The Common Good Hour

Mastering Focus Groups and Interviews with Expert Evaluator Melissa Siegel Barrios - In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of conducting effective focus groups and interviews with Melissa Siegel Barrios of MSB Consulting. As an expert evaluator with extensive experience in violence prevention and collaboration with various organizations, Melissa shares actionable insights on crafting compelling interview questions, creating a welcoming space, and dealing with unexpected dynamics during focus groups. We also explore best practices for analyzing qualitative data to inform strategy and program design. Additionally, Melissa offers valuable advice on building trust within communities, ensuring accessibility, and the importance of genuine representation. 00:00 Introduction & Best Practices for Conducting Focus Groups01:24 Real-Life Examples and Challenges in Focus Groups03:40 Key Recommendations for Quality Interviews08:43 Differences Between Interviews and Focus Groups14:20 Analyzing Qualitative Data: Coding and Themes18:14 Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility in Research24:53 Conclusion and Contact Information--P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I'd greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of The Common Good Data Podcast, we continue our three-part series exploring the “The Storyteller” as leader. Listen in to learn why storytelling isn't just a communications strategy — it's a leadership practice.Every nonprofit and prevention organization is full of powerful stories. But too often, those stories live in hallway conversations, side comments, or moments that never get shared. Great leaders know how to create a culture where stories are noticed, collected, and told well.We'll break down three core practices of a storytelling leader:Listening for stories and finding meaning in everyday momentsBuilding simple systems for gathering themSharing stories with integrity, respect, and carePlus, we'll talk about how stories and data work best together — creating a fuller, more human picture of your impact.If you want to build the storytelling muscle of your organization — not just for marketing, but for learning, trust, and connection — this episode is for you.

Think back to when you were young. Can you remember a moment when an adult truly listened to you, took your opinion seriously, and made you feel like your voice mattered? Many of us don't have those memories—at least, not until much later in life. But for a child who hears, “You are an expert in your own life. Your voice matters,” the impact can be profound. That's exactly what UNICEF's Child-Friendly Cities Initiative is working toward. And just recently, Decatur, GA, became one of the first cities in the U.S. to receive this designation. But what does it actually mean for a city to be ‘child-friendly'? And how do we ensure that youth participation isn't just symbolic, but truly embedded in governance, policy, and community life?Today, we're joined by  Danielle Goldberg, Managing Director of the Community Alliance for Child Rights, and Anne Day, who is the Senior Director of Research, Evaluation, and Research Partnerships at UNICEF USA.Skip Ahead:(01:31) Why children's voices are often missing in governance, and how this impacts policymaking and funding decisions.(7:56) How the “Child-Friendly Cities Initiative” helps local governments adopt child-centered governance strategies.(13:10) How are cities selected.(15:25) How did Decatur, GA achieve Child-Friendly City status, and what unique steps did they take to become more child-friendly?(18:19) What are the challenges in evaluating large-scale, systems-level initiatives like CFCI, and what indicators define success?Connect with Danielle and Anne and learn more about the Child Friendly Cities Initiative.Read the full show notes HERE.P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I'd greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

In the nonprofit and social sector, data is everywhere—whether it's survey responses, attendance records, financial data, or program outcomes. But numbers alone don't drive change.It's how you interpret and apply them that makes the difference.As part of a three-part series, we previously discussed the strategist, and now we're focusing on the analyst—the person who turns data into clear insights that inform decisions. While many people take on this role in an organization, it's not always just the “data person.” Anyone who interacts with data needs to embody the characteristics of an analyst to become a strong, data-driven leader. Skip Ahead: (02:06) Why it is worth analyzing your data well.(03:47) Effective analysis always starts with this.(04:59) How to understand key metrics and trends with a high school math background.(06:38) Methods for those who've taken a statistics course.(07:43) Communicate your findings effectively.(11:18) Balance accuracy with action and avoid ‘analysis paralysis.'P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I'd greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

We often focus on addressing problems after they've occurred in the nonprofit and social sector, but what if we could intervene earlier?After 30 years of research in prevention science, the evidence is clear: many behavioral health issues and related challenges can be prevented.I'm joined by Mitchell Moore, an advanced certified prevention specialist, to discuss the power of early intervention in preventing behavioral health problems—specifically in the context of youth and families.(01:02) Why Mitchell believes funding should shift from reactive solutions like treatment and incarceration to proactive prevention.Skip Ahead:(04:44)  The role of data in helping Prevention Training Services reach out and train so many people.(07:57) What a 9-month community assessment revealed and how it shifted their prevention strategy.(16:45) How media literacy, a key aspect of prevention work, has made him hyper-aware of product placement in movies and commercials.Connect with Mitchell Moore and learn more about Prevention Training Services.Read the full show notes HERE.

