Blog

2009 Year in Review

Sunday, 13 December 2009

I’m pleased to report on what kept me busy in 2009 – consulting for 18 nonprofit organizations, which included facilitating nine groups, managing three projects, leading 20 trainings and coaching for several nonprofit leaders.

Below is a short summary of my work as well as an accomplishment of the organization. I look forward to serving even more organizations in 2010 and hope you’ll contact me if you think there is a role I might be able to play for your organization.

Facilitation

Green LA Coalition – I facilitated a visioning process based on an organizational assessment that another talented consultant, Beth Steckler and I did for them. The Coalition sponsored numerous events that brought together the environmental community in LA and also supported many policy initiatives.

Southern California Leadership Network– I planned and facilitated two learning-seminars for the Leadership LA and Leadership Southern California Programs. This leadership program built the capacity of 50+ leaders over the year.

Los Angeles Audubon– I facilitated a day-long board/staff retreat that helped them make some important decisions. The group sponsored many bird walks that raised awareness of the many birds in the region.

Ballona Creek Renaissance – I facilitated several meetings with their Board to prioritize a fundraising and board development strategy. The group recently celebrated the opening of a new gateway to the Creek.

Beverly Vermont Community Land Trust – I facilitated a day-long board retreat that help the group clarify some strategic goals. The group has continued to make progress on its first land purchase that will ensure long-term affordable housing.

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition – I facilitated a day-long board/staff retreat where they prioritized their annual goals. The group has been working to ensure the City of LA develop a quality Bicycle Master Plan, among other things.

Hispanic Outreach Taskforce – I facilitated an afternoon session that developed a short-term strategy for raising funds. The group has continued to provide numerous programs for the community.

Urban and Environmental Policy Institute – I planned and facilitated a number of pre-meeting to the first annual Bike Summit which brought together 300+ advocates from the region.

Bikestation– I facilitated numerous project management meetings that led to the development of an implementation study for a new Bikestation. The group recently opened a new Bikestation in Washington D.C. and is expanding throughout the country.

Project Management

Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust – Working with a Steve Cancian, a landscape architect doing fantastic work, we evaluated their current practices and developed a handbook for developing new parks in the future. The group recently hired a new Executive Director, Alina Bodke, who is has a strong track record in the environmental community.

SOAR Charter School – I created a fund development plan and secured a grant for $150,000. The school is in the process of launching and will open in the fall of 2010.

Behavioral Health Services – I worked with the organization’s leadership and developed a fundraising assessment for the organization. The group has provided needed social services for thousands of people over the year.

Trainings

Liberty Hill Foundation– I led a four-part fundraising series for their grantees working on numerous social change issues in Los Angeles

Alliance for Biking and Walking– I led three weekend “Winning Campaigns” trainings for them in Toronto, Denver and Little Rock. Participants developed campaign strategies that they took back and began implementing throughout the Country.

Center for Nonprofit Management – I led four trainings on fundraising at this great local center that provides numerous resources for local groups in LA.

Flintridge Foundation– I led three different trainings on fundraising, media and volunteer recruitment for this fantastic center that also provides nonprofits resources in Pasadena

L.A. Eco-Village – I led two trainings on facilitation for the CRSP Institute for Urban Eco-Villages, an exciting demonstration project for sustainability in LA.

My Own Fundraising Series – I hosted my own four-part fundraising series that sharpened the skills of folks that attended.

Coaching

I provided coaching for several environmental leaders throughout the year and helped build their capacity as leaders, fundraisers and facilitators.

I really enjoyed working with so many different leaders working on a variety of sustainability issues throughout our region. I learned a great deal about so many different, but interrelated issues and greatly appreciate the work they are all doing. I look forward to serving even more organizations in 2010.

For more information about the services I provide as a consultant, check out any of the following pages: facilitation, project management, trainings and coaching.

Categories: Leadership Fundraising Facilitation Board Development Sustainability Clients