Jeffery Acheson, CPWA® CFP® CPFA™ AIF®, CEPA® NQPA™ CAPP™’s Post

*NEW BLOG*  Part II ”Stewarding a Giving Relationship: A Spectrum of Possibility co-written by Cultural Organizer Monét Noelle Marshall and Donor Organizer Hilary Pollan. Hilary and I are back with Part II of “Stewarding a Giving Relationship: A Spectrum of Possibility” exploring the Spectrum of Resources in a relationship between Cultural Organizer and a Donor. To explore this spectrum, both people may ask questions like:  How much money will I give/ask for?  How will the money be moved? How will the resource ‘ask” evolve and/or change over time? What other resources can be shared in the giving relationship? Learn more about how we navigate these questions: https://lnkd.in/e_Cbhek9 AND it’s not too late to join us on Tuesday, April 16th from 6:30 - 8PM for our Donor Briefing “An Exploration of Southern Black Organizing” (RSVP at bit.ly/scbo). If you missed Part 1, check it out here: https://lnkd.in/g8jDsZAz

We put end to the great Niche vs Generalist debate... 👉 Having posted about my view on being a generalist here on LinkedIn before, I'm well aware of where most of you fall on this topic. That's why this one is going to shock you... 🎙️Charles Specht, CIC, CDA and I get after it and the result is 🔥. The link to watch and listen is in the first comment of this post. ⬇️

🔍 This week’s gathering spotlight: One of my favorite gatherings of 2023 was leveraging Priya Parker's 15 toasts concept by teaming up with two of my favorite local nonprofits, The Village Institute and Convivir Colorado. Over dinner, each attendee shared a toast in honor of their migrant story. After dinner, MOTUS THEATER's improv troupe ‘played back’ people's stories. The power of storytelling was on full display and I couldn't have been more proud. 💡Lesson learned: The importance of intentional group agreements. When bringing a group together, it's a host's job to ensure psychological safety (especially when they're mostly strangers). At this event, we set agreements of “co-creating a safe and brave space” as well as “stories stay, learnings leave” (ie confidentiality). 💪YOUR TURN: what’s your favorite group agreement? Share in the comments 👇 🔐 Want more gathering goodness delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to unlock a subscriber-only exclusive discount on an exciting offering coming soon (link in comments) 👀🕰️🙌

One of the questions/requests submitted to the ReCenter panel I was a part of was the following: “[I would like to] Learn approaches to have meaningful conversations surrounding structural racism and the impact it has on society” I have some tips from my free guide, 27 Ways to Kickstart Conversations About Race with Kids 0-18, that will help! These tips are for kids 7 years old and older. Younger kids aren’t usually developmentally ready to build a mental model that will accommodate “structural racism”. When there are instances of racial injustice in your environment and/or in the news, use that as an opportunity to call out racism. Use the term ‘racist’ rather of labeling it ‘mean’ or ‘unkind’. Racism is both mean and unkind, but it also more: it is dehumanizing. We can’t fight what we can’t name. Involve your kids in the discussion. Ask what they think about the situation and how they think the parties could move to resolution. Be willing to discuss systemic racism as well as discrete racist events. Don’t shy away from the role that White people may play in the system or the event. If your children are White, empower them by including examples of where White people have fought against racial injustice alongside people of color. (Hint: there are usually racial-justice-seeking Whites involved, even if they weren’t popular or successful. Love of justice knows no borders.) Challenge what you see. What are ways that systemic racism shows up in your neighborhood/schools/job/life? Where do people of color live? Where do they work? Who takes care of children, sanitation and cleaning of hotels and personal homes where you live? Who runs the businesses and local government? Encourage your kids to make or maintain healthy interracial relationships. (I know, I know, we are less and less involved in our kids’ friend-making at this age. But, this is the developmental stage when interracial relationships start to fall away.) Healthy interracial relationships are key for helping children (and adults) to navigate an increasingly diverse world. Those relationships will be the ones where they can have deep conversations that stretch their understanding of racism, equity and justice. Link to the tips: https://lnkd.in/gVt5GwGP Have anything else to add? 

Just finished hosting a community event I founded for honoring community Heroes. For the past 9 years we have honored more than 200 people from a restaurant chef, hotel clerk to pediatrician. So many companies do not have any program or event for honoring those people in businesses in your community that too often go unrecognized. Are you honoring those in your company who work behind the scenes and may be the most important reason your business is successful? How about a special lunch in your office honoring those staff who truly make a difference in your business.

"In a world that often feels disconnected, where superficial exchanges often overshadow the depth and authenticity we crave, it's natural to yearn for genuine connection and community. If you find yourself longing for conversations that go beyond the surface, for relationships that are rooted in sincerity and shared purpose, then perhaps it's time to embark on a journey with Elevate 2 Educate and Hike For A Cause. At E2E, we understand this deep-seated desire for meaningful connection. We believe that through shared experiences, especially those that challenge us and take us out of our comfort zones, we forge the most profound bonds. As we hike together, not just through trails but through the landscapes of our lives, we create a space where vulnerabilities are respected, and every story is valued. Joining E2E is more than just being part of a group; it's about becoming part of a family that supports, listens, and grows together. It's a chance to turn your longing into a fulfilling journey of connection, where every step on the trail brings you closer to others who share your values and dreams. So, if your heart seeks more than just idle chatter, if you're ready for conversations that dive deep and relationships that last, consider joining us at www.HikingFundraiser.com. Let's walk together towards a future where every connection is meaningful, and every conversation is a bridge to a stronger, more supportive community. Together, we'll hike not just for the sake of moving forward, but for the cause of moving closer – to nature, to others, and to our true selves."

#5... too many people accept positions for their own interests and dont fully grasp the role and responsibilities to the organization or cause. I've seen it impact the dynamics and productivity of a Board too many times and it is costly. Costly to the budget. Costly to the mission. Board service is not a game. It is a responsibility.

Good to evaluate what you are being asked to take on.

Do you have a Black Lives Matter sign in front of your house? If you have kids, do your kids know what Black Lives Matter means to you? Your sign offers a great opportunity to talk to your kids about white supremacy.   Do your kids know that the police do not act in a vacuum? Fear, control and violence are part of the construction and maintenance of the structure of white supremacy in America. Our police departments grew directly out of slave patrols. They act as a critical part of the control and violence that upholds unequal and unjust outcomes for communities of color. I’m not anti-police. I’ll be the first one to call 911 in an emergency. And I have once experienced the relief and joy of knowing the police were there to protect me (I barely remember the danger, but I remember the feeling of being protected - it was amazing). I also know that involving the police means that anyone who looks like me is in greater danger. I know that anyone with mental health difficulties, autism, or other developmental deficits, is in greater danger. And I believe it doesn’t have to be this way. I believe if we can talk to each other and our kids about race, we can build better, safer police departments and a better, safer country. I know that talking to your kids about race can be difficult; I’d like to help. I’m offering a developmentally appropriate guide for talking to kids from 0-18 about race. You can get it for free here. https://lnkd.in/gVt5GwGP