Podcasts about Public administration

Melissa Jun Rowley is an author, journalist, and global communications strategist whose career has taken her across some 75 countries, from the startup ecosystems of Silicon Valley and Beirut to the front lines of climate activism and conflict reporting. She has produced business news for CNN, reported for BBC News, co-founded a humanitarian tech platform with Peter Gabriel called The Toolbox, and most recently served as Director of Communications at the environmental nonprofit REVERB, leading campaigns with artists including Billie Eilish and Dave Matthews Band to mobilize fans around climate action. She is currently pursuing a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard University, and her new book, Beyond the Mic Drop: How Our Stories Shift Culture, Power and Policy, is a call to every person to recognize the storytelling power they already carry.Our conversation moved from the origins of the book to the deeper question of why so many of us, women especially, have quietly surrendered control over our own narratives. Melissa traced that surrender back to childhood, describing how the stories handed to us by families, institutions, and systems can calcify into what feels like fixed fact until we learn to question them. She talked about what her time in Lebanon, Puerto Rico, and across the Middle East taught her about the gap between the story a place is assigned by mainstream media and the stories actually being lived on the ground, and how that gap mirrors what happens to individual people who let others do their narrating for them. Connect with Melissa: Website | Instagram | Substack | Buy the BookIf you're looking to unleash your potential, find your personal, professional, or political fire, and to connect with a community who is doing the same, click here to learn more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

In recent decades, the burgeoning ultra-orthodox demographic in Israel has become increasingly autonomous and aggressively entitled. They have leveraged their political power skilfully - as the “Kingmakers” in successive elections. And their support has been very richly rewarded - particularly by PM Benjamin Netanyahu. He has diverted significant state funds to haredi institutions and programs in return for their coalition support. Four years ago, when negotiating the present coalition government, Netanyahu promised the haredi parties that the government would pass a law granting exempting ultra-orthodox men who studied religion full-time from IDF service. Additionally, the ultra-orthodox were allocated significant increases in financial support for families with a full-time religious student. In fact, haredi families are fully supported financially by the state. And in the last three years of near-constant war - when so many Israelis have given so much - state largesse to the ultra-orthodox has exceeded that allocated to veterans and their families. Day care is just one of many examples. Haredi families receive very generous stipends for day care costs, far more than what is provided to non-haredim. But their refusal to serve in the IDF and share the security burden that is so critical to Israel's survival, well, that is too much. In this episode, we speak with Uri Keidar, who heads Free Israel, an NGO focused on policy that addresses religion and state matters. We discuss a recent hearing at the Supreme Court of Israel in which a non-judge panel heard arguments as to why haredi men who dodge their draft call-ups should be subject to arrest and criminal charges. This issue is tearing at the heart and soul of the country, perhaps more than any other. It is not the external enemies that will destroy Israel. It is the domestic madness.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesI mention this recent STLV article in the podcast that chronicles the last-minute efforts by the ultra-orthodox political parties to ram a law through the Knesset exempting haredi men from serving in the IDF. There are some great clips from committee discussions (with English subtitles) that show you the reality of this issue. It's kind of surreal:Uri Keidar is the Executive Director of Israel Hofsheet, the largest advocacy organization in Israel in the field of religious freedom and Jewish pluralism. Israel Hofsheet works with members of the Knesset, ministers, and government officials to promote liberal policies regarding Religion and State, and it also fosters change through municipal politics and change-maker training. The organization also creates national campaigns that move the needle around public opinion on these ideas. It also promotes Bottom-Up change as it conducts hundreds of Jewish weddings a year without the Chief Rabbinate's involvement, making it the most prominent organization in Israel to do so. Before this role, Uri spent over seven years in leading positions in civil society organizations and politics, both in elected and professional positions. Uri grew up in Kibbutz Givat Brenner, where he now lives with his wife, Ayelet, and their children, Imri, Adam, and Eytan. He also serves as the elected Chair of the Kibbutz's Municipal Committee. Uri earned his BA in political science and communications from Ben Gurion University of the Negev, where he served as the elected Chairperson of the Student Union, and also holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Tel Aviv University. He completed his military service as a tank commander in the IDF's armored corps, where he still serves in active reserve duty.Find Uri Keidar on Social Media:facebook.com/bfreeisraelinstagram.com/israel_hofsheetState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

How do you lead 16 agencies and serve 8.2 million people without losing sight of the individual? NYC's Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Helen Arteaga shows what happens when a leader moves beyond the binary of efficiency vs. compassion, using data and local insights to get both right. In this episode, you'll learn: Why a structured system for serving people from birth through end-of-life means better, consistent care. How to use neighborhood-level data and geographic targeting to serve people before they hit crisis. How to get the right processes in place before feeding data to an AI. The importance of early intervention with babies and children. Why ensuring equal access to good care is so personal for DM Arteaga, and how she honors her father's legacy by doing so. Guest: New York City's Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Helen Arteaga Listener Survey: bit.ly/datasmartpod Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa About Data-Smart City Solutions Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan MailFundraising events are often where nonprofit storytelling faces its highest stakes. The room is full, the energy is high, and there is real pressure to move people toward giving. In this episode, Maria sits down with Jenna Watanabe, Creative Director at The Fundraising Event Company, to talk about what it takes to build events that are moving without becoming extractive.Jenna shares the personal experience that shaped her approach to this work, and the two dig into what happens when consent gets lost in the momentum of a live event, why emotion does not have to mean sadness, and how joy and hope can carry as much weight as hardship. They also talk through practical protections for story owners, from video review to backup plans, and what it means to build a program that centers dignity at every stage.This conversation is a reminder that the most powerful moment on a fundraising stage is not the one that extracts the most emotion. It is the one that honors the person whose story made the room possible.About Jenna Watanabe Jenna Watanabe is the Creative Director at The Fundraising Event Co., where she helps nonprofits create meaningful, inclusive, and successful fundraising events. With a background in fundraising, marketing, project management, writing, and storytelling, she develops event scripts, speeches, video treatments, and marketing materials that bring each organization's mission and impact to life.Connect with Jenna Watanabe The Fundraising Event Company | Instagram About Host Maria BryanMaria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place. Connect with MariaSpeaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email 

James-Christian Blockwood interviews Academy Fellow Dr. Howard Balanoff of the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University and municipal attorney Alan Bojorquez about defining “good government” amid declining public trust and growing conflict at even local meetings. We learn about the value of the "Ten Texas Traits of Good Government": Good Government is Respectful, Responsive, Effective, Transparent, Competent, Ethical, Lawful, Innovative, Fiscally Sound, and Accountable.00:00 Qualified Leaders Matter01:06 Defining Good Government02:31 Ethics and Competence03:44 Trust and Public Cynicism06:46 Ten Texas Traits09:08 Traits Explained14:07 Training Elected Officials15:08 Advice for Newcomers18:44 Personal Commitments21:43 Transparency and EngagementCheck out the 10 Texas Traits here: https://texasmunicipallawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ten-Texas-Traits-of-Good-Gov.pdfManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaks with Hani Almadhoun, Vice President of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA and co-founder of Gaza Soup Kitchen, an initiative that Hani and his family in Gaza started to feed people in Gaza during the Israeli genocide. Hani and Ahmed speak about Hani's family in Gaza and the work of the Gaza Soup Kitchen from its founding until today. They discuss the mission and work of UNRWA and the role that UNRWA USA plays in supporting it. And they talk about accountability, justice, and ways forward.  Hani Almadhoun is the Vice President of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA and co-founder of Gaza Soup Kitchen. Born in the Emirates, Hani's family fled to the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the first Gulf War. It was tough adjusting to the harsh conditions in Gaza during the First Intifada, but his family was made whole again when his dad got a job at an UNRWA school teaching English to refugees. A child of an educator, Hani was raised with the mantra of school being the top priority, and in this pursuit, he eventually found his way to the United States, thanks to a university scholarship from the LDS Church. After earning both his Masters in Public Administration and his BA in International Studies and Latin American studies from Brigham Young University, Hani settled in Washington, DC where he fell into the world of fundraising for various causes that spoke to him, including civil rights and social justice groups for Muslim and Arab Americans and charities that serve the Palestinian people and other marginalized communities in the Middle East. Ahmed Moor is a Palestinian-American writer born in Gaza and a Fellow at FMEP. He is an advisory board member of the US Campaign for Palestinian rights, co-editor of After Zionism (Saqi Books) and is currently writing a book about Palestine. He also currently serves on the board of the Independence Media Foundation. His work has been published in The Guardian, The London Review of Books, The Nation, and elsewhere. He earned a BA at the University of Pennsylvania and an MPP at Harvard University. You can follow Ahmed on Substack at: https://ahmedmoor.substack.com and on X at @AhmedMoor. Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.

