The Good Works Podcast

Randi and Sara share some of the most fun activities from the Community Foundation office over the past couple of months. Listen and take some ideas for your own office! 

In what has organically become a 3-part series, Randi is back to talk with Sara about getting through hard times. This topic is particularly aimed at nonprofit organizations that are feeling uncertain. And there's still lots to look forward to in the coming weeks! 

"The Sara and Katie Show" kicks off 2025 by talking about a book by Katherine May called Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. As always, at the end they share what they're looking forward to in the new year ahead. 

This episode features Sara and Katie talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka 'SAD') and some of the things we can do to break out of the winter slump. Heading into the holidays, they also talk about what they're most looking forward to before the end of 2024. Happy listening, happy holidays, and happy New Year to all! 

Randi and Sara are back in the basement to record in person and talk about the upcoming election. What will you find on the ballot and how can you participate as an informed voter? Also, we're all looking forward to FLX Gives beginning November 14!

Elaine Smith recently returned from her 3-month sabbatical, which was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation. She joins Randi to talk about how it went and what she's looking forward to now that she's back at work. 

This month, we revisit a back-to-school conversation from 3 years ago. Randi and Sara are enjoying the last of summer vacation, but it's still important to check in on scholarship processes at the Foundation. Happy August! 

In this episode, Randi goes solo to talk about the differences between 501c3, 501c4, and PAC organizations - and how or whether they are allowed to publicly discuss politics. In today's climate, there are very important distinctions to understand. And what can we all look forward to in the coming months?

In this June episode of the Good Works Podcast, Randi and Sara are meeting to talk about meetings; how to run them more effectively, cancel them when necessary, and when the meeting could have been an email. Plus there are lots of fun things to look forward to this summer!

Based on feedback from grantees and supporting foundation research, some changes are coming to the Community Foundation's annual grant cycle. Tune in as Randi and Sara discuss what's new - and what they love - about supporting Southern Finger Lakes nonprofits each year. 

Randi is joined by Karah Sheahan, Office Manager at the Community Foundation, to help put a voice to the name! Karah shares some of her favorite qualities about the work culture and talks about what she's looking forward to in the coming weeks.

In this meta episode of The Good Works Podcast, Randi and Sara update their podcast audience on some of their favorite other podcasts - including "If All Else Fails" by North Country Public Radio and "Up And Vanished" by Tenderfoot TV. 

Randi talks with Sara about the importance of legal immigration into New York State, especially as jobs become more difficult to fill. They discuss the difference between asylum seekers and "illegal" immigrants. And as always, listen to the end to find out what they're looking forward to this month!

Following the Buffalo Bills playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Sara and Randi discuss how sports play a role in community-building. From professional teams to little league and recreation, there are lots of opportunities to connect over athletics. Stay til the end to find out what Sara and Randi are looking forward to in the coming weeks!

Coming out of the Thanksgiving break, Randi and Sara talk about the importance of "Third Spaces" and how to enrich them for yourself and everyone around you. And as always, they share what they're looking forward to as we launch into the holiday season!

This month, Randi and Sara talk all about the Community Foundation's Leadership Advancement Award. This grant provides experienced non-profit executive directors with sabbatical funding to avoid burnout and stagnation through rest, exploration, and personal reflection. You can find out more on the website here: https://communityfund.org/what-we-do/initiatives-and-trainings/.

This month, Randi and Sara talk about places where people feel like they belong or don't belong - and how to create spaces where more people feel comfortable and welcome. As always, they talk about what they're looking forward to as the leaves begin to change and the most colorful season of the year quickly approaches.

How can we impact the community when we're not making grants? That's the question Randi and Sara ask in this month's episode. At the end, they discuss end-of-summer and beginning-of-school-year activities coming right around the corner.

In this episode, Randi and Sara talk about the relationships we build at work and with nearby colleagues. They share some of the people who have made their careers so enjoyable. And as always, we look forward to what they're looking forward to in the coming weeks.

Randi is back from sabbatical, during which she traveled around the region (and the world) and spent an unprecedented amount of time in her attic. She and Sara talk about the 7 types of rest, according to Saundra Dalton-Smith, and what they're looking forward to in the coming weeks.

Katie joins Sara to talk about the upcoming educators trip to Finland. They discuss the selection process, itinerary, and overall goals for taking a group of local teachers to one of the happiest countries in the world. At the end - as always - Katie and Sara talk about summer plans and what they're looking forward to.

Sara is joined by Susan Pawlak from the Career Development Council to talk all about the programs and services they offer. Sara shares how the Community Foundation staff has helped with some of the efforts of the CDC, and Susan and Sara both talk about what they're most looking forward to.

Sara welcomes Jackie Council to kick off this 3-part series featuring individual nonprofit organizations. Jackie shares all about the mission and inspiration behind Altagracia House of Healing. The episode ends with some exciting things to look forward to. 

In this episode, Randi and Sara review a listicle from "Nonprofit AF" with 10 things that a foundation just shouldn't do. These are the things that make nonprofit organizations crazy, and the hosts throw in a few "pickup line" laughs near the end.

Randi and Sara shake off the winter hibernation - or in some cases, embrace it - by sharing their favorite Finger Lakes cold weather activities. (As a reminder, you can always find things to do at FLXCalendar.com.) The podcast ends with a preview of what they're looking forward to, including the 2023 Gratitude Summit in February.