Federal funding for nonprofits is in flux. A recent White House memo led to a freeze on funding, only for a federal judge to put it on hold. Meanwhile, key public health datasets disappeared, with some now being reinstated. What does this mean for nonprofits relying on federal support? In this episode, we break down the latest legal battles, agency shifts, and what nonprofits can do to stay ahead.Skip Ahead: (01:15) The funding freeze—where things stand now(02:13) The datasets that were removed (and partially restored)(03:21) What these changes mean for federal grants and contracts(05:10) How nonprofits can advocate and prepare for more uncertainty

Building strong university-community partnerships isn't easy. Power imbalances, competing goals, and trust issues can get in the way, turning good intentions into missed opportunities. So how can nonprofits and universities work together more effectively? In this episode, Roger and I sit down with Toye Watson, Director of Community Impact at UNC Charlotte, to unpack the common challenges and share how to create partnerships that truly work. Skip Ahead: (00:52) Why communities are looking beyond government solutions and what that means for partnerships. (05:10) What UNC Charlotte's urbanCORE is trying to accomplish. (11:23) The reason some collaboration efforts don't work out. (16:37) The first thing nonprofits should do if they want to build university partnerships (24:32)  What's different about a partnership with local nonprofit versus a city government and how you might approach those differently (29:01) How urbanCORE supported the Three Sisters Market, a food collaborative in West Charlotte Connect with Toye Watson and learn more about urbanCORE. Learn more about the Data-Driven Leadership Series (The Strategist, The Analyst, The Storyteller) Read the full show notes HERE.

In the first weeks of the new administration, a series of executive orders have introduced significant policy changes affecting nonprofits. These cover areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender and LGBTQ+ rights, international aid, and immigration. It raises critical questions about compliance, funding stability, and long-term program sustainability. In this episode, Drew breaks down what these changes mean for nonprofit organizations connected to these areas and how they can adapt. Skip Ahead: (01:21) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. (04:03) Gender, sexual orientation, and LGBTQ+ services. (07:59) International aid, environmental initiatives, and immigration. (09:59) What can nonprofits do to adapt. Read the full show notes HERE.

Funders want proof that your programs are efficient and impactful.  But pulling together data to show your impact feels challenging when you don't have the tools, systems, or extra staff to make it happen. Your team is likely piecing together metrics with limited capacity, resulting in reports that fall short and reinforce the cycle of underfunding.  Today's episode is about breaking that cycle.  We'll show you how to make the most of data  to create a roadmap that  communicates your value and drives sustainable growth for your organization.  And we'll also talk about the tools and concepts that we cover in our upcoming online course, The Strategist. Skip Ahead:  (04:26) Culture of data (6:06) Assessing needs (7:59) Impact plan (10:46) Implementation (12:20) Evaluation (14:20) Organizational buy-in Learn more about the upcoming courses at www.commongooddata.com/courses Read the full show notes HERE.

Trauma and resilience are being talked about more in helping professions, yet what's often overlooked is how human service organizations can become more trauma-informed and resilient. Is another trauma training really the answer, or is there something deeper that needs to shift within organizations themselves? I'm joined by Brett Loftis, a human rights attorney and child advocate who has spent his career working with children in the court system, many of whom have experienced severe trauma. In 2018, Brett founded the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities, where he helps organizations across the country embed trauma recovery and community resilience into their systems and practices. If you're in a leadership position or just want to understand more about how trauma shows up in organizations, I learned a lot from Brett's wisdom, and I know you will too. Skip Ahead: (04:08) How Crossnore supports youth facing adversity. (06:52) What Brett believes new professionals need to know to effectively assist vulnerable youth. (11:20) What challenges organizations typically face around becoming trauma-informed. (13:45) Why addressing the personal experiences of helping professionals is essential to show up and do this work over a career. (16:08) What it looks like to measure an organization's readiness for trauma-informed practices. (18:04) The surprises leaders uncover from doing organizational assessments. (27:28) What makes for a good partnership, according to Brett. Connect with Brett and learn more about Crossnore Communities for Children and Center for Trauma Resilient Communities.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a successful data-driven leader? In this episode, we're diving into the three roles every data-driven leader must play and how mastering them can drive your organization forward. Drew explains the three essential roles of a data-driven leader: the strategist, the analyst, and the storyteller. He shares how these roles help leaders make informed decisions, communicate data effectively, and drive strategic initiatives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to break free from the cycle of reactive leadership and start building a sustainable, impact-driven organization. Skip Ahead: (01:47) Why long-term success lies not just in making decisions, but in understanding why you're making them. (The Strategist) (09:23) How to uncover hidden patterns buried in data and turn them into a clear, actionable vision. (The Analyst) (15:57) How the best leaders use stories to shape their vision and inspire their teams. (The Storyteller)

Every day, millions of people in our communities face an impossible situation. They're stuck in a gap—unable to afford health insurance but also not qualifying for federal assistance. It's a harsh reality, leaving many with nowhere to turn when they need care the most. In Cabarrus County, North Carolina, the Community Free Clinic is stepping up to fill that gap. Led by Laura Lyerly, the clinic provides not only vital healthcare services but also a data-driven approach to understanding and meeting client needs. In today's episode, Laura shares how her team supports those who fall through the cracks, tracks their impact with data, and builds meaningful partnerships to amplify their work. Skip Ahead: (00:37) What is a typical patient at the Community Free Clinic and how do the barriers they face reflect larger systemic issues in healthcare. (03:35) What are the less visible challenges—beyond cost—that prevent people from seeking care. (10:14) How does the Community Free Clinic use data to understand the health care needs of their community. (13:24) How does the clinic evaluate its success. (19:28) What successes has Laura found in building partnerships that create a continuum of care across all healthcare services. (21:50) What policy changes would Laura like to see to better support their patients.

