The Batten Group - Executive Search’s Post

Benefits of Board service that come my way? Really? How so? Glad you asked. Mahatma Ghandi reminded us - "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." I've met people from across the world I would not have met had it not been for serving on a Board. I've learned lessons about business from industry icons because I served on a Board. I've strengthened my professional sphere of influence because I served on a Board. And I was humbled in so many ways as I walked alongside those so much more courageous than I will ever be who work tirelessly to end the cycles of generational poverty incarceration addiction homelessness unemployment domestic abuse hunger illiteracy because I served on a Board. At Leadership After Dark, we believe every Board seat is priceless because of the impact you can have on an organization AND ALSO because of the incredible journey ahead of you meeting new people, developing new skills, and doing good in ways you never thought possible. Contact us to find out how we can help you start that journey. https://lnkd.in/eG_f-Vjt Connect and Follow for more pro tips. #godogood #leadershipafterdark #nonprofits #socialimpact #communityleadership #civicleadership #boardofdirectors #boardmember #boardtraining #professionaldevelopment

Do you run a grassroots non-profit in Rhode Island? Are you passionate about making a difference but struggle to effectively market your cause? As nonprofit founders, we often overlook how essential business & marketing strategies are in propelling our mission forward. Newly listed job opportunities in Rhode Island highlight positions in program management, fundraising, community outreach, and advocacy, areas crucial to our work! You're already doing so much to better our world, but pairing it with strategic planning, innovative fundraising efforts, and vibrant community engagement can take your #nonprofit to the next level. Feel inspired by these opportunities & know that these skills are vital and valuable! Let's continue to #GiveHopeDaily by investing in our leadership skills & improving our strategies. When we grow, so do our communities. #NonProfitLeadership #BusinessSolutions #NonprofitMarketing #GrassrootsActivism

As I look back on my two years as President & CEO of United Way of Forsyth County, I’m both proud and energized. We’ve made great strides in addressing the root causes of poverty, fostering partnerships, and creating a more equitable future. But the work is far from done. One of my favorite quotes from Margaret Mead reminds us of the power we hold as a community: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This is exactly what I see happening here in Forsyth County—people coming together to create real, lasting change. Over the past two years, I have witnessed the resilience and determination of this community to lift each other up, to ensure that no one is left behind. From expanding access to early childhood education to providing families with financial tools for long-term stability, we are focused on tackling the systemic barriers that prevent so many from achieving their full potential. We know that creating opportunity for one person lifts the entire community. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Looking forward, our mission remains clear: to bring people and resources together to solve problems that no one organization can address alone. The future of Forsyth County depends on our ability to unite across differences, collaborate with intention, and commit ourselves to the well-being of every neighbor. I invite you to join us—whether through donating, volunteering, or advocating—to help build a stronger, more equitable community. Together, we will change lives and shape the future of Forsyth County. #UnitedWay #ForsythCounty #CommunityImpact #Leadership #Equity #Collaboration #SocialChange United Way of Forsyth County

 Meet Alma, a single mom navigating the challenges of caretaking, underemployment, and living in an unsafe neighborhood. Despite her struggles, Alma's primary concern remains caring for her sick mother and special needs son. Enter the ARISE program, City of Alexandria, Virginia’s guaranteed income pilot, which provides $500 monthly payment for 24 months. Six months into the program, Alma's life has already changed for the better. She can now prioritize essential doctor appointments without financial stress. Alma's journey reflects the transformative impact of support and opportunity. From struggle to stability, fear to safety, her story inspires resilience and gratitude. Through programs like ARISE, communities can uplift families in need and foster lasting change. *The names have been changed to protect the participants' identity. Read more about Alma’s story: https://lnkd.in/eKUGyfJ7 ABOUT THE PROGRAM: ARISE provides a $500 monthly payment to 170 randomly selected participants for 24 months with “no strings attached,” giving participants freedom to choose how to spend the money. #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #nonprofit #nonprofits #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #SocialGood #philanthropy #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria #ARISE

....."the reward of seeing God and knowing Him entirely is worth every step and effort." Dr. Bob Synder is the founder of IHS Global, a nonprofit that, through partnerships, equips Christian healthcare workers who are already caring for the physical needs of their patients to also care for their spiritual needs. #Joy #leadershipdevelopment #rewards #LeadLikeJesus #leadership https://lnkd.in/ek6Y222R

Starting a new nonprofit is a #commitment. Today a #ministry took a critical next step in their #journey to fight addiction's hold on young men. Have a #vision and need help moving forward? We're here to help and today is your day to step forward. #Forming501c3 #nonprofits #starting #newnonprofit #Form1023 #IRS #taxexemption Community Development Professionals, LLC Community Development Professionals

