January 17, 2024

Eight Benefits of Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is a key driver of success for individuals and organizations. By investing the time to work through a yearly plan, you will be better able to navigate uncertainty, set the stage for growth, and more successfully manage your organization. Here are eight compelling ...

December 5, 2023

Making Children Feel Welcome During the Holidays

Over the years, we’ve shared much information about how to welcome new families for the holidays. We covered topics like making a memorable first impression, establishing a new visitor procedure, the check-in and out process, safety procedures, and the importance of saying goodbye. Today, we want ...

November 16, 2023

Two Important Weekly Safety Questions

Families expect that if their children frequent an organization that serves kids and youth, it will consistently prioritize child safety. However, to prioritize safety, you must ask yourself the right questions. The right questions will help confirm that what you have in place is working ...

November 7, 2023

The Importance of Good Questions

You may not have all the answers as a leader, but that shouldn’t stop you from asking good questions. Questions are important because they stimulate discussion, promote critical thinking, and act as a conduit for increased creativity and innovation. Learning to ask powerful questions is ...

October 25, 2023

Four Types of Bullying and How to Respond

Bullying is a serious and complex issue, that if not dealt with can have lasting effects. One strategy we’ve highlighted is creating a Speak-Up Culture which empowers people to speak up and share their bullying experiences without retribution. It also encourages people to stand up for one another. ...

October 18, 2023

Seven Tips to Address Adult Bullying

Bullying is on track to become a national epidemic. October is National Bullying Prevention Month. We have shared information on how to prevent, address, and help kids and youth who are experiencing being bullied by their peers, but what about adults in leadership roles, volunteering, ...

September 28, 2023

How Body Language Impacts First Impressions

Families evaluate organizations serving kids and youth by how they conduct themselves. First impressions are important because they happen fast and are difficult to change, once established. Statements like “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” show its weight and importance. ...

September 20, 2023

12 Outreach Ideas for Fall

Fall is a great time to ramp up your outreach and work on building your local community. Shorter days, cooler weather, the delicious smells of fall, and the changing colors draw people outside. Experts believe fall has unique qualities that increase people’s excitement and willingness ...

September 13, 2023

Five Ways to Make Volunteering Easier

Why is it so hard to recruit people to volunteer? According to Stanford.edu, roughly 50% of Americans cite inflexible volunteer schedules, unrealistic commitments, and a lack of free time as the main reasons for not volunteering. So, how do you address these issues and make ...

August 23, 2023

8 Steps to Create a Training Program

We are heading into fall, meaning an increase in new volunteers who need to be trained. Many will be responsible for tasks they have never completed in a system they’ve never worked in. To help new volunteers be successful, you need to increase their knowledge ...