In a quiet Irish town in 1985, coal merchant Bill Furlong faces a life-altering choice: maintain the status quo or risk everything to do what's right. This is the heart of Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These, a novella that feels like it was written for anyone who's ever faced an ethical dilemma in their work or life. In this holiday episode, you'll hear the quiet but powerful lessons this story holds for nonprofit leaders like you. Whether you're fighting for funding, advocating for change, or simply trying to show up every day for your community, you've likely felt the tension between doing what's easy and doing what's necessary. Skip Ahead: (02:01) What a coal merchant in 1980s Ireland has to teach us about courage, compassion, and standing up to injustice (04:19) How do the quiet, often overlooked moments in nonprofit and public sector work mirror acts of bravery in Small Things Like These (06:28) What ripple effects could your smallest, most courageous actions have in the year ahead Resources Mentioned: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Housing has become a silent crisis that's reshaping lives across America, with each rising rent bill and rejected application chipping away at people's sense of stability and hope. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Jeffrey Smythe, executive director of the Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI), to explore a different approach to rental assistance. Jeff explains his innovative technology solution that's changing how people access housing support, the critical connection between housing and health, and how nonprofits can build strong partnerships to tackle this challenge. Getting housing right is fundamental to improving health outcomes and supporting community well-being. You'll Hear: (02:35)  How housing instability traps families in cycles of poverty and hardship (05:30) What is unique about housing instability in the Atlanta metro area (08:39) What is ARCHI and how it supports rent, mortgage, and utility relief (13:05) What was the process like for creating ARCHI, and what did it take to build the necessary partnerships across organizations to share data (16:59) How ARCHI tracks whether someone has been served after a referral is made (18:36) What led 18 members to say ‘yes' to joining ARCHI (21:43) How housing instability and homelessness are connected to negative health outcomes (25:20) Some examples in Atlanta where the conversation around housing is integrated into the client-provider relationship, using terms like a “prescription” for housing assistance Connect with Jeff Smythe and learn more about ARCHI.

What if the key to improving educational outcomes was already in front of us, hidden in the data schools collect every day? Attendance records, test scores, and family surveys offer insight into equity gaps, systemic barriers, and opportunities for intervention—but too often, this data isn't used effectively. In this episode, we'll discuss how nonprofit professionals can collaborate with schools to analyze and apply data in ways that close gaps in access and achievement. You'll learn how to identify disparities, interpret data within the community context, and use it to inform programs that directly support students and families. This episode highlights ways nonprofits can use data to advocate for resources, measure impact, and drive equitable education initiatives. You'll hear: (02:30) How achievement data like standardized test scores and graduation rates can help organizations identify trends and support curriculum improvements. (08:57) The importance of using behavior data such as suspensions and discipline referrals to understand and address classroom disruptions and bullying patterns. (15:19) How attendance data—like chronic absenteeism rates and daily attendance records—can be used to develop targeted intervention plans and support student engagement. (20:11) Where to find publicly available school data and how organizations can use it to demonstrate their impact effectively.

Finding accurate, localized demographic data can be a daunting task, especially when working on grant proposals, community assessments, or strategic plans. Publicly available data often falls short—either it's outdated, too broad, or not specific enough to capture the unique characteristics of a particular community. Fortunately, the Social Explorer is a user-friendly platform that transforms complex U.S. Census data into accessible maps, visualizations, and reports for nonprofits, researchers, and community organizations. In this episode, we'll explore how to use the Social Explorer to quickly and effectively access the data you need. You'll hear: (00:47) What is the Social Explorer and what types of census data does it use (03:30) A demonstration on how to access the Social Explorer. (08:26) How to look at community demographics, such as race/ethnicity at the census-tract level (12:34) How to track changes over time, like the percentage of foreign-born residents. (15:15) Three elements that make for a good map Resources Mentioned Visit the Social Explorer Read the blog post - Standards for Collecting Race and Ethnicity Data Are Changing. Are You Prepared? Download the free Data & Evaluation Made Simple Toolkit

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Common Good Data! As we take a break this week to relax and enjoy time with family and friends, we're excited to share one of our favorite interviews from 2024. In this episode, we speak with Sil Ganzó, founder of Our Bridge for Kids in Charlotte, North Carolina, an organization that supports immigrant and refugee families through culturally responsive educational programs. You'll hear Sil talk about the importance of community-centered practices such as organizing focus groups in the languages of the participants, and how the program fosters cultural pride and identity in students. Read the original show notes HERE.

How do you measure the strength of the connections in a community—the trust, relationships, and bonds that hold people together. Social capital plays a powerful role in impacting everything from economic mobility to civic participation. But how do we actually quantify these unseen networks? The Social Capital Atlas can answer that question, mapping out data across U.S. counties and zip codes to show where social capital is strong and where it is lacking. Using sources like Facebook connections, census data, and voting records, the Atlas paints a picture of how connected communities really are. It explores three distinct forms of social capital: economic connectedness, or how people from different income backgrounds interact; cohesiveness, reflecting trust and the strength of local relationships; and civic engagement, which looks at volunteerism and community participation. In this episode, Drew walks you through how to use this tool effectively. You'll hear: (03:19) What social capital actually refers to, including bonding vs. bridging social capital (07:29) Why should nonprofits care about social capital (09:33) What is the Social Capital Atlas and what exactly does it measure (12:08) How to navigate the Social Capital Atlas Download the Data & Evaluation Made Simple Toolkit