China's newly released management measures for the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve are a significant step aimed at protecting the island's rich biodiversity, officials and experts said.有关官员与专家表示，我国新出台的黄岩岛国家级自然保护区管理办法，是保护该岛丰富生物多样性的重要举措。The 16-article management measures for the reserve, which is a newly established protected area in the South China Sea covering 3,523.67 hectares of coral reef ecosystems and rare marine habitats, were jointly issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the China Coast Guard and the People's Government of Hainan Province.该保护区为南海新建保护区域，总面积 3523.67 公顷，涵盖珊瑚礁生态系统与珍稀海洋栖息地。这份共十六条的管理办法于周六由自然资源部、国家林业和草原局、中国海警局、海南省人民政府联合印发。According to the measures, a coordination mechanism has been established to address major issues, strengthen collaboration and share information.办法明确，将建立协调工作机制，统筹处置重大问题、强化部门协同、实现信息互通共享。Huangyan Island, which is part of the Zhongsha Islands, features unique coral reef ecosystems and distinctive geological formations. It is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles, giant clams, triton shells and tiger cowries, making it a marine biodiversity hot spot of significant ecological value.黄岩岛隶属于中沙群岛，拥有独特珊瑚礁生态系统与特色地质地貌，栖息着玳瑁、绿海龟、砗磲、法螺、虎斑宝贝等大量珍稀濒危物种，是具备极高生态价值的海洋生物多样性热点区域。Chen Danhong, director-general of the department of international cooperation at the Ministry of Natural Resources, noted that the measures were issued in response to urgent demands to protect the ecosystem as it faces heightened risks, including an abnormal rise in sea temperatures caused by climate change and extreme weather, human activities and potential outbreaks of harmful organisms.自然资源部国际合作司司长陈丹红表示，受气候变化、极端天气引发海水异常升温、人类活动、有害生物潜在暴发等多重风险冲击，黄岩岛生态保护迫在眉睫，出台本办法正是为回应这一迫切保护需求。"The measures provide an institutional basis for protection management and law enforcement. Their implementation will significantly improve the construction and management of the reserve, and they are of great significance for maintaining the health and stability of the South China Sea marine ecosystem," Chen said.陈丹红称：“该办法为保护区管护、执法工作提供制度依据，落地实施后将大幅提升保护区建设与管理水平，对维护南海海洋生态系统健康稳定具有重要意义。”Under the measures, the Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for boundary surveys, planning review, resource protection and utilization management, asset accounting and registration, as well as the protection of territorial sea baseline points.办法划定各部门职责：自然资源部负责勘界测绘、规划审核、资源保护利用管理、资产核算确权，以及领海基点保护相关工作。The National Forestry and Grassland Administration supervises the reserve and reviews adjustments, planning and construction.国家林业和草原局承担保护区监管职责，负责保护区范围调整、规划建设相关审核工作。The South China Sea bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the designated management institution, handles daily protection, resource monitoring and ecological restoration.自然资源部南海局作为保护区主管管理机构，负责开展日常管护、资源监测与生态修复工作。The Hainan provincial government cooperates with the China Coast Guard on administrative law enforcement, while the local government assists the management institution with disaster prevention, safety management and emergency response measures.海南省人民政府会同中国海警局开展行政执法，地方政府配合管理机构落实防灾、安全管控、应急处置相关工作。The reserve is divided into a core protection zone of 1,242.55 hectares and a general control zone of 2,281.12 hectares.保护区划分为核心保护区与一般控制区，面积分别为 1242.55 公顷、2281.12 公顷。The measures prohibit entry except for activities authorized by laws and regulations or organized by the management institution for protection and management purposes.办法规定，除法律法规许可，或由管理机构组织、以生态管护为目的的活动外，任何单位和个人禁止进入保护区。Fishing, mining, excavating corals, coral reefs and giant clams, and other activities that damage rare marine species and natural ecosystems are prohibited without approval.未经许可，严禁开展捕捞、采矿、采挖珊瑚、珊瑚礁、砗磲等破坏珍稀海洋物种与自然生态系统的活动。The coast guard will establish a routine patrol system in collaboration with the management institution, deploying patrol personnel and equipment to deter and report violations.海警部门将联合管理机构建立常态化巡查巡护机制，布设巡护人员与装备，及时制止、上报各类违法违规行为。Violations will be prosecuted under applicable laws including the Ecological and Environmental Code, the Sea Areas Administration Law, the Island Protection Law, the Wildlife Protection Law, the Coast Guard Law and the regulations on nature reserves.对各类违法行为，将依据《中华人民共和国生态环境法典》《中华人民共和国海域使用管理法》《中华人民共和国海岛保护法》《中华人民共和国野生动物保护法》《中华人民共和国海警法》以及自然保护区相关条例依法追责。Jin Yongming, a distinguished professor at Ocean University of China's School of International Affairs and Public Administration in Shandong province, said the multiagency management model of the Huangyan Island reserve is shaped by its marine environment and geopolitical sensitivity, noting that it involves foreign affairs, politics and security — issues no single department can handle alone.中国海洋大学国际事务与公共管理学院特聘教授金永明表示，黄岩岛特殊海洋环境与地缘敏感性，决定了保护区必须实行多部门协同管理模式，相关工作涉外、涉政、涉安全，无法依靠单一部门独立处置。"The release of these management rules represents a significant step forward in safeguarding China's lawful maritime rights and interests at Huangyan Island," Jin said.金永明指出，这套管理规定的出台，是我国维护黄岩岛合法海洋权益进程中的重要一步。biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/n. 生物多样性ecosystem /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/n. 生态系统maritime /ˈmærɪtaɪm/adj. 海洋的；海事的jurisdiction /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/n. 管辖；管辖权

Data innovation isn't about buying better tools. As Dallas and Cleveland show, it's about how leaders listen, support risk-taking, and work alongside agencies. The result? A culture where innovation thrives, and scales. Host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Brita Andercheck, Chief Data Officer in Dallas, and Liz Crowe, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer in Cleveland, about how they drive transformative change across city governments. From reporting structures to how you listen to agencies to going out into the field yourself, they share the unglamorous work that actually drives transformation. In this episode, you'll learn: How to strike the balance between centralization and decentralization Why a problem-first approach beats technology-first Why data teams should measure their ROI The importance of collaboration and relationships How to create psychological safety so teams "fail smart" Guest: Dr. Brita Andercheck – Chief Data Officer and Director of the Office of Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, city of Dallas Dr. Liz Crowe – Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, city of Cleveland Listener Survey: bit.ly/datasmartpod Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa About Data-Smart City Solutions Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on LinkedIn.

Host James-Christian Blockwood interviews Ambassador Joe Westphal and former senior FBI executive Lauren Anderson about how national security has evolved from the Cold War through 9/11 to today's interconnected threats, including terrorism, geopolitical shifts, and emerging technologies. Both warn that global changes, partner uncertainty, polarization, and reduced information sharing can make the U.S. less safe, alongside a loss of government expertise and strained diplomacy. 01:55 How Security Has Changed03:17 Collaboration And Trust05:11 Today's Threat Landscape09:11 Eroding Trust And Expertise15:09 Rebuilding Trust18:49 Listening And Self Correction21:39 Serving Above Politics23:02 Advice For Next Generation26:16 Checks And BalancesManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Let's analyze Canadian politics news today with Public Administration and Canadian Policy expert, our friend Dr. Lori Turnbull. We discuss US President Trump's tariff attacks and the United States-Canada trade war, Prime Minister Mark Carney's national approval ratings and upcoming by-elections, plus Conservative Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre's inappropriate gleefulness.Tune into Episode 487 of The Bill Kelly Podcast for daily Canada news updates.This US-Canada news update was recorded on July 27, 2026.WATCH THIS EPISODE and subscribe to our YouTube channel