It's all about connection, isn't it? Mahatma Ghandi reminded us - "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." I've met people from across the world I would not have met had it not been for serving on a Board. I've learned lessons about business from industry icons because I served on a Board. I've strengthened my professional sphere of influence because I served on a Board. And I was humbled in so many ways as I walked alongside those so much more courageous than I will ever be who work tirelessly to end the cycles of generational poverty incarceration addiction homelessness unemployment domestic abuse hunger illiteracy because I served on a Board. At Leadership After Dark, we believe every Board seat is priceless because of the impact you can have on an organization AND ALSO because of the incredible journey ahead of you meeting new people, developing new skills, and doing good in ways you never thought possible. Contact us to find out how we can help you start that journey. Connect and Follow for more pro tips. #godogood #leadershipafterdark #nonprofits #socialimpact #communityleadership #civicleadership #boardofdirectors #boardmember #boardtraining #professionaldevelopment

FCS - Focused Community Strategies was lucky. We were lucky because when we were invited to South Atlanta, there was already a deeply woven social fabric in place. A group of interconnected and united leaders, all legacy neighbors, invited FCS to come and collaborate with Historic South Atlanta. They already knew their neighborhood. They loved it. They wanted to speak into its future and they wanted a partner. Were they all on the same page in terms of viewpoints or politics? Not at all. But they were united in their care for one another and their community. They raised their families together. They checked in on each other. They had the kinds of deep relationships and vision for their neighborhood that a program can never create. And they used all of that hard-won and vital connectedness to open doors for FCS. Without people like The Springs, Ms. Walker, Ms. Partridge, The Haygood family, and others, we would have floundered or worse – brought harm and more inequity to Historic South Atlanta. But we were lucky. They made us lucky by being honest with us, sharing their vision, paving the way for us with others, and telling us when we were going off track. I think of this group of leaders when I think of why social connectedness is so important – both for place-based development work and flourishing in general. Every neighbor can be an agent of change. But a group of neighbors united in a common vision is catalytic. Wherever you are in your neighborhood, look for these groups of neighbors with vision. They hold more wisdom and know-how than you can imagine. #legacyneighbors #placemaking #equity #communitydevelopment #communityleader #nonprofit #nonprofits #neighbors #neighborhoods #neighborhoodengagement

It’s easy to forget about the ripples. As  a geographically focused organization, FCS - Focused Community Strategies is laser-focused on just a few neighborhoods and how we can partner with the residents who live in them. I am often hyper-focused on this small geographic footprint, too. That’s why I was shocked when I walked into congressional offices on Hill Day with Purpose Built Communities and realized that our state-level leaders already knew of our work. Senator Ossoff has visited Community Grounds and Carver Market. Senator Warnock knew about FCS’ work. It was amazing. Humbling. This quiet, slow and steady work of reweaving the fabric of neighborhoods does not go unseen. With every step we take, we are making a broader impact. For those of you in this same type of work, I want to remind you of that, too. Your work to see neighbors flourish ripples outward, making a broader impact. And I know it’s not why you do the work, but I want you to know that people notice your efforts, too. None of us is doing this work alone. #placematters #placemaking #nonprofits #nonprofit #communitydevelopment #partnership

Let’s talk about something that might not come up often but is super important: why churches need a strategic plan. Most of my network knows in addition to consulting nonprofits, I am also in Seminary pursuing my doctorate in social transformation. Every day, I see how leaders are trying to make sense of managing an organization, their congregants, and the community. That’s where a strategic plan comes in. Churches are more than just places of worship. They’re community hubs, support systems, and often, a second home for many. They are also nonprofits, and strategy is absolutely critical to leading an impactful nonprofit. Why should churches create a strategic plan? 1.     Vision and Focus: It helps clarify the mission and set priorities, just like any other nonprofit. What do we want to achieve in the next year? Five years? A plan keeps everyone on the same page with their eyes on the same North Star. 2.     Resource Management: The fact is, church resources are often quite limited. A strategic plan ensures that time and money are used effectively. 3.     Community Engagement: Knowing the church’s big goals and how to reach them helps the church connect better with the community. A lot of churches focus so much on their sermons or their theology that they don’t stop to think about how they are presenting themselves to the community. Having a strategy gets everyone on the same page. It opens doors for more meaningful outreach and support. 4.     Adaptability: The world is constantly changing. A strategic plan helps churches adapt and respond proactively to new challenges and opportunities, while also remaining adaptive for changing demographics and new ways of believing and worshipping. 5.     Accountability: With clear goals and milestones, it’s easier to track progress and celebrate wins. It also keeps everyone accountable, from leadership to congregation members. #church #churchleadership #strategicplanning #organizationaldevelopment #spiritualleadership