Young people are facing an epidemic of loneliness. With screens constantly in their hands and groups of friends around them, students still feel isolated, disconnected, and uncertain. This lack of connection impacts many areas of their lives—from school attendance and graduation rates to risky behaviors that prevent them from reaching their full potential. For 35 years, Right Moves for Youth has been tackling this issue head-on. Through weekly group meetings led by staff, school resource officers, and sometimes community volunteers, Right Moves provides teens with the opportunity to connect, build relationships, and gain the support they need to overcome life's challenges. Ryan Grammatico, from Right Moves for Youth, joins us to talk about how the organization is helping students not only achieve academic success but also become better employees, better citizens, and more prepared for the future ahead. You'll Hear: (05:28) The challenges that youth in schools in Charlotte are facing right now (08:03) What young people are sharing about their experiences with rising mental health challenges and feelings of disconnection (14:06) What makes Right Moves for Youth so different from other after-school programs or youth mentoring programs (22:26) How they demonstrate the impact of their work through measurable results (33:23) A success story of a young girl who, after participating in the program, now works at the organization Connect with Ryan and learn more about Right Moves for Youth. Download the Data & Evaluation Made Simple Toolkit. Read the full show notes HERE.

As Election Day approaches, the importance of voting is at the forefront of many conversations. However, a healthy democracy relies not just on ballots cast, but on active, connected, and informed communities—what we refer to as civic health. Today, we're taking a closer look at the concept of civic health and how data—from voting rates to social trust—can reveal a lot about the strengths and challenges our communities face. We'll also discuss how nonprofits can help promote civic health without stepping into partisan territory. You'll hear: (0:59) What civic health is and the challenges it faces (03:57) National trends in civic engagement (09:07) State-level insights from Georgia and North Carolina (12:51) Five ways nonprofits can strengthen civic health

Every nonprofit has a story to tell, but how they tell it can make all the difference. In an attempt to build a social presence, they may present complex issues too simply or stage moments for quick soundbites. This is where powerful, story-driven video can create a better narrative. Matt Pearl, founder of Pearl Impact Media, has years of experience in journalism. He now helps nonprofits amplify their impact through compelling video storytelling. While storytelling can be complex, Matt shares his simple approach that emphasizes clarity, authenticity, and empathy. You'll Hear: (04:15) Three key components that make a video story truly compelling (11:08) The challenges nonprofits face when trying to embrace video (14:29) An example of a successful nonprofit video campaign (18:45) Matt's advice for nonprofits who are just starting to explore video production (22:51) What emerging trends in video production and digital storytelling nonprofits should pay attention to (26:46) How to weave both data and personal storytelling into video content Connect with Matt and learn more about Pearl Impact Media.

If you work with youth, especially in mental health and substance use, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is an invaluable resource. This survey collects data from students in grades 9–12, revealing key health behaviors and experiences that significantly impact adolescent health. When you understand these trends, you'll get a clearer picture of what young people are facing, which makes it easier to create programs that address their specific needs. In this episode, you'll be guided through a virtual walkthrough of the YRBS website to show you how to navigate the site effectively so you can easily find the data you need most. You'll hear: (02:36) What is the YRBS and why is it so important (06:21) What new data from the 2023 release that professionals in the helping professions space should be aware of (13:09) How to access the reports and explore the YRBSS online Resources mentioned: Check out the YRBSS Download the Evaluation Made Simple Toolkit

The rise in mental health challenges among youth has reached alarming levels. Recent statistics show that 11% of North Carolina children aged 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This marks a significant increase from previous years. The situation is worsened by the pandemic's aftermath and escalating community violence. Both factors have intensified feelings of isolation and insecurity among adolescents. We're joined by Ebony Rao, Senior Health Program Manager for the ReCAST II program at Mecklenburg County Public Health. We discuss how the program is approaching these issues and helping communities build their mental health capacity. You'll Hear: (03:15) What strategies can be implemented to address and prevent community violence (09:22) How rising youth mental health challenges are being addressed post-pandemic (16:30) Why capacity building through initiatives like ReCAST is essential in the workforce, and how ReCAST approaches this issue (35:09) How ReCAST tracks the progress and success of its mental health and violence prevention initiatives through data and community feedback Connect with Ebony Rao and learn more about ReCAST II. Get tickets to This is My Brave: "The Show" CharMeck 2024

Organizations find themselves asking similar questions when it comes to conducting a needs assessment: Where can I find reliable data? How do I know if it's relevant to my community? Is the information up to date? These are important concerns. Accessing meaningful data can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make it applicable to the specific work you're doing. Today, we address these questions by giving you an overview of one key data source: the Kids Count Data Book, which provides state and county-level indicators on child and family well-being. This resource is particularly valuable for organizations focusing on children, youth, and human services. We'll walk through how this data can inform needs assessments and decision-making for programs and policies. And stay tuned—this is just the start. Upcoming conversations will highlight additional data sources to support our assessments and the impact of our work. You'll hear: (01:56) What the Kids Count Data Book is and why it's relevant for nonprofits focusing on child and family services. (03:52) What key trends and indicators in child well-being are highlighted in the 2024 Kids Count Report. (12:19) How to navigate the website and access the data at both the state and county levels. (17:30) What an example of using this data effectively at the state level looks like, featuring the Georgia Family Connection Partnership. Watch the video version of the episode for the visual aids.