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews   ·       A candid conversation about the Prevent and Protect Program with Mike Conduff ·       And, much more   7 Steps to an Amazing City:   Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness   Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.   Links Mentions During Show:  https://bearingadvisors.net/wellness-done-well/ ·       www.AmazingCities.org ·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast   About Mike Conduff     Mike Conduff is one of the nation's leading experts on leadership, governance, and organizational performance. As President and CEO of The Elim Group, based in Denton, Texas, he has spent decades helping boards, executives, and elected officials build high-performing organizations through better governance and leadership practices. Before founding The Elim Group, Mike served for more than 30 years in local government, including as city manager for four university communities across Kansas and Texas. He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, and has served on the executive board of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). He has also served as Chairman of the International Policy Governance Association and continues to advise organizations around the world on governance excellence. Mike is a multiple-time bestselling author and internationally recognized speaker whose books—including The On Target Board Member: 8 Indisputable Behaviors—have become go-to resources for boards, executives, and community leaders seeking to improve decision-making, accountability, and organizational results. His practical, real-world approach has made him a trusted advisor to corporations, nonprofits, utilities, municipalities, and governing boards across North America. Today, Mike continues to coach leaders, facilitate strategic planning sessions, and help organizations create cultures of trust, clarity, and exceptional performance.   About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the "Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast" … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of "Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too" and his latest book, "The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City"   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources:   Buy Jim's Popular Books: ·       The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments through Entrepreneurial Thinking:   https://www.amazingcities.org/copy-of-the-amazing-city   ·       The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City:   https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   ·       Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: ·       "10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown"  www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: ·       Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: ·       Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: ·       Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development   A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net      

In this special Crossover episode with Governance Matters, James-Christian Blockwood is joined by Raphe Sonenshein, President and CEO of the the Haynes Foundation.We're focused on local government charters as “local constitutions” that can be changed more easily, and impact people more immediately, than the U.S. Constitution.Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Andy Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-Paramedic, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Childhood Preparedness (ICP), where he equips early childhood professionals and child-centered organizations nationwide with practical emergency preparedness training, tools, and resilience strategies. He is also the Founder of Head Start East, a nonprofit organization founded in 2025 to provide high-quality professional development, technical assistance, and events for the early childhood education field. Since 2018, Andy has supported the Region II Head Start Association in advancing preparedness, health, safety, and environmental health initiatives across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. That work will conclude this year after a strong and impactful run. A trusted advisor to leading organizations including Sesame Street in Communities and the U.S. Marine Corps, Andy has delivered training to early childhood professionals in all 50 states and 35 Native American Tribal Nations. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Community and Environmental Health at Old Dominion University. Andy is the author of the award-winning Preparing for the Unexpected book series, developed specifically for early childhood professionals: Preschool Preparedness for an Active Shooter, winner of the 2020 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Award in two categories; Preschool Preparedness for an Emergency; and Recovering and Reopening after a Disaster. With more than twenty years of experience in emergency preparedness across local, regional, state, federal, and nonprofit levels, Andy's previous roles include Senior Director of Emergency Preparedness at Child Care Aware of America, Senior Preparedness Advisor for Super Bowl XLVI, Senior Public Health Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Senior Director of Environmental Health, Pandemic Preparedness, and Catastrophic Response at the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), where he worked closely with the CDC and 3,100 local health departments to strengthen community preparedness for pandemics, disasters, and public health emergencies. Andy began his career in the Chicago area as a firefighter, paramedic, and certified hazardous materials technician. He holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration from Southern Illinois University, a bachelor's degree in Fire Science Management, and is a graduate of Harvard University's Early Education Leadership Program. He is admitted to practice law in Illinois, the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Andy is the proud father of two young daughters and lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his family.

Healing isn't about 'fixing' a survivor or making choices for them; it's about restoring the power of choice that trauma stole. In this episode, host Sharlee Dixon sits down with Erin Williamson, the Chief Programs and Strategy Officer at Love146, a leading organization dedicated to preventing child trafficking and providing holistic care for survivors. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's in Public Administration and over two decades of experience across social services and criminal justice, Erin brings deep expertise to the complex realities of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Her leadership extends nationally through her service on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Advisory Committee on the Sex Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States. Through her work at Love146, she continues to drive innovative survivor care and prevention education programs nationwide. We are thrilled to welcome Erin back to our Clinicians Series, where we take listeners behind the proverbial therapy door to explore the strategies and approaches that truly support mental health. Together, we dive into Love146's mission and trauma-informed clinical work with youth who have experienced trafficking and sexual exploitation. We examine how trust is built, how healing is sustained across complex systems, and how challenges and breakthroughs are navigated. Ultimately, we discuss how insights from the therapy room inform prevention, education, and the vital resources available to parents, clinicians, and communities who want to get involved.   To learn more about Love146, please visit: https://love146.org For additional resources about risk factors and protection, please visit: https://love146.org/resources/ For more information about bringing the Not A Number program to your community, please visit: https://love146.org/notanumber/ If you would like to make a donation to Love146, please visit: https://love146.org/ways-to-give/ Sign up for Parent Tip emails by visiting: https://love146.org/caregivers/ Connect with Love146 on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/love146.org Connect with Love146 on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/love146/ Connect with Love146 on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/love146/ Connect with Love146 on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/love146US

This is a meditation to connect with any parts that are in conflict, especially those held blockages in our energy centers or our chakras. We are taking the time to connect with those parts. When ask them what they need, why they're there and what job they're doing for us, we can uncover what's within. We connect with the love in our hearts as a way to soothe those conflicting parts and receive information about how to heal. The energies around us are helping to uncover the shadows within us all. When we allow these energies to integrate, we come into wholeness. I hope this may support you in some way. ---- Merging the spiritual with the real world, Rachel Horton White helps people release negative patterns in their lives, with practical tools like mindfulness, energy and intuition exercises, to connect with their true, inner selves. Through her work in Soulful Work Intuitive Consulting, Rachel facilitates groups of soul-seekers and spiritual entrepreneurs, has a meditation podcast called The Courageous Path and writes a lot. With a diploma in Integrative Healing Arts from the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts, Rachel is a life coach, hypnotherapist, mindfulness teacher, intuitive reader, tree-hugger and loves to talk to angels. Rachel also has a Bachelor's Degree in English from Wellesley College and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia, yet claims her true education came from studying abroad in Dakar, Senegal. Her recent book is a spiritual toolkit called Tools for the Awakening Soul: A Guide to Activate Your Intuition and Uncover Your Life's Purpose. Rachel lives on a homestead in mid-coast Maine where she and her husband homeschool their two bright, energetic children. You can find Rachel, along with the book, meditations and writing tools, at www.soulfulworkconsulting.com or www.rachelhortonwhite.com. Music by Chris Kemp White (www.chriskempwhite.com).

Good services don't start with the city's org chart or budget lines. They start by understanding the resident's actual journey — and all the hidden time, paperwork, and friction that comes with it. Host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Kim Leary, director of the Good Services Lab at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, about how listening is an active skill, why selection bias shapes who gets heard, and how cities can use AI and resident-centered design to create services that actually work for everyone. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "good services" means residents can find, understand, and use them without insider knowledge How selection bias shapes civic engagement and why mayors must ask "who's not in the room?" How AI can help identify missing constituencies and unnoticed solutions in comparable cities Why organizing around the resident's journey changes service delivery How to measure progress at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint to track what's actually improving Guest: Dr. Kim Leary – clinical psychologist, professor, and director of the Good Services Lab at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University Listener Survey: bit.ly/datasmartpod Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa About Data-Smart City Solutions Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan MailStorytelling in the anti-trafficking space carries a particular weight, where the urgency to communicate impact can pull against the responsibility to protect the very people whose stories are being told. Many nonprofit communicators working in this space are asking how to tell stories that move people to action without exploiting pain or compromising survivor safety.In this conversation, Preston Goff, Vice President of Global Communications at The Exodus Road, helps us explore what that balance looks like in practice. We discuss the organization's red lines around consent, why some of their most powerful stories involve months or years of waiting, and how holding firm boundaries with media partners can actually build deeper trust rather than cost opportunities. Preston shares real examples from this work, including a survivor's story that took shape only after she chose, unprompted, to share it herself.This episode is a grounded and honest look at what it means to communicate urgency without sensationalism, and what nonprofit storytellers can learn from an organization that has chosen protection over exposure, again and again.About Preston GoffAs the Vice President of Global Communications at The Exodus Road, Preston Goff is an expert storyteller in the anti-trafficking space. During his five-year tenure at the organization, The Exodus Road's media efforts have expanded substantially, most recently with the launch of Influenced — a cutting-edge digital safety curriculum for youth and their caregivers. Preston Goff resides in Colorado Springs with his wife and two young children.Connect with Exodus Road and Preston GoffExodus Road Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTubePreston Goff Website | Instagram | Linkedin About Host Maria BryanMaria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place. Connect with MariaSpeaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email 

