a destination—it’s a practice. And I am practicing.

Episode Highlights

Understanding Compassion Fatigue (4:31)
Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue (11:45)
The Impact of Compassion Fatigue on Educators (18:46)
Addressing Compassion Fatigue in the Workplace (23:25)
Implementing Support Systems for Educators (27:51)
Success Stories in Addressing Compassion Fatigue (37:03)
Finding Hope and Resilience in Education (43:00)

Resources Mentioned:

Professional quality of life scale
5 Love Languages Book
Professional Authenticity Episode
Dr. J’s Blog
Dr. J’s TEDx Talk
Buy Dr. J’s Book: Addressing Compassion Fatigue in Urban Schools

www.weareforgood.com/episode/understandingandhealingcompassionfatigue

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624. Hold Fast: How ImpactUp Hosts Are Fostering Community IRL - Crystal Clark, Lisa Gareau, Bart Lillie and Keicy Cabrera Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

We’re leaning into the theme Hold Fast—and exploring how community becomes our anchor in the midst of change. 💛

In this heart-filled episode, we’re joined by four of our Impact Up meetup hosts who are building something special in their corners of the world—from Denver to DC, Calgary to Caracas. Together, they’re proving that authentic connection and intentional gatherings can create real, lasting impact.

Through their stories, we explore what it means to lead with love, embrace vulnerability, and foster trust in community spaces. These leaders remind us that gatherings aren’t about numbers—they’re about creating safe, brave spaces where quality conversations can unfold.

You’ll hear from:
Crystal Clark (Washington, DC), on showing up with love, even when the mission is heavy.

Lisa Gareau (Calgary), on designing experiences that invite vulnerability, creativity, and courage.

Bart Lillie (Denver), on how simple acts—like remembering a name—can deepen trust and belonging.

Keicy Cabrera (Caracas), on building global community through WhatsApp and heart-led leadership.

Together, they unpack what it means to hold fast to one another, create intentional gatherings, and fuel a global movement grounded in authenticity and care.

If you’ve ever wondered how real change begins—it starts with community. And this episode is proof. ✨

Episode Highlights

The Power of Authentic Connections (06:28)
Embracing Vulnerability in Community (12:45)
Building Meaningful Relationships (18:09)
Taking Risks and Finding Safety (30:24)
One Good Thing: Reflections and Takeaways (34:10)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/624

Join us at The Spread!

Givebutter's biggest innovation event of the year is here — The Spread, built entirely around co-creating with nonprofits like yours. 💛

Learn more and save your free spot today.

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623. The Art & Science of Convening: Designing Events That Spark Change - Heather Mason May 28, 2025

Show notes

Meet Heather, Founder and CEO of Caspian Agency and Impact Lounge. 🤝

She’s the creative mind behind some of the world’s most powerful gatherings. Since launching Caspian in 2005, she has brought a scientifically grounded, strategic approach to high-impact events for organizations like the Skoll World Forum, Rockefeller Foundation, and Dalio Foundation. With roots in film, marketing, and large-scale conference production, she also created the Caspian 10 Essentials, an event methodology now taught in university programs and used by leading global institutions.

In this episode, Heather shares how intentional design, storytelling, and purpose can transform any gathering into a catalyst for change. Whether you're planning a summit, workshop, or community meetup, she reminds us it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it with heart. 💛

This conversation will shift how you think about convening. 🎧 Tune in and walk away ready to gather with more purpose, clarity, and impact.

💡Learn:

The Caspian 10 Essentials framework in creating impactful gatherings
Understanding the ‘why’ behind events is crucial for success
Events should be designed to foster meaningful connections
Events can serve as a catalyst for social movements
Small, intentional touches can make a big impact
Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential
Mindset shifts can empower individuals to challenge the status quo

Episode Highlights

Designing Events fro Impact (11:59)
Creating Meaningful Connections (24:01)
Creating Intentional Gatherings on a Budget (29:55)
The Role of Events in Social Movements (36:12)
Mindset Shifts: If It's Not Gravity, It Can Be Changed (37:58)
Heather’s One Good Thing: If it’s not gravity, it can be changed. (37:00)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/623

Join us at The Spread!

Givebutter's biggest innovation event of the year is here — The Spread, built entirely around co-creating with nonprofits like yours. 💛

Learn more and save your free spot today.

Say hi 👋
LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

622. Hold Fast: Building Donor Trust in Uncertain Times - Mike Duerksen May 26, 2025

Show notes

Meet Mike, CEO of BuildGood 🤝. He’s here to share a thoughtful, grounded approach to fundraising in uncertain times.

In this episode, we dig into why “Today’s growth comes from today’s donors” isn’t just a clever phrase—it’s a mindset shift. From the game-changing nine-word email to the fundraising flywheel and the power of donor celebration, Mike’s sharing practical strategies that can turn transactional giving into transformational relationships.

Mike shares how to identify multi-year supporters and use donor surveys to uncover major gift potential—reminding us that growth often comes from deepening existing relationships. With 55% of our community citing donor connection as their biggest challenge, his insight couldn’t be more timely.

Tune in for thoughtful insights and practical strategies to deepen donor relationships and fundraise with more intention. 🎧

Episode Highlights

Navigating uncertainty in Nonprofit Leadership (02:23)
The Importance of Donor Retention (03:40)
Strategies for Engaging Existing Donors (05:04)
Identifying and Prioritizing Donor Relationships (09:12)
Effective Communication with Donors (12:25)
Building Consistency in Donor Engagement (19:42)
The Role of Reporting in Fundraising (23:28)
Homework for Fundraisers (26:39)
Mike’s One Good Thing: What is the most human thing you can do right now? (30:00)

Resources Mentioned