Collective impact—a framework where organizations across sectors come together with a shared vision—can play a big role in addressing complex issues like economic mobility. This is especially important in cities like Charlotte, where decades of structural barriers have limited upward mobility for many residents. Collective impact brings together nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies to work toward common goals, using data to measure progress and drive decisions. Today's guest, Khalil Salim, Ph.D., Director of Research and Evaluation at United Way of Greater Charlotte, shares his expertise on how this collaborative approach is being used to address Charlotte's challenges, and his thoughts on Raj Chetty's latest research. You'll Hear: (03:09) What is the United Neighborhoods program and how does it use collective impact (06:01) What makes collective impact different from other collaborative approaches (11:00) How to measure and document success from a shared goal (17:53) The challenges of doing collective impact work (20:45) How to balance broader indicators with community-defined success metrics Connect with Khalil Salim and learn more about his work with the United Neighborhoods program.

When it comes to conducting a needs assessment, one of the most important things you can do is listen to the community you're trying to help. Integrating community voice into your assessment creates programs and services that genuinely reflect what people need and want. Community members have firsthand knowledge about the challenges they face and the resources they lack, which can really shape your understanding of the local landscape. This episode kicks off a series that will give you strategies, tools, and resources needed to create stronger, more thorough assessments. We'll discuss where to find secondary data that can shed light on your community's current landscape and how to collect your own data through surveys, focus groups, and interviews. You'll hear: (01:33) What is a needs assessment? (05:00) How to avoid assumptions and ensure community voice is central to your assessment (07:18) Four key benefits of conducting a needs assessment for nonprofits (11:32) Three steps to conducting an effective needs assessment

Behavioral health issues are closely linked to larger social and environmental factors.  That's why communities need to come together and find sustainable solutions.  For those in human services, mental health, or prevention work, it's easy to focus solely on delivering programs and services.  However, advancing your mission often involves looking beyond these to embrace advocacy, systems change, and environmental strategies. Joining us is Kristin Kidd, co-coordinator of the SAMHSA-funded Southeast Prevention Technology Transfer Center and director of the North Carolina Behavioral Health Equity Initiative.  Kristin has a wealth of experience working with organizations that use community organizing to promote behavioral health equity. We discuss how nonprofits can leverage advocacy and systems change to advance their missions, even within the constraints of nonprofit guidelines.  You'll Hear: (03:17) How community organizing can bring positive changes to behavioral health. (07:52) How Kristin has gotten grantees out of the nonprofit industrial complex mindset. (12:32) What it looks like to have community organizing in the behavioral health space. (16:50) How coalitions and grantees are collecting data from the community to push for policy changes. (23:04) How to go about advocacy in a non-partisan way. (26:44) If Kristin forsees more organizations taking environmental approaches toward behavioral health challenges. Connect with Kristin and learn more about the Southeast PTTC and NCBHEI.

Building a strong data culture in nonprofits and public sector organizations can bring big advantages. When leaders focus on using data, they save time, raise more money, and make better choices for their organizations. Even though it might seem tough to invest in data with limited budgets, the long-term benefits make it worthwhile. By using data to guide their actions, organizations improve how they work and make a bigger impact on the people they serve. In this episode, Drew shares exactly how creating a culture of data can lead to these positive changes. You'll also hear real examples of organizations using data to make smarter choices, improve their programs, and build long-term success. You'll hear: (02:45) How investing in data capacity saves time and allows your organization to focus on its mission. (04:00) The real reason many organizations remain stuck in manual and time-consuming reporting. (05:10) How better data leads to securing that next six-figure grant for your nonprofit. (07:05) The challenge three out of four nonprofit leaders face when evaluating and reporting impact. (09:30) Why data is essential for making better strategic decisions and empowering leaders to think long-term.

A strong and effective board can make a big difference for organizations, especially those that are looking to grow, get to the next level, be more strategic, and ultimately increase their impact. With decades of experience revitalizing alumni boards and developing leadership in nonprofits, our guest, Deb Macfarlan Enright, shares her strategies for engaging board members and cultivating effective leadership that drives meaningful impact. We explore how nonprofits can transform their leadership approach by leveraging the passion and expertise of their members to build stronger communities. Whether you're an executive director, a board member, or a nonprofit leader, this episode will share how to create a dynamic, engaged, and impactful board culture. You'll Hear: (01:45) Three strategies for recruiting excellent board members (06:28) How to attract board members with specific skills like legal, HR, or networking (21:19) What a new board member needs to learn to be effective in their first 90 days (27:11) What approach to take to ensure accountability among board members (29:47) How to measure board members' contributions beyond attendance

For many organizations, the challenge isn't just in collecting or analyzing data—it's in making data a core part of the decision-making process. Leaders often find it difficult to embed a culture where data-driven decisions are not just encouraged but are the norm. Despite having access to valuable data, teams may hesitate to use it due to a lack of confidence, unclear expectations, or insufficient support from leadership. In a previous episode, we explored what defines a strong culture of data, including leadership commitment, data literacy, and governance. But today, we're taking it a step further by discussing the practical strategies you can implement to cultivate this culture within your own organization. You'll hear: (02:25) How you can create rituals around data to make it a regular part of organizational practices (04:40) Why asking questions instead of giving answers encourages data-driven decision-making (08:14) What celebrating data use publicly does to foster a positive and inclusive data culture Resources Mentioned: EP41 Does Your Nonprofit Have a Data Culture? Multipliers by Liz Wiseman

The rise of youth vaping presents a new and significant challenge in the field of substance use prevention. Despite celebrating the decline in cigarette smoking as a public health win, nicotine use has now moved to vapor products and pouches. This issue is closely linked with concerning trends in youth mental health, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Understanding the connection between these two factors and exploring how communities can create supportive environments to address them is crucial for effective prevention efforts. Keri-Lyn Coleman, a national expert in substance use prevention, joins us to discuss how leveraging data collection tools and building collaborative partnerships between schools, universities, and local organizations can improve our efforts. By integrating these approaches into community initiatives, we can create more effective and sustainable solutions to support youth well-being and prevent substance use. You'll Hear: (02:04) The unique challenges that youth vaping presents compared to more traditional substance use prevention efforts. (08:57) The tension between implementing strict school policies, such as zero-tolerance policies, and the need to keep students engaged in school without resorting to punitive measures. (14:28) What challenges organizations are facing with data collection on student vaping, and how they are addressing these issues. (18:36) How in states like California and Colorado, organizations leverage statewide surveys and local data to assess substance use and mental health at various levels. (31:24) Why the future of prevention efforts will require considering the intersection of mental health and substance use. Connect with Keri-Lyn Coleman and learn more about Collaborative Planning Group and Wellscreen.

What is a data culture? When we talk about culture, it's about an environment. It's about practices. It's about habits. It's kind of like the air you breathe—the part of an organization that's sometimes hard to pinpoint but is always there. A data culture means creating an environment where the use of data is a priority in decision-making and is part of everything you do. You gather evidence, collect data, evaluate programs, and use this information to make decisions about management, fundraising, and more. A data culture has several key elements, and we'll cover five of them so you can understand what's important for building an organization that uses data in everything it does. Data should not be an afterthought but a central part of how an organization operates, makes decisions, and evaluates its impact. You'll hear: (03:11) How strong commitment from leadership drives a data culture (05:52) Why data literacy is crucial across your organization (07:10) What it means to make data accessible and usable throughout the organization (08:59) The importance of establishing a framework for effective data management (11:24) How to integrate data into daily decision-making processes

The 28208 zip code in Charlotte, NC, including the Lakeview neighborhood, is one of the city's areas with significant economic challenges. Residents born in this neighborhood have less than a 5% chance of transitioning out of poverty into the middle class. Originally established as a mill village for white workers in the late 1930s, Lakeview became predominantly Black in the late 1960s due to urban renewal and white flight. Today, the community faces ongoing challenges, including issues of trust, gentrification, and a lack of meaningful engagement. Jamaal Kinard and Adrian Sundiata from the Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance (LNA) join us to discuss their efforts to improve the quality of life in the Lakeview neighborhood. You'll Hear: (05:49) The origins of Lakeview as an exclusive park and neighborhood to its transformation and renaming, and how these shifts have impacted the residents' identity and unity. (13:35) Why the Lakeview community has faced significant socio-economic challenges and what short-term and long-term efforts are being taken to address them. (23:50) How the Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance rebuilds trust within the community and creates a solidarity economy. (41:03) How the gift card program has evolved from a pandemic response into a tool for financial education and empowerment, serving nearly 170 residents in 2024. (45:36) Why immediate relief should be balanced with advocating for systemic solutions like universal basic income and housing reform rather than relying solely on nonprofit efforts. Connect with Jamaal Kinard and learn more about Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance.

Strong grant proposals use data to convincingly illustrate the potential impact and effectiveness of proposed programs. Yet, for many grant writers—whether applying for federal, state, or local funding—the evaluation section poses a significant challenge. In the third installment of the Evaluation series, Drew discusses how to write about conducting data analysis when drafting successful grant proposals. This episode is for those writing the evaluation section of grant proposals but aren't necessarily experts when it comes to data and evaluation. You'll hear: (02:22) How to align your data analysis with grantors' expectations and specific requirements. (03:49) How to define clear objectives and goals to effectively measure and demonstrate program impact. (05:44) Five ways to present quantitative data even if you're not an expert in data analysis. (11:18) How to incorporate qualitative data to provide depth and context to your findings. (17:27) Why you should address potential challenges and limitations in your data analysis Check out our recent blog post related to this podcast topic, ⁠The Evaluation Section Part #3: Data Analysis for Grant Proposals⁠.

Many children and young adults facing life-altering conditions, from severe illnesses to disabilities, may experience isolation and hopelessness. Elizabeth Lindsey, co-founder of Dream On 3, joins us this week to discuss their work in bringing hope to these individuals through sports experiences. Dream On 3 connects these individuals with athletes and teams, showing them that their dreams can come true despite their challenges. You'll Hear: (01:28) A description of Dream On 3's signature programs. (08:42) How they measure the success of child and youth experiences. (13:50) Why storytelling has been imperative in connecting with the community and showcasing the impact of their work. (16:37) How they conduct follow-up and maintain a relationship with dream recipients. (21:36) The transformative dreamer experience of a young girl, whose dream of hunting with a professional hunter was realized. Connect with Elizabeth Lindsey and learn more about Dream On 3.

