How The Nonprofit Association Program Pie Is Sliced February 3, 2012 by Jeff Hurt Most nonprofit associations find it difficult to abandon anything. Everything is a cause or “God’s work.” Yet performance and results are extremely important and often difficult to measure and control. Moral Versus Economic Causes A moral cause is an absolute good. For example, some religious leaders have been preaching against sex outside of marriage for … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , association best practices, nonprofit, nonprofit governance
Donna Kastner Joins The Velvet Chainsaw Team January 6, 2012 by Dave Lutz From Velvet Chainsaw’s Managing Director, Dave Lutz. I’m excited to announce that Donna Kastner is joining the Velvet Chainsaw team starting January 8, 2012 as Director, Education & Engagement! I had the privilege to work with Donna for several years when we were both with Experient. She’s someone that I know well and trust immensely! … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , Donna Kastner
San Diego Here We Come! PCMA Learning Lounge Speakers 2012 January 3, 2012 by Jeff Hurt Follow these Learning Lounge 2012 speakers in Twitter. Learning Lounge 2012 Velvet Chainsaw is working with PCMA again to organize part of the 2012 Convening Leaders Learning Lounge. There will be more than 100+ education opportunities from Big Ideas TED style presentations, to “How To” iPad sessions, to “Bring Your Own Mobile Device” instructional presentations … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , Convening Leaders, Learning Lounge, PCMA, PCMA12
Why Fit In When You Were Born To Stand Out? And Other Dr. Seuss Reflections December 29, 2011 by Jeff Hurt Who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss? I’m a big Dr. Seuss fan. Like many of you, I can still quote some of his books as they are embedded in my memory and soul. Dr. Seuss had a magical way of introducing us to critical issues and foundational knowledge through rhyme, poetry and whimsical illustrations. In honor … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , association best practices, Dr. Seuss
Our Talks Mark The Journeys Of Our Lives December 23, 2011 by Jeff Hurt Out for an evening ride to look at holiday decorations, we drive by an extended family walking hand in hand. “That’s so cool,” I think to myself. I’ve seen those kids playing in the neighborhood. It’s so great to see them walking hand in hand, arm in arm with grandparents, aunts, uncles and their parents. … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , appreciation, Christmas, grateful
Six Disruptive Forces Poised To Revolutionize Nonprofit Associations November 29, 2011 by Jeff Hurt It takes courage to move out of the comfort zone! So many nonprofit associations and their boards have adopted a risk averse environment. They see little incentive to change or experiment. In the coming three to ten years, those organizations that stay the course will not succeed. Those that refuse to think differently, quickly and … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , association future, association trends, disruptive forces, disruptive innovation, disruptors, Innovation, nonprofit predictions, nonprofit trends, trends
Thanksgiving Then And Now [Infographic] November 24, 2011 by Jeff Hurt . This Thanksgiving we’re grateful for you our readers and clients! Have a wonderful, fun-filled, family and friend packed relaxing holiday. Happy Thanksgiving from Velvet Chainsaw! http://www.creditdonkey.com/thanksgiving.html Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , Thanksgiving
The Nonprofit Paradox: Evolve Or Expire September 29, 2011 by Jeff Hurt Two things I know for certain. Change is the constant today and continues to accelerate. Our nonprofit associations are dynamic, complex systems embedded within an even more dynamic, complex übersystem: human society. Six Changing Association Contexts Technological innovations have radically changed our übersystem, human society, in at least six ways. (Wiley, 2006). Society continues to … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , association trends, disruptive innovation, disruptive technologies, nonprofit predictions, nonprofit trends
Disrupting Conferences: 6 Nonprofit Institution Disconnects September 28, 2011 by Jeff Hurt Are we witnessing a digital revolution? Or digital evolution? Can we simply adapt and apply old skills to new contexts? Or do we need to learn new ways of thinking, doing and being? One thing is certain. Our nonprofit institutions are dynamic, complex systems embedded within an even more dynamic, complex übersystem: human society. The … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , association trends, conferences, disruptive innovation, disruptive technologies, meeting industry trends, nonprofit predictions, nonprofit trends
Leader, How Do You Lean? Opportunistic Or Risk Adverse? September 26, 2011 by Jeff Hurt 2 x 4 is half of 16! All for opportunity do the lean-a-lean! A lean-a-lean a-lean-a-lean, a-lean-a-lean. A lean-a-lean a-lean-a-lean, a- lean-a-lean. Do you remember that school cheer? I can remember my high school standing and “doing the lean” to show our support for our team. So leader, how do you lean? Are seen as … [Read more…] Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: , association best practices, association governance, association issues and challenges, leadership
