A Conversation with… Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
August 5, 2009
As part of the new lecture series, Conversations with …, the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of Third Sector New England hosted a presentation by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson for the region’s nonprofit community. The professor, CNN commentator, author and pundit spoke of the central role diversity and inclusion play in building cohesive and effective organizations - and strong communities.
He shared his insights on issues such as the politics of inclusion; the privilege of invisibility; institutional perpetuation of racism; challenging other “isms”; stereotypes and forms of bigotry; and rethinking the paradigm of race, bias, and class prejudice vs. concentrated poverty.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Nonprofit Collaboration: We’ve Got Options
May 13, 2009
A recent Boston Globe article suggested that the nonprofit merger rate has increased due to the economic downturn. In a letter to the editor, TSNE’s Hez Norton, who oversees our new Organizational Transitions program, suggests that there are many other — and often more effective – ways for nonprofits to share resources to better serve constituents.
In “More nonprofits engage in mergers for survival” (April 15, 2009), The Boston Globe examines one way that nonprofit organizations are collaborating - through mergers. While this may be a viable alternative for organizations with compatible missions, it is important to understand that merger is just one of many ways nonprofits are collaborating across the sector.
Third Sector New England was privileged to play a role in the two merger situations profiled in the article. Through our Executive Transitions Program, we placed the interim executive director at Dorchester CARES, who supported that merger process. We also placed the interim executive director and helped lead the transition process with Concilio Hispano that led to merger.
It is critical that nonprofit organizations explore an array of options as they look to meet their mission and best service constituents, especially during these difficult economic times. These options include joint ventures, shared services, merger, shared administration, shared programs and fiscal sponsorship.
The bottom line: Nonprofits need always to be creative in serving their constituents effectively – while keeping mission front and center. Looking at new models of collaboration and partnership has always been important. Now it is more important than ever.
Hez Norton, manager
Executive and Organizational Transitions
What is the difference between executive transition and executive search?
September 10, 2008
Hez Norton, Executive Transitions Program Manager
Visit http://www.tsne.org/etp for more information
When does it make sense to bring in an interim excecutive director?
September 9, 2008
Visit Third Sector New England for more information: http://www.tsne.org
What actions should the departing executive director take to support a beneficial transition?
September 9, 2008
What is the difference between executive succession planning and executive transition planning?
September 9, 2008
How should managers and staff plan for an executive transition at their nonprofit?
September 9, 2008
What are the top three actions a board should take when the executive director resigns?
September 2, 2008
Hez Norton, Executive Transitions Program Manager
Visit Third Sector New England for more information: http://www.tsne.org/etp
Patricia Brandes, leadership from a funder’s perspective
December 13, 2007
Patricia Brandes (Senior Advisor, Barr Foundation) presents on leadership from a funder’s perspective. She is a philanthropist shaping programs to support the nonprofit leaders of today and tomorrow. Among the many programs and initiatives that she has pioneered at the Barr Foundation, a family foundation focusing on Boston and the quality of life of its residents, Pat designed and oversees the Barr Fellowship, a cross-cultural executive network with global connections.
Prior to the Barr Foundation, she was the chief operating officer of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. She also oversaw Success by Six, a highly successful strategy to organize business leaders to advocate on behalf of the Commonwealth’s young children. Pat has served on the advisory boards of several black church efforts including The Black Church Capacity Building Project and The Black Ministerial Alliance’s after-school programs, as well as other nonprofit boards. She is a founding member of “My Sister’s Keeper,” a human rights initiative working in Southern Sudan to rebuild war-torn communities through the empowerment of women and girls. The initiative is now also engaged in organizing African-American, Sudanese and Muslim women in the United States to end the genocide in Darfur.
Recorded at the 2007 Nonprofit Workout Luncheon Plenary, “Leadership: A Shared Responsibility.” Introduction by Deb Linnell (Mission Effectiveness Program Director, Third Sector New England), session moderated by Karen Gaskins Jones (Principal, JLH Associates).
Listen to the interview (17:50):
or Download (17:50, MP3, 12.2MB)
Or read the transcript at http://www.tsne.org/articles/foundationsroleinleadership.
Elena Letona, leadership from the executive director’s view
December 13, 2007
Elena Letona (Executive Director, Centro Presente, Inc.) discusses leadership from the executive director’s view. With equal parts of dedication and savvy, Elena leads Centro Presente, Inc., a member-driven, statewide organization, in its efforts to achieve the self-determination of the Central and Latin American immigrant communities of Massachusetts. She is also a founding member of the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities, and executive committee member of the Salvadoran-American National Network. Elena has received numerous awards including the 2006 “Drylongso Award” that recognizes “outstanding individuals for their work challenging structural racism and working to build a just society” and a 2007 award from the Hispanic National Bar Association “for her outstanding contribution to New England’s Hispanic community.” She is a 2005 Barr fellow.
Recorded at the 2007 Nonprofit Workout Luncheon Plenary, “Leadership: A Shared Responsibility.” Introduction by Deb Linnell (Mission Effectiveness Program Director, Third Sector New England), session moderated by Karen Gaskins Jones (Principal, JLH Associates).
Listen to the interview (10:20):
or Download (10:20, MP3, 7.1MB)
Or read the transcript at http://www.tsne.org/articles/power_from_constituents.
Chrystal Kornegay, emerging leadership
December 13, 2007
Chrystal Kornegay (Deputy Director, Urban Edge) presents on emerging leadership. Chrystal has filled several roles at Urban Edge, one of New England’s premier community development corporations, including interim executive director and director of real estate. With 15 years of experience in the community development field, she is currently responsible for all of Urban Edge’s major program areas including affordable housing development, property management and community programs. She is a graduate of MIT, UMASS Boston’s Emerging Leaders and NCCJ’s LeadBoston.
Recorded at the 2007 Nonprofit Workout Luncheon Plenary, “Leadership: A Shared Responsibility.” Introduction by Deb Linnell (Mission Effectiveness Program Director, Third Sector New England), session moderated by Karen Gaskins Jones (Principal, JLH Associates).
Listen to the interview (10:00):
or Download (10:00, MP3, 6.9MB)
Or read the transcript at http://www.tsne.org/articles/new_nonprofit_leaders.