Sometimes it's not about doing something new, it's about doing what you do - even better. This podcast episode focuses on the importance of maintaining an impact mindset as a nonprofit leader. Drew discusses why it's important to avoid the temptation of novelty for novelty's sake and make sure that impact drives the work of nonprofit and public-sector organizations. Drew identifies three traits of impactful nonprofit leaders and shares examples of how these leaders can apply an impact mindset into planning and decision-making. In this episode: Listeners will learn about three traits of highly impactful nonprofit leaders: Impactful leaders know: It's not about them. Impactful leaders have a north star. Impactful leaders align what they're good at with what the community needs. Check out our recent blog post related to this podcast topic, 3 Traits of impactful nonprofit leaders.

Charlotte, NC is an “immigrant gateway” that has one of the fastest growing immigrant communities in the country. Over 30,000 students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools speak a language other than English at home. Immigrant students and their parents encounter all kinds of challenges at school, and immigrant youth often lag behind their peers in a variety of academic and social indicators. To talk about the challenges immigrant families face, we invited Sil Ganzó of ourBRIDGE for Kids to talk about her work in providing services for immigrant and newcomer families to Charlotte, NC. On the episode, she discusses the importance of meeting families where they are, how to truly be community-centered and culturally-responsive, and ultimately how to help immigrant youth feel welcome in a place that can feel very unfamiliar - and at times uninviting - to them. Sil also shares great examples of how ourBRIDGE uses survey and focus group data to gather insights into the immigrant family experience, and how they used empirical data to show how youth and their families enrolled in their programs were able to develop an increased sense of cultural identity and pride. We also discuss the importance of ethical storytelling, building a team for evaluation, and share exciting news about the opening of the new Charlotte is Home Center.

This podcast episode focuses on planning for successful grant writing in prevention, with an emphasis on factors outside the proposal narrative that are critical to success. This podcast was generated following a workshop given by Drew in collaboration with the Southeast PTTC. Though the examples focus specifically on substance use prevention, many elements of this presentation are relevant for grant writing in any field. Download the Prevention Grant Writing Toolkit which provides a step-by-step guide to winning your next 6- or 7- figure federal, state, or local grant. In this episode: Listeners will learn how to: Identify and select grant opportunities that are a strong fit for their organization. Participants will know where to go to find grants and opportunities for their organization. Develop a year-long timeline for grant writing and reports to funders. Describe standard components of a grant proposal. Prepare pre-written materials that can be modified to meet grant requirements. Build a team to write the grant. Identify common frameworks, including SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework, to reference when writing prevention grants. Organize their work to meet grant requirements. Identify community engagement strategies to demonstrate your commitment to the problem and your relationships with existing partners engaging in similar work. Build effective partnership agreements to accomplish grant goals and document these through letters of support or memoranda of understanding.

Roughly 1 in 3 Latino adults do not have access to health insurance in Charlotte, NC - a rate much higher than other cultural groups. Lack of access to health insurance coupled with mental health stigma lead to significant barriers for Latino families in accessing mental health services and programs. As we celebrate May as maternal and mental health awareness month, we've invited Juliana Lozano of Despierta CLT to talk about her work providing culturally responsive mental health services and reducing stigma. We talk about the importance of community partnerships, use of surveys to gather community feedback and how referral processes can help clients get access to care. Juliana also shares two compelling success stories of clients who have been transformed through the work of Despierta. Roger, Juliana, and Drew also reminisce about songs that bring joy.

On March 28, 2024, the US Census Bureau published a news release that they have issued updated standards for maintaining, collecting and presenting race and ethnicity data. Because so many nonprofit and public sector organizations base their collection of race and ethnicity data on US Census standards, these changes will likely have far-reaching effects, particularly for those organizations who receive federal funding to provide programs and services. In this episode, Drew provides a quick summary of the new US Census updates and how you might implement changes in your data collection processes to be consistent with the new standards. You can also read a blog post on this topic on the website. View the podcast and show notes at www.commongooddata.com/podcast Please subscribe, rate and review.

How does your organization use data and storytelling to drive positive narratives and engage stakeholders in the “why” of your mission? We are joined today by Becca O'Neill and Stefanía Arteaga of Carolina Migrant Network who talk about their work protecting immigrant communities through the provision of legal assistance and organizing/advocacy work. This compelling episode will help you better understand the challenges facing undocumented individuals, including the difficulties of obtaining asylum and the ways that enforcement and detention can dehumanize migrant communities. We also discuss how data can drive narratives - both negative and positive - and the importance of storytelling in communicating an organization's mission and values. View the podcast and shownotes at www.commongooddata.com/podcast Please subscribe, rate, and review.

Writing federal grant proposals can be tough - especially when it comes to writing goals, defining outcomes, and showing how you will demonstrate your impact. In this episode, Drew dives into tips and strategies for how to talk about data collection in your federal grant proposals. He talks about performance measures, building a plan for data collection, identifying useful data collection tools, and how to align your data collection procedures across your proposal with a performance measures table. Use tips from this episode to help separate yourself from the field and win that next six- or seven-figure federal grant.

