In this episode of Natural Collisions, we explore the critical intersection of civic engagement and public policy for nonprofits. What are the most pressing civic issues nonprofits could be focusing on today? How can nonprofits effectively engage to advocate for the communities they serve while remaining compliant with regulations?

The “colliders” for this conversation discuss the challenges and opportunities nonprofit organizations face during election seasons while offering strategies for building coalitions that amplify the voices of underrepresented communities.

GUESTS:
Joan Gustafson, External Affairs Officer, Michigan Nonprofit Association
Regina Bell, Chief Policy Officer, Council of Michigan Foundations
Kamilia K. Landrum, Executive Director, Detroit Branch NAACP

For voting information on the upcoming election visit - https://mi.gov/vote

To find out more about Co.act Detroit visit - https://coactdetroit.org/

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome
01:29 - Guest Introductions
05:22 - Civic Engagement Personal Stories
14:52 - Nonprofit's Role in Civic Engagement
26:17 - Collaboration & Coalitions
31:43 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Scarcity and competition hinder the ability to collaborate. While those worries are normal, they stop organizations with common goals from building strong partnerships. How do we change that?

The Dovetail “How We Collaborate” Playbook is designed to provide a framework for organizations and teams to work together more effectively. It helps establish shared values, language, and practices for collaboration, ensuring that everyone is aligned on goals and approaches, equitably.

Access the “How We Collaborate” Playbook here - https://dovetaildetroit.org/playbook-trilogy/how-we-collaborate/

The “colliders” for this conversation bring a wealth of experience in creating shared strategies for collective action and community development in Detroit & SE Michigan. They have been valuable partners in the development of the “How We Collaborate” Playbook.

GUESTS:
Heather Nugen, Director of Systems Transformation at Michigan Community Resources
Shelley Danner, Co-Founder & Program Director at Challenge Detroit
Charnae Sanders, Program Manager at Coact Detroit

The “How We Collaborate” Playbook was created in a partnership between Michigan Community Resources and Co.act Detroit. It emerged from meaningful conversations during the “2021 Detroit Capacity Building Forum: How We Collaborate.” It also draws upon ideas shared locally and nationally about advancing equity and collaboration in the nonprofit sector.

To access the 2021 Detroit Capacity Building Forum: How We Collaborate visit - https://padlet.com/micommunityresources/how-we-collaborate-2021-detroit-capacity-building-forum-bkxqn5rbm5holk7w

To find out more about Co.act Detroit visit - https://coactdetroit.org/

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome
01:41 - Guest Introductions
03:22 - Purpose of Playbook
05:27 - Collaboration in Detroit
08:08 - Challenge Detroit
12:30 - The Playbook in Action
24:58 - Best Use of the Playbook
32:16 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Can nonprofit organizations become workplace environments that nurture rest and wellness?

This episode marks the conclusion of our Fund Well Series, which has focused on the importance of funding wellbeing for nonprofit leaders and teams. For more conversations about wellbeing and rest, check out Co.act's Nonprofit Wellbeing Series and the Virtual Resource Library here: https://coactdetroit.org/resources/virtual/.

The “colliders” for this conversation have joined from across the globe - Washington State and London, England - to bring their unique and “radical” ideas to the Co.act Detroit community. This candid conversation challenges the grind and burnout culture prevalent in the nonprofit workplace.

GUESTS:
Jodi Nishioka, Co-Executive Director at BIPOC ED Coalition WA - https://bipocedcoalitionwa.org/
Kate Oliver, Radical Rest Network - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kate-oliver-96b6a6162

Read Kate Oliver’s blog post on Radical Rest - https://www.anewdirection.org.uk/blog/radical-rest-for-the-cultural-sector

To join the Radical Rest Network visit - https://forms.gle/kaLvPzRRQmgbyQaS7

To learn more about the mentioned book, “Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey, visit - https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tricia-hersey/rest-is-resistance/9780316365536/

To find out more about Co.act Detroit visit - https://coactdetroit.org/

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome
01:11 - Guest Introductions
01:57 - Personal Jouneys
07:54 - Rest is Unique
12:33 - Benefits of Sabbaticals
37:32 - The Radical Rest Network
46:07 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps