Writing federal grant proposals can be tough - especially when it comes to writing goals, defining outcomes, and showing how you will demonstrate your impact. In this episode, Drew dives into tips and strategies for how to talk about data collection in your federal grant proposals. He talks about performance measures, building a plan for data collection, identifying useful data collection tools, and how to align your data collection procedures across your proposal with a performance measures table. Use tips from this episode to help separate yourself from the field and win that next six- or se ..read more

Announcing: The Common Good Data Podcast! In our trailer episode, we share how this podcast - designed for nonprofit and government leaders - will help you use data and evaluation strategies to build effective and sustainable programs in the areas of prevention, mental health, human services, and education. Hosted by the dynamic social work duo - Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe ..read more

What brings you joy in your work? How do you find purpose and meaning in your career? This week, we invited award-winning mental health practitioner, speaker, spiritual healer, podcaster, advocate, and author Erica Sandoval to talk meaning, purpose, leadership, and storytelling in social work practice. Erica shares about her experience as President of NASW New York, her career journey in starting Sandoval CoLab, and her book Latinx/e in Social Work. We also talk a lot about the importance of relationships in social work leadership - and not being afraid to take a new courageous step in your ca ..read more

What is the relationship between food and health? Can food be medicine? This week, we invited Matt Pieper from Open Hand Atlanta to talk about food, nutrition, and community health. We discuss research showing the effectiveness of medically-tailored nutrition interventions, we examine the ways social enterprise can support nonprofits and other socially-conscious missions, and we mix it with great music including “TV Dinners” from ZZ Top and “Peaches” from The Presidents of the United States. Check out this great episode ..read more

What are some of the myths of nonprofit leadership, and what are leadership postures that make for effective leadership? This week, we are joined by Michele Reiner of Storied Awareness to talk about nonprofit leadership with a focus on awareness, vulnerability, and courage. We discuss the myths of nonprofit leaders, why nonprofit leaders are leaving the field and what helps leaders be more effective so they can thrive in their roles. We also talk about the importance of support through coaching and building the relationship between the Executive Director and Board Chair. We start the interview ..read more

What are some of the challenges facing youth with respect to substance use? This week, we are joined by Nilda Delgado and Ricardo Torres of the Alianza Coalition who share about their work in reducing substance use among Latino youth. We talk coalitions, reducing access, communications and messaging, and acculturation stress. At the top of the episode, Roger and Drew also each share their top 5 Latin/Spanish language songs of the 80s/90s to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Learn more about this episode and more at www.commongooddata.com/podcast So that we can play the music of the 80s/90s ri ..read more

How are you building community collaborations in your organization? Who are the mentors and professionals who have guided you in your practice? We discuss these topics and more with Dr. Deidre Carmichael of the Child Welfare Training Collaborative and Project Director at GSU’s Professional Excellence Program. We begin with a conversation on gratitude in professional relationships with Natalie Merchant’s Kind and Generous. We then transition to a great conversation on child welfare, trauma/resilience, community collaborations, and professional development. We then relive the memories of great 8 ..read more

(Interview only) “They have lost faith, and we have lost credibility with them,” shares our guest Men Tchaas Ari of Communities in Schools as we talk about the importance of relationships in supporting student academic, social, and emotional wellbeing in the wake of the pandemic. We discuss educational inequality, achievement gaps, mental health and trauma, and how nonprofits and community organizations can build partnerships with schools to support student wellbeing. Roger and Drew kick off the episode with David Bowie/Queen’s Under Pressure and we wrap up with a celebration of Soul to Soul’s ..read more

(Interview Only) Drew & Roger are back! We're launching the Common Good Mixtape where we mix the music of the 80s and 90s with social work and nonprofit practice. We're joined by Edwin Arce Jr. & Patrick Hayes to kick off our segment on mental health to discuss social work practice with veterans. We talk common misconceptions about veterans, the divide between civilians and those in uniform, and how to support veterans experiencing homelessness. We also talk about invisible wounds and the lasting legacy of trauma for veterans returning from overseas conflicts. And we also listen to Bru ..read more

New name, new place: The Common Good Mixtape (formerly the Common Good Hour) is now available on Spotify, where you can hear interviews with nonprofit and social sector leaders mixed with your favorite 80s/90s music. Learn more at www.commongooddata.com/podcast ..read more