Tennessee Nonprofit Network

Special Edition: I Was Told There Would Be Snacks

Alright, settle in, everyone. In these special episodes, we’re turning our focus to nonprofit board members to help them, too!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at National Council of Nonprofits for a special new series. We’re getting serious about the ‘new abnormal’ and serving up some practical wisdom to help your board navigate these wild times—because let’s be honest, your board members deserve more than just another binder full of meeting minutes.

Episode 1: Guiding Change with Kotter’s 8 Steps

Ever feel like your nonprofit is a runaway train heading for a cliff, and you’re just holding on for dear life? We get it. Change is hard, especially when you’re trying to get a whole board of directors on the same page. In this first episode of our special series, we’re giving you a guide to navigate those tricky transitions using Kotter’s 8-Step Process. Think of it as a roadmap to get everyone to agree on a direction before you hit the brakes. We’re joined by some of the best minds in the business: Diane Yentel of National Council of Nonprofits, Danielle Dunbar of Alabama Association of Nonprofits, and Sheila Bravo of Delaware Alliance of Nonprofit Advancement. They’ll share how to implement these steps to avoid a full-on derailment and ensure your organization successfully adapts and thrives.
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Episode 2: Board Education in a New Administration

A new administration is on the horizon, and with it comes a sea of political, financial, and cultural shifts. So how do you make sure your board doesn’t get lost at sea? This episode is all about equipping your board members to be well-informed partners in advocacy and strategic decision-making. We’ll share strategies to help your board understand the potential implications of a new administration, so you’re not caught off guard when the legislative winds change. We’re chatting with Diane Yentel of National Council of Nonprofits, Jim White of Nonprofit Association of Oregon, and Nonoko Sato of Minnesota Council of Nonprofits about the tools and knowledge you need to keep your board ahead of the curve and out of the deep end.
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Episode 3: Cultivating Courage – Overcoming Risk Aversion

In a world full of “what-ifs” and “let’s play it safe,” we’re here to tell you that sometimes, playing it safe is the riskiest move of all. This year, don’t let risk aversion hold your organization back from seizing opportunities that could lead to growth and greater impact. We’re tackling this common challenge head-on by offering practical advice to help you encourage courageous decision-making for your organization’s long-term health. Joining us are Anne Hindery of Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, Diane Yentel of National Council of Nonprofits, and Ivan Canada of North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. They’ll share how to push past the fear and embrace bold choices that will propel your mission forward—without jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.
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Episode 4: Building a Nonpartisan Public Policy Agenda

Tired of the political division? We are too. It feels like everyone’s shouting at each other, and your important mission is getting lost in the noise. This episode shows you how to rise above the fray and create a powerful, nonpartisan public policy agenda that can unite your board. Learn how to bridge diverse perspectives and build consensus to ensure your mission’s voice is heard loud and clear in the halls of power, not just a whisper in the wind. Guests Danielle Clore of Kentucky Nonprofit Network and Marne Taylor of Oklahoma Center of Nonprofits will share their secrets to success and provide a blueprint for collective impact, proving that you can actually get things done without picking a side.
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Episode 5: A Call to Action – The Board Member’s Role in Turbulent Times

In our final episode, we’re delivering a direct and inspiring call to action for board members everywhere. It’s no secret that times are turbulent, and while we might feel like we’re just using duct tape to hold everything together, board members play a more vital role than ever. We’ll outline the crucial responsibilities and unique contributions that board members bring during periods of uncertainty, empowering you to lead with purpose and resilience. Tune in to hear from Anne Gingerich of Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofits, Mariane Asad Doyle of Center for Nonprofit Excellence in Virginia, and Jill Bennett of Utah Nonprofit Association as they inspire you to be a force for good—and share tips on how to use that duct tape to build something strong, not just hold together a mess.
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You can also listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

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