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

Changing Ambiguity

It is amazing to listen to individuals discuss their beliefs and positions on various topics. Discussions on ethics, values, and beliefs have become a deeply personal subject and are often avoided at all costs. Many times this subject matter is only brought up when an issue demands a response. In fact, research indicates that people do not address subjects unless they affect them personally and negatively. More over, we often postpone any discussion or position on a difficult issue and take the "ignorance is bliss" approach to many topics.

The challenge of this approach to life is that specific individuals and entities that become vocal on any difficult issue are put into the driver's seat because they spoke first. I believe we can do something really important for our society to pay attention to the landscape and remove the ambiguity of many subjects in our life. There is something significant about making a decision on an issue that you can feel confident that you have done your homework on. In fact, we can enter the discussion on important issues of society by taking just a few important steps:

• Question - Remove the ambiguity on an issue by asking yourself this: From whom and where did I get my feelings, beliefs, and opinions on this subject? How do I really feel about it?
  

• Think - Become aware about a subject by researching, reading, and listening to sound information on the subject.
  

• Determine - Take the information and apply it to your your personal conviction and what you know is right and come to an agreement on what position you hold.
  

• Act - Live out and talk about what you believe and hold to on a specific subject.

I have discovered that what has been labeled "a deeply personal and private discussion" is often based on a lack of knowledge or action on a specific subject. Let's determine to not let a few loud voices be the assumed right voices, especially since those voices tend to be extremes that few of us hold to. We can think and act for ourselves, and if we do, I believe this will be a better society to live in.

-Monty L. Hipp, President

Organizational Impact

If you have walked into a bookstore or watched the news recently, you have probably seen or heard Bill Clinton’s name. His book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, was released earlier this month, and his foundation is hosting the annual Clinton Global Initiative this week.

I picked up his book a couple weeks ago, and it tells of different organizations and individuals who give in extraordinary, and sometimes not so extraordinary, ways. It gives accounts of those who saw a need and then stepped up to meet that need – usually in a very creative and effective way.

As I was reading this, it was hard not to think of specific people or organizations that I know who are making a significant difference in creative ways. One creative, effective, and growing organization that came to mind was Earthbeat, who mobilizes thousands of volunteers to give back to their community while at the same time raising funds for specific non-profits.

We are currently facilitating their growth to a national organization, and it has certainly been enjoyable. Those of you at the past National Council for Faith-Based Youth Summit were able to see the passion and heart of their leaders, and I am confident you were inspired as well. I encourage you to find out more at www.earthbeat.cc.

Just as Earthbeat is making a huge difference for local communities and non-profits, there are many other organizations and individuals out there who are changing the world.

What organizations, or individuals, come to mind for you?

-Nathan Mallonee, Coordinator, Grants and Projects

Volunteerism

A wise theatre teacher I had would always say, “If you really want something done, don’t ask the person with the most time to do it, ask the person with the least time and they will make sure it gets done.” I’m not going to lie, it’s not always easy being a senior in college, being on the leadership team of a growing nonprofit, and having a social life. But, I’m learning this is the life I love, and the life many in my generation want to have. And perhaps that is not a generational sign…perhaps it’s a true sign of our time.

Statistically, people are volunteering through, giving to, and participating in nonprofits and their causes more now than ever before. In fact, the Corporation for National and Community Service reports: “Across our country, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are donating their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than themselves. According to data collected over the past 30 years by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans over the age of 16 are volunteering at historically high rates, with 61.2 million giving their time in 2006 to help others.”

Does that surprise you and do you see that in the arena you’re a part of?

-D. Gilson, Director, Communications and Donor Relations

Welcome to the C4 blog!

Let me be the first to welcome you to The C4 Group’s blog! Our team is really excited about this aspect of our organization’s journey. Our hope is that it will help us better connect to you, and you to us. Here you’ll see at least one new entry from our team leadership each week. But, we want this to be just as much about you talking with us…so please, leave comments, ask us questions, email us ideas, tell us what you’re thinking, let us know what you want to talk about, join the conversation. This conversation will serve as us, together, being a viable solution on America’s youth issues.

The team and I look forward to our conversations. Have a great day and check back often for new entries.

-Monty L. Hipp, President