The topic of this episode is, “Who were the House Appropriations Committee Surveys and Investigations Staff and what did they do?”More than a decade ago, a friend and longtime veteran of Capitol Hill informed me that he had received a contract to work for the House Appropriations Committee Surveys and Investigations staff. I had no idea who these folks were, despite all the years I had spent working for Congress. When I asked him for details, he explained to me that he really couldn't share much about who they were and what he was doing. I thought that was odd, but I didn't cry and I let it go. I remember thinking it was something that I should look into, but I had more pressing research and life responsibilities, and I never conducted that research.As fate would have it, a couple of years ago, I ran into Professor Matthew Dull at an academic conference. He is a tenured professor at the Center for Public Administration & Policy at Virginia Tech University.To my wonder and delight, he informed me that he had written a lengthy paper on the history of the House Appropriations Committee Surveys and Investigation staff. We talked about what he learned about this mysterious corps of congressional staff, and I was riveted. I promised myself that I would not only read that paper but that I'd bring him on the Understanding Congress podcast, and finally, I'm making good on that.So Professor Matthew Dull is with me today to tell what he has learned.Read the full transcript here.Read the archival documents here.

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Vivienne Wagner. The two talk about navigating the journey from side hustle to scaling Houndstooth Media Group, the evolution of digital marketing from SEO to AI-driven search, and the importance of building a values-driven team. In this episode, we discuss: How Vivienne Wagner started Houndstooth Media Group at her dining room table, transforming a personal blog into a full-scale digital marketing agency. What the arrival of AI-driven search (AEO, AIO) means for digital marketing, SEO, and how businesses are found online today. When Vivienne Wagner realized she needed to bring in help and start building a virtual team to handle growing client demand. Why recognizing the value of your skills is crucial for pricing and business growth, plus the importance of having mentors or external voices to help see your worth. How clarity on core values like integrity, kindness, thankfulness, loyalty, and humor helps Houndstooth hire the right people, choose the right clients, and build a strong company culture.   Vivienne Wagner is the founder and CEO of Houndstooth Media Group, a digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists, she helps mid-sized businesses transform their websites into revenue-driving hubs by combining SEO expertise with the latest in AI-driven optimization. Known for her ability to make complex marketing concepts accessible, Vivienne speaks on how businesses can position themselves to be found by both human audiences and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Her agency's approach not only boosts visibility and organic traffic but also reduces dependence on paid ads, giving business owners the freedom to scale more sustainably. Vivienne frequently works with decision-makers who need trusted marketing leadership—either because they don't have in-house expertise or want a sharper second opinion on their current strategy. She offers a structured starting point through her SEO & AI Optimization Audit, which helps companies uncover hidden opportunities, identify weak points, and gain clarity on the steps needed to compete in today's search-driven landscape. Outside of work, Vivienne enjoys life with her husband and extended family of four grown sons. Known for her mix of humor, candor, and genuine care for the people she works with, she brings the same energy into her professional world that she does into her personal one. As a guest, she is direct, insightful, and engaging—ready to share practical strategies for AI-optimized marketing, building strong website foundations, and scaling digital strategies for long-term success. Back-story Vivienne Wagner never set out to start a marketing agency. With a degree in Public Administration, she began her career in city and state legislation, then moved into public affairs—essentially marketing for political movements. After stepping away from that world to be a stay-at-home mom, she found an unexpected new path. In the late 2000s, a friend introduced her to blogging. What started as a personal online journal—funny stories about her four boys, commentary on societal events, and the occasional DIY project—became Vivienne's crash course in the power of search and inbound marketing. A "private rant" she posted about a controversial radio contest unexpectedly drew strangers to her blog, teaching her firsthand how traffic finds content online. From there, she dove into the early "mommy blogging" community, grew an audience, and began monetizing through SEO, social media, and partnerships—long before influencer marketing became mainstream. In 2013, a friend in luxury real estate asked her to ghostwrite blogs and manage social media. Vivienne quickly saw that the brokerage's marketing efforts were missing the mark, pitched a proposal to overhaul their strategy, and spent six months rebuilding their entire department. Word spread, and soon individual agents wanted her help too. By January 2014, what started at her dining room table had grown into Houndstooth Media Group. Today, Houndstooth is a team of 16 specialists serving mid-sized businesses across industries. The agency is known for helping clients build solid digital foundations—prioritizing organic growth, SEO, and quality content before chasing shiny new trends. Vivienne's philosophy is simple: SEO will always matter, even as it evolves, and valuable content will always win, whether it's created by human hands or generated by AI. As a podcast guest, Vivienne brings humor, candor, and clear-eyed expertise. She speaks on the evolution of digital marketing, what AI means for business owners, and how companies can stop "flying blind" and finally feel confident in their marketing strategy. HMG bio Houndstooth Media Group is a boutique digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists across the country, the agency helps mid-sized businesses turn their websites into revenue-driving hubs through SEO, AI-driven optimization, and strategic digital marketing. The majority of Houndstooth's client base comes through referrals and word of mouth, with most partnerships lasting for years. That loyalty stems from the agency's commitment to transparency and education—qualities that set it apart in an industry often clouded by jargon and "smoke and mirrors." Houndstooth eliminates the "flying blind" feeling many business owners experience when working with marketing agencies, instead giving them clarity, confidence, and measurable results. From SEO strategy and AI-optimized content to social media, branding, and revenue development, Houndstooth delivers custom solutions without cookie-cutter tactics. Clients gain not only execution but also a trusted partner who explains the "why" behind the strategy, so leaders can make informed decisions and see the direct impact on their business growth. At its core, Houndstooth Media Group is built for long-term success: results-focused, strategy-driven, and deeply invested in helping businesses grow with confidence. Website: https://houndstoothmediagroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houndstoothmediagroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-wagner/ Vivienne's free webinar on important AIO strategies.  https://houndstooth-media-group.webinargeek.com/aio-webinar-get-your-business-found?cst=her-success-story-podcast    

When two great minds come together, the results will be even greater. This is the case for Antonio Tolson and Dr. Tonya Arnold.  The pair has teamed up to raise awareness about autism and educate others about what the condition is all about, and how it affects families.          Antonio is a native of Washington, DC.  He moved to Charlotte, NC, in 2013, and would eventually marry the love of his life, Tonya.  Together, they share one son, AJ, who was diagnosed with autism in 2019.  "It all started with a lady from the AVA Clinic. She told us that our son has autism, good luck, and then walked out of our home," he says.  Antonio shares that moment left him and his wife speechless, but he realized that he needed to do something about his son's diagnosis.         In response to his son's diagnosis, they launched a nonprofit organization, AJ and The Cool Kids.  Some of the services provided by their organization include Occupational and Speech Therapy to their clients. They also conduct an annual walk at the Caramont Health Center in Gastonia, NC, during the first week of April.  They also conduct an annual gala during the first week of August.  "We try to give other families as much support as possible and let them know that life isn't over just because their child has autism."        Dr. Tonya Arnold is originally from Greensboro, NC.  She attended North Carolina A&T State University and later transferred to Winston-Salem State University. There, she was commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant, serving for a total of 22 years.  She retired in 2015 and moved to Charlotte, which allowed her to be closer to her mother's side of her family, and also experience what it's like to live in a big city.  In Charlotte, she began working on her Masters in Public Administration.  She says, "Since being in Charlotte, when compared to living in Greensboro, and being active in various community service-based organizations, including working with small businesses and being in the military, I've noticed that our nonprofit doesn't get the necessary amount of funding and equity that most other businesses receive. I believe a lot of it is due to what has been coined "the hustle".  What I am trying to do with businesses and nonprofits, for-profits, and community-based organizations, is to make sure that they are legitimate, operationally sound, and are in compliance on the federal, local, and state levels."  Additionally, in her capacity, she initially began working as a consultant from a pro-bono perspective. Dr. Arnold has worked with sororities and with the Ben L. Smith High School Alumni Association in Greensboro. She is also a member of the Cobra Sports Foundation.  "In these roles, I have been able to understand processes," she says.  She also has a media and publishing arm with her brand.  With this, she gives opportunities to others to share their stories, which are relevant to them; their history and struggles told from their perspective.            Amazingly, with all that she has done, Dr. Arnold created a consulting business, Arnold Consulting Group.  She says that Antonio has greatly inspired her.  "Antonio and Tonya have allowed me to work with AJ and The Cool Kids for nearly four years.  He soon shared some visions he had with me.  I listened and asked him if he ever thought about writing a book.  He was open to the idea, and we met a few times to discuss the structure of what the book would be, until the idea became a reality," she says.        The book, A Father's Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, is about Antonio's son, AJ, but it also reaches fathers who have children with different disabilities and disorders.  A soft launch was held in March of this year. During that event, Antonio shared what the vision and intentions are for the book, and he also realized that a workbook should accompany it.              Since publishing his book, Antonio's schedule has become very busy.  He has been interviewed and made appearances on several television stations in Charlotte.  He has been a guest on a podcast and is scheduled for a few others. During the month of July, he will attend an Autism Dad Weekend event in Atlanta, GA.  On August 8th, they will host their annual gala and most significant fundraising event, themed Under The Cherry Moon.  It will be held at Caramont Health Park in Gastonia, NC.  In September, he's been asked to speak at The Autism Strong event, called Field Strong that will take place in Charlotte.          "Things are moving.  I am a person who puts high expectations on myself.  I do not like to do things halfway.  I can't thank Dr. Arnold enough for pushing me to write the book.  I always wanted the book to mean something to me, and not just for the sake of being an author.  I have learned since writing the book that there are a lot of men and fathers who feel like me, but just didn't know how to express themselves," Antonio says.        To purchase a copy of A Father's Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, please contact Antonio directly.  You may also find it on Amazon and Kindle.  To purchase tickets to attend their gala and to learn more about AJ and The Cool Kids, please visit their website.   www.ajandthecoolkids.org   www.huamimagazine.com