In this episode, Randi breaks down the implications of the 2020 census related to redistricting in New York State. Sara recognizes it's not the most exciting topic on the Good Works Podcast, but it's important for understanding our region (and others) with Election Day around the corner.

It's #InternationalPodcastDay! Randi and Sara are here to talk about their favorite podcasts - right down to the episodes you should download right away. Whether you're into comedy, storytelling, or self improvement, you'll find some great recommendations in this month's Good Works Podcast.

If you had a magic wand that could make anything possible for our community, what would you create? Randi and Sara discuss a few of their own ideas!

It's the 50th episode of the Good Works Podcast! And if that isn't hot enough, the Finger Lakes - like many other parts of the world - are in the middle of a heat wave. Randi and Sara share some fun and affordable ways to cool off and escape the dangerous temps.

In the wake of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, Randi and Sara talk about child care and support for parents in the Southern Finger Lakes.

Two recent shootings have hit close to home in different ways. Randi and Sara talk about the concept of "softening" - rather than hardening - and what that means for our community and schools.

Recorded between Earth Day and Arbor Day, this episode features a variety of ways you can help the environment. Randi and Sara talk about the "Three R's," and how they reduce, reuse, and recycle in their daily lives.

As Russian forces move into Ukraine, many in the United States are wondering how they can help. In this episode, Randi and Sara share information about donating to international organizations and individuals in need around the world.

The 2022 Gratitude Summit is coming next month, and Randi and Sara are here to preview the event and encourage your attendance! Stay tuned for what they're looking forward to in the coming weeks and throughout the New Year.

Fresh off her Covid Booster, Randi pushes through this episode with Sara talking about the importance of celebrating milestones. There are some teasers for the Community Foundation's 50th Anniversary in 2022, and a preview of what to look forward to during the holidays.

It's almost November 1, which means Randi and Sara are already prepping for the holiday season! They offer some truly tangible gift ideas for those who are difficult to shop for. Plus they preview #FLXGives 2021, which is coming up on November 11 and 12 in the Southern Finger Lakes.

In this episode, Randi and Sara talk about a new initiative at the Community Foundation called Diverse FLX Leadership. Hear all about the goals and people involved in this unique venture!

Randi and Sara are joined again by Katie to talk about scholarships and back-to-school activities as we head into another Covid-affected semester.

Randi and Sara spend this episode talking about many of the projects at the Community Foundation that don't get as much attention. With hundreds of funds and an ever-growing list of scholarship opportunities and grants, there's never enough time to cover it all!

Randi and Sara celebrate the launch of Good Works Together, a Facebook group dedicated to sharing stories about people, places, and organizations that are making a difference in the Southern Finger Lakes. Check out and join the group by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/goodworkstogether/.If you find yourself looking for a place to share great stories about the people you know that are doing so much good in our community, to learn more about how you can give back and volunteer, to see what is happening in the area, and to be part of a high energy, optimistic group with big hopes and dreams for the future, you are in the right place! This Facebook group is moderated by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes. As a result, we will be focused on this geographic area.Types of posts we encourage from members: Your hopes and goals for your community involvement Moments of inspiration Questions related to volunteering or giving back What makes you proud to be from our area Types of posts you can expect to see from the Community Foundation: Opportunities to volunteer Upcoming events Tips for feeling more connected to your community Highlights from community organizations and successful community building efforts

Randi and Sara are joined by Katie and two recent scholarship recipients. Hear from Ria and Daniel about their college plans, advice for future scholarship applicants, and why they're grateful for the Community Foundation scholarship funds.

Randi and Sara are back together in person for the first time since March 2020! Recording just one day after the Oscars, they discuss characters and movies that have inspired their work at the Community Foundation.

"I know what you're talking about, but I am very bad at naming plants." Randi and Sara record virtually for the last time since they'll finally be able to meet again in person next month! In this episode, they're focused on different types of "spring cleaning," in friendships, conversations, and life in general. As always, stick around til the end when they share what they're looking forward to in the coming weeks.

Happy New Year! Randi and Sara are joined by their coworker, Katie McConville, who is in charge of the Community Foundation's scholarship program. They talk about changes to the program and encouraged students to apply in the new year. As always, all three share what they're looking forward to in 2021.

This month, Randi and Sara talk about the difficulty of grieving during the holidays - and what we can learn from those who are experiencing grief. As always, they end on a positive note by sharing what they're looking forward to in December.

Randi and Sara are back to talk about Election Day... but don't worry, it's a different take! In this episode, hear about the rules that nonprofits must follow regarding elections and campaigns. And also hear about the other exciting things happening in November when the hosts share what they're looking forward to.

Still recording virtually, Randi and Sara discuss and share their own worries about the world - and urge listeners to share theirs, too.

Randi and Sara talk this month about motherhood and how it affects their work at the Community Foundation and beyond. Listen to the end to find out what the hosts are looking forward to in August!

This month, the podcast is hosted by Nykole Parks and Jackie Council as a way to "share the mic" with black voices from the Southern Finger Lakes. They talk about the history of Juneteenth, ways to celebrate in 2020 (and beyond), and heath care and advocacy for the black community. As always, hear what our hosts are looking forward to in the coming months.

Randi and Sara discuss some major changes to the Community Foundation's "Community Grant Program" cycle - more details can be found on the website at http://www.communityfund.org/community-grants.

Bonus Episode: Listen to the full recordings from all of our community members who submitted their stories, inspirations, and reflections on Covid-19.