So this is the new year...

Happy New Year everyone! It's weird to think 2007 is over. It's been an eventful one to say the least. Culturally, we entered a huge election season very early, saw scandals unfold in government and sports, and bought more iProducts than ever before. Personally, I graduated from college, drove across most of America (twice), and became lactose intolerant. Organizationally, we've seen the launch of new initiatives, the growth of existing ones, and most importantly, thousands of youth impacted and empowered to become the next generation of leaders.

I was listening to one of my favorite bands recently, Death Cab for Cutie, who have an aptly titled song: So This Is The New Year. One verse laments: So this is the new year, and I have no resolutions, for self-assigned penance, for problems with easy solutions. And it struck me...this is so true of my generation. We're not out to take the easy route (mostly). We want to solve big problems, problems that have no easy solution. As I thought about this, I realized that through programs like our Catalyst Internship Experience, organizations are providing the skills and experience my generation needs to tackle the big problems, the pressing issues.

What are the organizations you're connected to doing to this end? We'd love to know...an open exchange of ideas is what will make us all function better and more effectively.

-D. Gilson, Director of Communications and Donor Relations

Coffeehouse America

I have to give credit for this blog idea to my good friend and coworker, Robby (Vice President of The C4 Group). One day recently, we were working at coffeehouses in our respective cities (him, Seattle, me, Springfield, MO). We were talking through a bunch of C4 communications pieces and it struck us as funny: how much of our careers do we owe to America's coffeehouses?

Okay, I'll be the first to admit it's a funny question. But think about it. In an age where the physical office is being traded for a virtual one, and the surge of coffeehouses offering patrons free internet access, a flat work surface, and a constant flow of caffeine, how much have we been able to accomplish outside the office? A lot. And does it speak even more to the type of work many nonprofits, such as The C4 Group, are doing: going outside their offices, their selves, and partnering with others in addressing the needs of a world that is 'out there' and not at our desks? What do you think?

Don't get me wrong. I'm moving to Seattle next month and am really excited to be working in an office. We'll get a lot done and be better equipped when more members of the C4 team can work in a collective space. I just wanted to take a moment today to poise an interesting cultural observation. And also, to thank my coffeehouse of choice, the Mudhouse in bustling downtown Springfield, for allowing me to work away in their 'office'.

Nonprofit work and identity

In a philanthropy news service I subscribe to, I came across a speech President Bill Clinton gave about nonprofit work in America:

"I think it's important for us to keep trying to find ways to get more people involved in this kind of work in an intelligent way," Clinton said. "We need to find a way to make this a part of the definition of citizenship in our country."

That is an interesting take on what integral part of who we are our nonprofit involvement can or should be. And it's an interesting thought...what do you think?

-D. Gilson, Director, Communications and Donor Relations

Interesting Nonprofit Blog

Are you involved in a nonprofit or faith-based organization? If so, chances are you have to dive into the realm of nonprofit communications at least often if not every day. Check out the Nonprofit Communications blog. I've gotten some great insights there and they give great practical tips on what works and what doesn't. Be sure and let me know what you think.

-D. Gilson, Director, Communications and Donor Relations

New Book on Christian Youth

My degree is in Market Research, so every time I hear about a new study that was done, my ears perk up.

I had one of those moments recently when I heard the Barna Group was putting out their latest book, UnChristian. If you are unfamiliar with the Barna Group, they have spent decades researching Christianity and are the main voice when it comes to facts regarding this arena. To learn more about their organization, visit their homepage.

I spent the majority of a day reading this book at a Starbucks in Dallas several weeks ago (thankfully one of the big stuffed chairs was available!). My respect for the Barna Group has increased, and I am thankful to have an organization that is putting out thoughtful, quality research for a demographic I am interested in.

I highly recommend this book to anyone working with Christian youth – it has many interesting findings that are useful in understanding our changing culture.

Be sure and check it out.

-Nathan Mallonee, Coordinator, Grants and Projects

Nonprofit Collaboration

Unlike championship golfer Tiger Woods, rebel pirate Jack Sparrow, or comic hero Superman, The C4 Group does not work alone. In fact, we find that we thrive in the opposite of circumstances. This organization finds much of its success and impact in others experience and actions. C4’s mission – to lead, facilitate, and support the people, entities, and organizations providing positive solutions for youth of the current and next generation – has been put into practice in the areas of foster youth, ethical decision-making, mentoring, and young leader development. These efforts have found success because of the many partnering organizations and entities that have worked together through C4’s leadership and direction. There is one question on my mind: is the sometimes difficult process of collaboration a relevant and worthwhile effort?

I have to say the answer is a resounding YES! The nonprofit community is growing at record rates. In fact, growth is so rapid that competition among nonprofit organizations is now becoming a determining factor when resources are distributed to implement a specific vision. A way that we can realize maximum impact in our efforts is to connect relevant organizations that can provide an initiative the needed expertise and experience. We are a connecting organization that enhances the individual efforts of partnering organizations, in a push to achieve maximum impact. We know that we can’t do ALL things well. But we do know that if we work together, we can do so much more.

Are you connected an organization you feel we should be connected to? Let us know by leaving a comment.

-Robby Hipp, Vice President and Director, Youth Development

Connectivity

I have a confession: I hate to be alone. Now, for my friends and family, this not a shocking confession. But it's true. I'm sitting at the kitchen table writing this blog alone and it makes me nervous. Inevitably, I'll have to check my facebook, or myspace, or virb, or work email, or school email, or personal email, or....just so I can feel connected to someone, somehow, even if it's for an instant via the world wide web. And am I alone in loathing aloneness? No! As we become more connected, through blogging, email, chatting, text messaging, and a myriad of other formats, I can see the need to be connected on a hyper-personal level to another human being in most everyone around me. And I don't think this need to be connected to others, and the resulting connection, is a negative aspect of modern society. What do you think?

Robby is planning a blog on the idea of nonprofit connection and collaboration, so be sure to check back over the next couple of days for that.

-D. Gilson, Director, Communications and Donor Relations