Calvin Johnson, Ph.D. is the Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Eastern Washington University, a Master's Degree in Sociology/Research Methods from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland-College Park. Prior to his current role, he served dual roles as the Associate Director of the Office of Research and Evaluation and the Performance Improvement Officer at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, then went on to serve 12 years as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research. Having also worked in research positions at the University of Pennsylvania, The Urban Institute, and with the Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, he serves as a Commissioner on the United States Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys as well as was elected as a Fellow for the National Academy of Public Administration. Calvin calls Houston, Texas home.

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, MSW, MPA, CFRE, nonprofit strategist, IDEA consultant, and AFP Global board member, to explore what it really means to lead change from any role. Jonathan shares how emerging leaders can prepare themselves for change, bring others along with them, and stay grounded when progress feels uncertain. In recognition of Pride Month, the conversation also dives into LGBTQ+ philanthropy and leadership, and what the fundraising sector still needs to do to create genuine belonging and inclusion for LGBTQ+ professionals and donors. Guest: Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, MSW, MPA, CFRE (he/him/él) is a Nonprofit Educator and Accountability Architect who educates professionals on equitable strategies and systems to make change stick! He is Queer Latinx Millennial nonprofit strategist dedicated to addressing equity issues, building capacity, engaging the community, motivating impact leaders, and getting stuff done. He wears many professional hats, including Nonprofit Capacity Building & Community Engagement Strategist, Adjunct Social Work Professor, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Consultant, Leadership Development Trainer, Award-Winning Fundraiser/Resource Mobilizer, Social Sector Coach, Learning and Social Contexts Doctoral Candidate, and Social Justice Champion. He is the Founder & Chief Strategist of Equity Warrior Strategies, LLC, a consulting company that accomplishes social equity, leadership development, and capacity-building goals through coaching, learning, facilitation, and strategic planning. He intentionally partners with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and LGBTQ+ leaders, nonprofit professionals, and board members all over the country to fuel movements that work towards social justice, equity, and human rights. With 15+ years of nonprofit professional experience, Jonathan has experience in fundraising, communications, volunteer management, program management, leadership development, board governance, community engagement, public affairs, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access work. As an award-winning fundraiser and resource mobilizer, he has raised over $14 million through major gifts, corporate relations, events, foundation philanthropy, government grants, and annual giving initiatives. He is an advanced community engagement and communications strategist with experience leading projects and teams implementing social media, digital communications, community outreach, advocacy, donor stewardship, recruitment, public relations, and marketing campaigns for various nonprofit organizations. He has extensive experience managing leadership development programs and advancing diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives.  He is a global trainer and has provided training for hundreds of nonprofit leaders online, at in-person conferences, and through customized workshops. Jonathan is proud to be an AFP Global Board member, and began his service as the youngest board member and only board member to be in the Young Professionals Membership Category. He chaired the Emerging Leaders Committee, served on the Governance Ecosystem Task Force, and served twice on the Membership Dues Task Force. As the only Certified Diversity Professional on the board, he is often sought out for strategy on how to advance IDEA for AFP.  In 2024, he launched a board belonging initiative with the board chair to improve our culture of belonging on the board, tackle oppressive characteristics, and create more equitable governance systems. He formerly served on AFP Global's Governance and IDEA Committees. He has been an active volunteer with the AFP since 2012, when he started as a Communications Intern for the AFP, NY Genesee Valley Chapter. He moved to Albany and became involved with the AFP, NY Hudson-Mohawk Chapter. He served in many leadership roles across programming, communications, and membership, including Chapter President & IDEA Chair from 2019-2020. After moving back to Rochester in 2021, he reengaged with the Genesee Valley Chapter and is now serving on the chapter's board and helping bring together all Upstate New York AFP Chapters for community and collaboration. He has helped launch 6 Identity-Based Affinity Groups and has maintained partnerships with organizations that support Fundraisers of Color. He has also been a member of the AFP New York City Chapter, the AFP Minnesota Chapter, and the AFP Massachusetts Chapter. In 2018, Jonathan was honored by his local chapter with the Outstanding Young Professional Fundraiser award. The following year, he was named one of AFP Global's Outstanding Young Professionals at AFP ICON in San Antonio. Jonathan embraces a growth mindset and has completed advanced education. He earned his Master of Social Work degree with a MACRO Concentration and his Master of Public Administration degree with concentrations in nonprofit management at the University at Albany, SUNY. He earned his bachelor's degree in religion, Linguistics, and Gender Studies from the University of Rochester. He holds two professional certifications: Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential and Certified Diversity Professional (CDP). He currently is pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Learning and Social Contexts at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. He currently resides in Rochester, NY with his husband, dog, and two cats (all tuxedo animals). He loves spending quality time with his friends and family, traveling and taking adventures, volunteering, cooking, and listening to music and audiobooks. Hosts:  Jarrod Williams, MBLI, CFRE, is a courageous, strategic, and results-oriented fundraising leader with over a decade of experience driving revenue growth, donor engagement, and organizational visibility. He is committed to building cultures of philanthropy within mission-driven organizations and brings a proven track record across major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, event strategy, and data-informed decision-making within both social justice and arts organizations. He serves as a Client Experience Leader for Veritus Group, where he educates and coaches fundraisers across the country on innovative mid-level and major gift strategies. In this role, he partners with organizations nationwide to strengthen donor pipelines, elevate fundraising performance, and build sustainable revenue models. Jarrod has been recognized for his leadership and influence and remains actively engaged in advancing the fundraising profession. He serves on the AFP Global Emerging Leaders Committee and the AFP LEAD Education Committee, supporting the development of the next generation of fundraising professionals. In 2020, he was named a Top 30 Under 30 Young Professional by 101.1 The Wiz in Cincinnati. He is also a graduate of the Urban Leaders Institute through the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, where he earned the Best-in-Class Award for Best Connector—recognizing his ability to build meaningful relationships and mobilize others around a shared vision. He is a proud Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a graduate of the AFP Global Faculty Training Academy. Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP, Founder & CEO, AQP Consulting & Executive Director, ENP: Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has fourteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has collectively raised approximately $5 million for over 75 organizations. She serves as Executive Director of ENP and runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting, where she helps grassroots nonprofits with fundraising strategy, strategic planning, board development, and grant writing.  Allison is a vocal advocate for gender parity, closing the wage gap, and ending the motherhood penalty. With accolades such as AFP's Outstanding Young Fundraising Professional, NBJ's 40 Under 40, NBJ's Women of Influence, a National Latino Leader, and the Women Who Rock Nashville Social Justice Award, Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier strives to serve and better her community every day. A dedicated AFP member for the last seven years, Allison currently chairs the Women's Impact Initiative (WII) Mentorship Program and serves on the LEAD Education Advisory Committee. When she is not out serving her community, she is spending time with her three kids, Quintan, Karina, and Kamren.

