Open Questions: The Ross Collective Blog
Sharing insights and stories on nonprofit strategy, racial equity and leadership
How one organization worked through valuing access AND participation
We’re at a moment of hard choices with no clear answers.
For strength in our uncertain moment, carve out restorative experiences
We each need to find our restorative spaces so that we can bring energy and compassion for what life is bringing us. You don’t need to put aside a week of vacation to find your restorative space. Your restorative space can be a few hours at the ocean or on a trail in nature. Or singing, painting, gardening, cooking, or whatever your hobby might be. Something that shifts your brain and body away from screens and the news cycle to a more embodied presence in each moment.
For inclusive conversations about race, consider these two courageous tips
We move towards inclusion, belonging and change inside our families, teams and organizations when we choose the path of discomfort and growth.
For Productive Meetings, Name What’s in the Room
When I design any meeting or presentation, a first question is, “What is in the room right now?”
Why participation matters to communications and strategic planning
Sometimes traumatic experiences guide us toward the world we want to build
Cost for a Nonprofit Strategic Planning Consultant: What To Expect
It helps to take the “Three Bears Approach”
The powerful, sweet benefits of strategic planning
Some important benefits of strategic planning - including clarity, alignment and focus
Five guidelines to keep virtual meetings on track, inclusive and engaging
If we’ve learned anything from the past year, it’s resilience!
The Winding Path to Racial Equity
Clarity of vision can give each of us the energy to work towards equity.
Creating strategic priorities for your strategic plan
Now you're ready for strategic priorities, which bring the mission of an organization down to earth. They are the buckets that different parts of your work will fit into.
How to Write Strategic Planning Mission Statement: 3 Powerful Examples to Inspire You
A strategic plan mission statement focuses on the present state of the organization, providing insight so everyone understands what they need to do each day to work towards their collective vision. A mission statement defines the focus of the work that organizational leaders do every day.
Why every meeting should mention race and equity
Going forward, one of the best ways that I can honor and affirm the students, colleagues, and participants in the conversations I lead is to be open, direct, and courageous in talking about race.
Why values matter now more than ever
When we are unable to conduct business as usual, values help us to know who we are as an organization and how we want to move through change.
How much can we plan in moments of intense uncertainty?
Ask these key questions to ask to determine your readiness for strategic planning
For a more compassionate world, we need accountability (Part 5 of 5)
In order to move towards justice, we need to widen our circles of accountability.
In a dangerous moment, take strong action (Part 4 of 5)
Leadership is using our power to move the world towards justice.
Confronting resistance with love (Part 3 of 5)
When you think about resistance, what comes to mind?
The powerful and heart-centered act of noticing (Part 2 of 5)
At its core, noticing is to see and affirm that every person of every race, gender, ability and background deserves to live a life of safety, prosperity, opportunity, and health – and we don’t have that yet.