Announcing: The Common Good Data Podcast! In our trailer episode, we share how this podcast - designed for nonprofit and government leaders - will help you use data and evaluation strategies to build effective and sustainable programs in the areas of prevention, mental health, human services, and education. Hosted by the dynamic social work duo - Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe

What brings you joy in your work? How do you find purpose and meaning in your career? This week, we invited award-winning mental health practitioner, speaker, spiritual healer, podcaster, advocate, and author Erica Sandoval to talk meaning, purpose, leadership, and storytelling in social work practice. Erica shares about her experience as President of NASW New York, her career journey in starting Sandoval CoLab, and her book Latinx/e in Social Work. We also talk a lot about the importance of relationships in social work leadership - and not being afraid to take a new courageous step in your career. Keeping with the New York theme, we talk Beastie Boys and A Tribe Called Quest. At the top we listen to U2's “Angel of Harlem” and close out the episode with “It's Tricky” by DMC.

What is the relationship between food and health? Can food be medicine? This week, we invited Matt Pieper from Open Hand Atlanta to talk about food, nutrition, and community health. We discuss research showing the effectiveness of medically-tailored nutrition interventions, we examine the ways social enterprise can support nonprofits and other socially-conscious missions, and we mix it with great music including “TV Dinners” from ZZ Top and “Peaches” from The Presidents of the United States. Check out this great episode!

“How are we going to win what we want to win?” We're joined by Fred Brooks of Georgia State School of Social Work this month to talk community organizing. We discuss foundational principles in organizing, including the value that people most affected by an issue should be the agents of social change. Fred shared some strategies in canvassing and campaigning using examples from the field - both while working with ACORN as well as examples from recent labor organizing efforts involving teachers, child care workers, and more. We also talk social change music from Bruce Springsteen to the great Bob Marley, and conclude with a Pearl Jam cover of Neil Young's “Rockin' in the Free World”. Listen to the full episode with music on Spotify Premium.

What are some of the myths of nonprofit leadership, and what are leadership postures that make for effective leadership? This week, we are joined by Michele Reiner of Storied Awareness to talk about nonprofit leadership with a focus on awareness, vulnerability, and courage. We discuss the myths of nonprofit leaders, why nonprofit leaders are leaving the field and what helps leaders be more effective so they can thrive in their roles. We also talk about the importance of support through coaching and building the relationship between the Executive Director and Board Chair. We start the interview with Alanis Morissette and close out by reliving the memories of The Cure and U2.

What are some of the challenges facing youth with respect to substance use? This week, we are joined by Nilda Delgado and Ricardo Torres of the Alianza Coalition who share about their work in reducing substance use among Latino youth. We talk coalitions, reducing access, communications and messaging, and acculturation stress. At the top of the episode, Roger and Drew also each share their top 5 Latin/Spanish language songs of the 80s/90s to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Learn more about this episode and more at www.commongooddata.com/podcast So that we can play the music of the 80s/90s right in the episode, we are releasing our podcast on Spotify. Get Spotify Premium to listen along with the music mid-episode. Roger and Drew also share their Top 5 Latin songs to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month - listen to them all here on our Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZhE6iaEOLWetdj7OLJ5Ay?si=ff811281ac944ff6

How are you building community collaborations in your organization? Who are the mentors and professionals who have guided you in your practice? We discuss these topics and more with Dr. Deidre Carmichael of the Child Welfare Training Collaborative and Project Director at GSU's Professional Excellence Program. We begin with a conversation on gratitude in professional relationships with Natalie Merchant's Kind and Generous. We then transition to a great conversation on child welfare, trauma/resilience, community collaborations, and professional development. We then relive the memories of great 80s and 90s songs about family, including Stephanie Mills's rendition of Home from the musical The Wiz. This is the first of four episodes during our fall season - stay tuned and subscribe! So that we can play the music of the 80s/90s right in the episode, we are releasing our podcast on Spotify. Get Spotify Premium to listen along with the music mid-episode.

(Interview only) “They have lost faith, and we have lost credibility with them,” shares our guest Men Tchaas Ari of Communities in Schools as we talk about the importance of relationships in supporting student academic, social, and emotional wellbeing in the wake of the pandemic. We discuss educational inequality, achievement gaps, mental health and trauma, and how nonprofits and community organizations can build partnerships with schools to support student wellbeing. Roger and Drew kick off the episode with David Bowie/Queen's Under Pressure and we wrap up with a celebration of Soul to Soul's Keep On Movin'. Shout out to Roger's sister and CIS hero Marianella Echevarria and recent graduates at all grade levels - and enjoy PRIDE month! (Listen to this episode with music on Spotify Premium.)

(Interview Only) Drew & Roger are back! We're launching the Common Good Mixtape where we mix the music of the 80s and 90s with social work and nonprofit practice. We're joined by Edwin Arce Jr. & Patrick Hayes to kick off our segment on mental health to discuss social work practice with veterans. We talk common misconceptions about veterans, the divide between civilians and those in uniform, and how to support veterans experiencing homelessness. We also talk about invisible wounds and the lasting legacy of trauma for veterans returning from overseas conflicts. And we also listen to Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA in light of the challenges of integration into civilian life for veterans. (Listen to the music in-episode on Spotify Premium)