rWotD Episode 3332: Zbigniew Gryglas Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Thursday, 18 June 2026, is Zbigniew Gryglas.Zbigniew Gryglas is a Polish entrepreneur, manager, politician, civil servant and philanthropist. Graduated from Olsztyn University, National School of Public Administration and Warsaw School of Economics. He served many years in Ministry of the State Assets supervising state owned companies from energy sector. He is a former member of the Sejm, and formerly the vice president of the Agreement political party. In the years 2019-2021 Deputy Minister of the State Assets and the plenipotentiary of the Offshore Wind Energy. From 2021 the supervisory board member of the biggest Polish energy group (PGE).From 2015 to 2017 he was a member of Modern, however in 2017 he left the party citing worldview differences. In February 2021 he was permanently removed from the Agreement party.He is married and has 3 sons.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:15 UTC on Thursday, 18 June 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Zbigniew Gryglas on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Salli.

Hello and welcome to That's So Auburn! I'm Nancy Backus, Mayor of the City of Auburn, and today's episode is about government relations, which, I know, may sound like a very official title. But really, it's about relationships and advocacy, problem-solving, and making sure Auburn's voice is heard in the rooms where decisions are being made. Today I'm joined by Megan Utemei, the City of Auburn's Government Relations Policy Advisor. Megan works closely with me, our City Council, city leadership, regional partners, state legislators, federal offices and community organizations to help advance Auburn's priorities. Megan began at the City just over two months ago and she stepped into a brand new role at our city. And it couldn't have come at a better time, because the work she does matters. Whether we're talking about transportation, public safety, housing, infrastructure, economic development, or funding for major city projects, Megan's role is to help connect Auburn's needs with the people and resources that can help move them forward. Megan brings 10 years of experience working on federal and regional issues. A major part of her career was spent working with U.S. Senator Patty Murray's office in both Washington, D.C. and Seattle, where she helped secure federal funding and support for local elected officials, community-based organizations and stakeholders across King County. She has also worked on immigration issues as a congressional liaison to the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. Megan earned her Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington, focusing on policy implementation at the federal, state and local levels through leadership. And outside of work, Megan was born and raised on the islands of Guam and Palau, and enjoys karaoke, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Host James-Christian Blockwood discusses government performance and HR systems with Gabe Menchaca of the Niskanen Center and Academy Fellow and Government HR expert Steve Krauss. Menchaca summarizes a Niskanen-Academy study describing wide variation in state civil service models, limited scholarship on state HR, and mixed early results from skills-based hiring due to assessment and measurement bottlenecks and inconsistent time-to-hire metrics. Kraussand Menchaca distinguish nonpartisan hiring from competition-based merit and argue modern merit depends on valid skills assessments. Krauss emphasizes strategic workforce planning, job architecture, skills frameworks, and HR IT modernization, citing initiatives like HR 2.0, USA Hire modernization, online retirement, and more.00:36 HR Systems Overview01:19 State HR Study Findings05:43 Strategic Workforce Planning08:47 Merit Versus Skills Hiring13:58 Reimagining Federal HR17:59 Job Architecture And Classification19:16 Modernizing HR IT Systems21:48 Bipartisan Reform Lessons25:54 Incremental Wins And Big ChangesManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Send us Fan MailIn This EpisodeNonprofit storytelling is changing. Organizations are being asked to think more carefully about how stories are gathered, who holds power in the storytelling process, and what it means to share stories with dignity, transparency, and ongoing consent. As more nonprofits move away from transactional testimonials and toward community-centered storytelling, many teams are still navigating how to do this work ethically while continuing to communicate impact.In this conversation, Natalie Monroe from MemoryFox helps us explore what this shift looks like in practice. We discuss the growing importance of story banks, strengths-based messaging, and giving story owners more agency over how and where their stories are shared. Natalie shares insights from her work supporting nonprofit teams through real-world storytelling challenges, including navigating sensitive stories and creating systems that help organizations gather stories with greater care.This episode is an honest and hopeful conversation about the future of ethical and trauma-informed storytelling in the nonprofit sector.About Natalie MonroeNatalie Monroe is the Community Engagement Manager at MemoryFox. After a career in the wine industry learning the nuances of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, she landed in a nonprofit with the military-to-agriculture movement. Natalie told the stories of veterans turned farmers feeding our country. Here she embraced content creation and the power of video messaging.Natalie is grateful to engage in mission-driven work every day.  A friend of Natalie once dubbed her the “people broker” because she thrives on introducing friends to each other and engaging in meaningful conversation. When she's not immersed in storytelling, you might find her volunteering with the local library friends in her community of Davis, California or pondering her next themed gathering.Connect with Natalie MonroeLinkedIn | Learn More About MemoryFoxAbout Host Maria BryanMaria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place. Connect with MariaSpeaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email 

Renée Babin is a multidisciplinary professional who grounds her work in compassion, intentionality, and connection. With a focus on holistic approaches to law, community, and wellbeing, she is committed to empowering individuals and organisations to move with clarity and purpose. Her commitment to equity, advocacy, and community engagement shapes both her personal and professional approach. Renée has been teaching yoga since 2021. With ongoing learning, yoga lends her personal fortitude and teaches others the benefits of wellbeing as a community practice. Deeply committed to community-led change, Renée serves on advisory committees with Halifax Regional Municipality and Correctional Service Canada, contributing to initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and civic engagement.She is concurrently completing a Master of Public Administration alongside her Juris Doctor at Dalhousie University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Saint Mary's University. Her experience includes serving as a program coordinator in women's health services, where she contributed to community-based resource development grounded in safety and accessibility. As a business advisor, she has supported organisations in policy development and risk mitigation, strengthening governance and operational effectiveness.Outside of her professional work, Renée enjoys hiking with her dog, developing new projects, and exploring new places through cultural immersion.More @renelaurenne

Philip Rathgeb is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Social Policy in the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh and an Associated Fellow in the Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Konstanz. He holds a PhD in Political and Social Sciences from the European University Institute and held visiting positions at Harvard University, Lund University, and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). His research and teaching interests fall in the areas of comparative politics and political economy, with a particular focus on welfare states, labor relations, party politics, and social inequality. More generally, his work seeks to understand the relationship between capitalism and democracy over time. Philip Rathgeb A Correction Team A Correction Podcast Episodes RSS

In this month's episode, host Jenny Craig-Brown sits down with Patty Stovall, founder and CEO of Sounds of Sarah Inc.! Sounds of Sarah Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Northwest Indiana, founded in 2022 in memory of her daughter Sarah, who was lost to illicit drug poisoning. The organization focuses on youth education, community awareness, naloxone access, mobile crisis response, and grief support related to the overdose crisis.Biography: Patty Stovall is the Founder and CEO of Sounds of Sarah Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Northwest Indiana, founded in 2022 in memory of her daughter Sarah, who was lost to illicit drug poisoning. Sounds of Sarah focuses on youth education, community awareness, naloxone access, mobile crisis response, and grief support related to the overdose crisis. Patty brings more than 25 years of experience in addiction counseling, mental health services, and community leadership. Her background includes 16 years as an addiction counselor and leadership roles with Mental Health America, South Lake Mental Health, Northwest Indiana Community Action, and Addiction Counseling Services. She has extensive experience in program development, cross-sector collaboration, and building community-based responses to behavioral health and substance use challenges. She leads the expansion of Sounds of Sarah's Mobile Crisis Program serving Lake County, Indiana, providing community-based crisis response, care coordination, and connections to mental health and substance use services. The organization also provides naloxone training and distribution, youth education, community awareness initiatives, and grief support for families impacted by substance-related loss. Patty holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Public Administration. She is a member of the Lake County Overdose Fatality Review Team, conducts Next of Kin (NOK) outreach, serves as Board Chair of Prevention for SAFE (Supporting Addiction Free Environments for Lake County), and sits on the Executive Board of Directors for the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce. She regularly presents at conferences, schools, and community forums.GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you'll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region's only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

Host James-Christian Blockwood interviews Soraya Correa, President and CEO of  the National Industries for the Blind and former Chief Procurement Officer at the US Department of Homeland Security,  and Greg Giddens, of Potomac Ridge Consulting, and former Chief Acquisition Officer at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, on how federal acquisition enables mission outcomes beyond compliance. Giddens describes procurement as a strategic bridge between government missions and private industry, with compliance baked into the process, and argues acquisition should be involved early and represented at the C-suite. Correa says the FAR rarely blocks results; problems often come from how regulations are interpreted, and effective reform depends on curiosity, planning for change, and calibrating risk to mission urgency. Both stress change management through clear, transparent communication of the “why,” early wins, shared credit, and teamwork, learning from imperfect procurements and solving issues collaboratively. Correa advises emerging leaders to build relationships early, stay close to customers and staff, challenge constraints with solutions, and lead with courage rather than fear. Giddens advises industry to understand the process, persist through obstacles, engage early within boundaries, and tailor solutions to agency needs.00:00 Build Relationships Early01:31 Acquisition as Strategy03:30 Smart Reform Mindset05:35 Change Management Playbook07:13 Leadership Skills Today09:17 Customer and Team Trust10:00 Learning From Failure12:10 Seat at the Table13:09 Courage Over Fear15:45 Advice for IndustryManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

This time on Code WACK! For millions of Americans, health care means fighting insurance companies, putting off costly treatment, wondering whether the hospital you prefer is in-network, or fearing financial disaster if you get seriously sick. But what if healthcare worked differently? This is part two of our conversation with Dr. Bernard Ho, an emergency physician in Toronto and vice chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a national evidence-based organization working to strengthen Canada's publicly funded healthcare system. He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his M.D. Bernard is currently completing his Masters of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

On a daily basis, Sterile Processing professionals use chemicals that can cause workplace-related injuries or make us ill over time. Although these chemicals are a necessary part of our jobs, updated monitoring standards and emerging technology can help protect us from their long-term effects. In episode 151, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Alex Hilliker of ChemDAQ about the increased emphasis on short-term exposure monitoring. Hilliker discusses the evolving landscape of standards and regulations worldwide and how the implementation of short-term exposure limits (STELs) follows global trends and increases the culture of safety in our departments. He advocates for changing not just the way we think about chemical exposure but also “the measures we take every day to protect our teams and verify compliance.” Listen and learn more. The ChemDAQ/ASP white paper on hydrogen-peroxide emissions safety (part 1) is also available for download, and if you missed Hilliker's first appearance on Process This!, check out episode 125 : Chemical Safety in the SPD. ABOUT OUR GUEST Alex Hilliker Executive Vice President ChemDAQ Alex Hilliker is ChemDAQ's Executive Vice President, leading efforts to grow the company's Instrument Division, expand partnerships and increase global brand recognition. He is passionate about employee safety and educating teams on the potential dangers of overexposure to hazardous chemicals. He is a regular speaker for webinars, conferences and events. Previously, Hilliker served as a manager in Deloitte Consulting's Government and Public Services practice. He holds a master's degree in Public Administration from The George Washington University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan. He was also selected to participate in leadership programs through the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR chemdaq.com ChemDAQ's mission is to eliminate workplace exposure to toxic chemicals through innovative monitoring solutions, trusted partnerships and unmatched safety expertise. Our advanced sensor technology delivers reliable protection that customers trust, employees take pride in and partners value. Guided by our core values—trust, innovation, empowerment, teamwork, vision and loyalty—we create safer workplaces worldwide. Earn CE Now

David Knight Legg is a Partner at Serendipity Capital, where he leads fundraising, client engagement, and capital formation initiatives. A seasoned strategist and investor with extensive expertise spanning global finance, government, and technology, he previously served as the founding CEO of InvestAlberta, driving the province's international investment strategy, and as Principal Advisor to the Premier's Office in Alberta. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale University, a Master's in Law from the University of Oxford, and a Master of Public Administration from Queen's University.Watch the Cornerstone Forum 26'https://shaunnewmanpodcast.substack.com/Silver Gold Bull Links:Website: https://silvergoldbull.ca/Email: SNP@silvergoldbull.comText Grahame: (587) 441-9100Bow Valley Credit UnionBitcoin: www.bowvalleycu.com/en/personal/investing-wealth/bitcoin-gatewayEmail: welcome@BowValleycu.com Expat Moneyexpatmoney.com/worldwar3Get your voice heard: Text Shaun 587-217-8500

This time on Code WACK! For millions of Americans, health care means fighting insurance companies, putting off costly treatment, wondering whether the hospital you prefer is in-network, or fearing financial disaster if you get seriously sick. But what if healthcare worked differently? This is part two of our conversation with Dr. Bernard Ho, an emergency physician in Toronto and vice chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a national evidence-based organization working to strengthen Canada's publicly funded healthcare system. He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his M.D. Bernard is currently completing his Master's of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

This time on Code WACK!  For millions of Americans, health care means fighting insurance companies, putting off costly treatment, wondering whether the hospital you prefer is in-network, or fearing financial disaster if you get seriously sick. But what if healthcare worked differently? This is part two of our conversation with Dr. Bernard Ho, an emergency physician in Toronto and vice chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a national evidence-based organization working to strengthen Canada's publicly funded healthcare system. He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his M.D. Bernard is currently completing his Masters of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School.  Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.   

This time on Code WACK! Today we're taking an inside look at Canada's public health insurance system known as Medicare. What are the biggest misconceptions Americans have about it? What works, what doesn't, and why? And what happens when a public system starts drifting toward privatization? This is part one of our conversation with Dr. Bernard Ho, an emergency physician in Toronto and Vice-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a national evidence-based organization working to strengthen Canada's publicly funded healthcare system. He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his M.D. Bernard is currently completing his Masters of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

James-Christian Blockwood discusses U.S. Office of Personnel Management's modernization of federal HR and retirement IT systems with OPM's Rebecca Ayers and Academy Fellow Brodi Fontenot. Building on a 2021 academy report urging congressional funding to modernize OPM systems, they describe the administration's goal to build a merit-based workforce and modernize people management through the Federal HR 2.0 initiative. Key elements include moving agencies onto a mandatory single core HCM platform to replace over 100 systems, improve data, speed retirement processing, enable employee self-service, and generate an estimated nearly $1 billion in savings, alongside a voluntary OPM Shared Service Center offering standardized operational services and strategic consulting. They highlight historical swings between decentralization and centralization, the change-management challenges of standardization, feedback loops, and long-term commitment, and note upcoming milestones such as announcing the new core HCM system and additional agencies opting into shared services.00:50 Modernization Stakes02:34 Federal HR 2.0 Vision04:58 Shared Services Context07:41 Centralize Versus Decentralize10:34 Change Management Hurdles12:51 Mandatory Versus Voluntary16:19 Why Now17:17 Public Impact21:09 Leader Playbook22:37 Next MilestonesManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

This time on Code WACK!  Today we're taking an inside look at Canada's public health insurance system known as Medicare. What are the biggest misconceptions Americans have about it?  What works, what doesn't, and why? And what happens when a public system starts drifting toward privatization?  This is part one of our conversation with Dr. Bernard Ho, an emergency physician in Toronto and Vice-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a national evidence-based organization working to strengthen Canada's publicly funded healthcare system. He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his M.D. Bernard is currently completing his Masters of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School.  Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!  And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

This time on Code WACK! Today we're taking an inside look at Canada's public health insurance system known as Medicare. What are the biggest misconceptions Americans have about it? What works, what doesn't, and why? And what happens when a public system starts drifting toward privatization? This is part one of our conversation with Dr. Bernard Ho, an emergency physician in Toronto and Vice-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a national evidence-based organization working to strengthen Canada's publicly funded healthcare system. He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his M.D. Bernard is currently completing his Masters of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

Noah Ernst is running for Metro Council. Noah is a lawyer, a former small business owner, a former taxi driver for Radio Cab, and currently serves as both a superintendent and in-house counsel for Radio Cab. Listen to or watch former Metro Council President Lynn Peterson's interview about what Metro does and about Metro's Supportive Housing Services Tax. Lynn appears on this episode with Clackamas County Commissioner Ben West (currently running for re-election) on NW FreshNoah Ernst's interview about his Metro Council race on NW FreshNoah Ernst interviews during his previous race for Portland City Council Rational in PortlandNW FreshLearn about what Metro Council does from Terri Preeg-Riggsby, who has a Masters of Public Administration and has served on the Metro Policy Advisory Committee for nine years. Terri is also the Executive Director of the Network of Oregon Watershed Councils and a former candidate for Metro Council. Max Steele's Substack Recalibrate PortlandLearn about Gov. Kotek's unsheltered homelessness legislation CityTeam Portland Rational in Portland Episode with Lance Orton Allegations regarding the former CEO of Home Forward, which is the state of Oregon's largest public housing authorityRational in Portland episodes with former Portland City Council candidate, Terrence Hayes: Terrence's story about his 13 years in prison and growing up with drug-addicted parents in the projects and with a sister still suffering from active drug addiction“Truth Always Makes People Nervous” 40% of Portlanders are considering moving Oregonian editorial: Vote “no” on Measure 120Chris Christensen for Metro President 

In this installment of our Defend Nonprofits Defend Democracy Series, you'll get a deep dive into one of the least-discussed but most important democracy issues facing nonprofits and philanthropy today: attacks on ballot initiatives and direct democracy. Elizabeth DiLauro of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation joins Rusty Stahl to discuss how ballot measures have become critical tools for advancing health equity and why efforts to restrict citizen-led initiatives threaten both democracy and the nonprofit sector.Liz shares how RWJF is funding organizations defending ballot access in multiple states, helping other funders understand the legal pathways for engagement, and why funders using their public voice matters as much as their grantmaking right now. The conversation also explores democratic backsliding, gerrymandering, philanthropy's role in this moment, and why protecting democratic participation is foundational to every social justice mission.Download the edited transcript as a .pdfGuest Bio:Elizabeth DiLauro serves as a Senior Policy Officer with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where she shapes strategy and grantmaking at the state level to advance long-term change in the social policies that impact our nation's health and well-being. Previously, Liz served as the senior director of advocacy at ZERO TO THREE, where she led the organization's advocacy strategy to advance a policy agenda for young children and families. Earlier in her career, Liz worked with the Pew Charitable Trusts where she crafted state campaigns to increase access to children's dental care, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry where she advanced strategies to support children's mental health policy. She has also worked in federal and state advocacy with Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) USA.Liz holds a Master of Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University, with a specialization in public and non-profit policy and management.Links to Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeOrganizations:Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)Ballot Initiative Strategy CenterBallot Initiative Strategy Center FoundationFairness Project Education FundBolder Advocacy (program of Alliance for Justice)Fund the PeopleReports, Publications, Events, and Tools:Rules of the Game Podcast⁠ (Bolder Advocacy, a program of Alliance for Justice)Foundations on the HillAnswering the Call for a Healthy, Inclusive Democracy - Annual Letter (April 2026) by Dr. Rich Besser, President, Robert Wood Johnson FoundationBallot Measure Hub - a web resources aggregating information and analysis about ballot measures that Ballot Initiative Strategy Center is trackingDefending Direct Democracy: Attacks On The Ballot Measure Process And The Rise Of Authoritarianism (report by the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center - March 2026)All By April (a 501c3 campaign hosted by Democracy Fund)

Imagine a world where AI becomes a facilitator for solving the world's hardest challenges, but if we choose to shape it with care.   Raising both opportunities and concerns, AI is quickly reshaping the world of nonprofit and higher education sectors. In the process of adopting AI, organizations face pivotal decisions regarding ethics, agency, and creativity. Leaders can guide AI use toward a future rooted in human dignity and innovation by balancing optimism with healthy skepticism and anchoring choices in personal and organizational values.    In this episode of the Fundraising AI podcast, Nathan is joined by Rafeel Wasif, director of the Nonprofit Institute and Assistant Professor of Public Administration at Portland State University. His work is a combination of research, practice, and leadership development in the nonprofit and public sectors. Other than focusing on responsible AI adoption, he is guiding leaders to understand not only what emerging technologies are capable of, but also how they can be governed effectively. He joined Nathan to explore the evolving relationship between AI and the nonprofit sector.  HIGHLIGHTS    [03:12] The Nonprofit sector and its evolution in approaching AI.   [06:52] Introduction and background to Rafeel Wasif.   [11:33] Rafeel's purpose in writing his new book.   [18:06] AI as a research partner.  [20:41] The growing trend in academia in structured nonprofit leadership education.  [23:48] Ethical adoption, transparency, and grounding AI use in human values.  [28:50] Knowing and articulating your values before AI adoption.  [33:18] Staying curious, balancing optimism with healthy skepticism, and being mindful when bringing humanity into every tech decision.  RESOURCES    Rafeel Wasif  pdx.edu/profile/rafeel-wasif     Website - rafeelwasif.com/    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rafeel-wasif-ph-d-b617a54b/  

Are we carrying the pain of the world, and if so, how can awareness help us heal it? Tune in for Liz Moyer Benferhat on her new book When the World Hurts: Why the World's Pain Makes Sense—and What You Can Do About It.Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.comEmpath by nature and change-maker by trade, Liz Moyer Benferhat has worked in the sustainable development field for nearly twenty years, she knows how much heart goes into caring about our world. This is why she launched We Heal For All in 2018—to support fellow helpers, healers, and change makers with the many normal feelings that come with being alive and attuned to the changes in our world. Through healing Circles, writing, meditations, and trainings, she offers collective healing as a way to make sense of the world's pain and as a set of practices for what to do about it. She lives in the Bronx, NY, with her husband, daughter, and cat, and holds a Master of Public Administration in Development Practice from Columbia University.https://www.wehealforall.comTo learn more about the show and interview opportunities contact us at: https://www.mariannepestana.com 

Host James-Christian Blockwood talks with Academy Fellow and McGeorge School of Law Professor Clark Kelso and American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Adam White about why public agencies struggle and what the executive branch does in response. They discuss how checks and balances slow action and make errors hard to undo, while polarization and congressional dysfunction push presidents toward unilateral action, creating separation-of-powers conflicts and court intervention. The conversation centers on Schedule F and fears it could expand political appointments and erode civil service protections. They conclude trust is rebuilt through tangible, non-rhetorical improvements, suggesting a public-safety focus like FAA modernization.01:14 Why Agencies Fail03:25 Checks Balances and Speed05:22 Congress Gridlock Executive Action09:44 Unitary Executive and Independence12:47 Courts Guardrails and Chevron15:44 Real World Impacts and Trust19:30 Reforming Bureaucracy and DOGE23:45 Schedule F Debate29:31 Rebuilding Trust and OptimismManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Host James-Christian Blockwood interviews Teri Gullo, former CBO Director of Budget Analysis, and Karl Maschino, former GAO Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, about why federal budget work matters amid scrutiny of spending, workforce cuts, and “DOGE”-style reforms.  They outline the normal OMB-agency-Congress budget timeline, emphasize GAO/CBO's nonpartisan transparency and need to explain “the story behind the numbers,” discuss polarization blocking fiscal solutions as net interest costs reach over $1 trillion, and urge young public servants to see budgeting as policy and values.Chapters: 01:11 Reform Cycle or Shock03:09 Congress vs Executive Power04:18 How Budgeting Works07:20 Executing Enacted Budgets08:30 Speaking Truth to Power12:55 Fixing an Unsustainable Path?15:42 Management Lessons Learned20:49 Making Big Numbers Real24:39 Advice for New Public ServantsManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Two guests pursuing their Master's of Public Administration at the University of Kansas joined the podcast to talk about Gen Z in local government. Emma Roniger is a Management Intern for the League of Kansas Municipalities and Jill Parsons is a Management Intern for the City of Leawood, Kansas. They shared the biggest myth local governments have about their generation and responses they received for a survey regarding Gen Z. They also talked about how different generations can work together. Host: Meredith Reynolds

In this episode, Julia sits down with Cristóbal Durán and Derek Kitts, founders of WinFlip, to explore how AI-driven tools are reshaping the landscape of local political campaigns and what that means for nonprofits and grassroots organizers. While national campaigns often have access to sophisticated data and strategy teams, down-ballot candidates frequently operate without the same resources.They share how the platform is working to close this gap—helping candidates better understand their districts, calculate realistic paths to victory, and make smarter, data-informed decisions without the need for large consulting teams.The conversation also examines how nonprofits can apply these same principles to advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement—while maintaining ethical standards and trust.