Our Blog of News, Tips & Insights
Welcome to The Commons, 501 Commons' blog, where we share:
- How-to's, tips, and tricks from nonprofit tech, finance, HR, and other areas
- News and updates about upcoming events, programs, and services
- Thought-provoking pieces around topics, such as skills-based volunteerism, nonprofit management, and more
- Stories from clients about the impact of 501 Commons' programs and services
Plus, we invite your comments! Add your thoughts to these posts, so our blog truly becomes "The Commons."
Advocacy is a Must for All Nonprofits and Board Members
In early August, 75+ people attended a workshop with Toren Lewis from the Alliance for Justice on the rules governing nonprofits being engaged in advocacy. The big takeaway was simple: Nonprofits and board members can and should advocate for the causes that matter most to them.
Helpful Resources: Methods for Advocating Effectively
While it may seem like well-funded special interest groups are drowning out citizens in the public policy advocacy space, nonprofits shouldn’t feel like they’re voiceless. With proper strategy and allies, creating lasting change at the local, state, and national levels is possible.
Increase Team Effectiveness by Building Trust
All teams will experience breakdowns in their effectiveness. These can be more easily and quickly resolved if you do some important work in advance. Building trust and establishing clear norms and expectations can reduce conflicts and increase accountability to organizational goals.
Know the Law...Before Incorporating Liquor, Cannabis, & Gambling Into Your Event
Nonprofits in Washington raise millions each year from fundraisers, auctions, and raffles. But – whoa Nelly! – before you plan your next event, read this helpful toolkit.
Vietnamese Friendship Association: Looking Ahead to a Changing Community
For 40 years, Vietnamese Friendship Association has proudly served the Vietnamese and refugee populations in South Seattle. The organization originally sought to help resettle refugees affected by the Vietnam War. As time has gone on, VFA shifted toward supporting education, economic self-sufficiency, and leadership development programs.
Helpful Resources: Understanding Microaggressions and Unintended Slights
A “microaggression” is a verbal or nonverbal cue (whether intentional or unintentional) that communicates hostility or bias toward a targeted group of people. These unintended slights may seem harmless on the surface, but they perpetuate the feeling of being devalued and viewed as “the other.”
Racial Microaggressions: Not All Offenses are Obvious
When we communicate with people from a racial or cultural background different from our own, there’s always the chance we might commit a “microaggression” – a verbal or nonverbal cue that conveys disrespect or bias.
Standing for Justice Together
Your mission may be best tackled by advocating for public policy and budget changes that impact your constituents. Learn the rules so that you can keep your board and organization aligned with the law while advocating for change.
What Nonprofits Need to Know About Data Privacy
Recent coverage about political campaigns using data curated by Facebook has awakened your clients, donors, and volunteers to privacy issues. Take those headlines as a heads up to make sure you can secure the personal data you have.
How Long Should Nonprofits Retain Certain Documents?
Federal and state laws require the retention of certain documents and electronic records for a minimum amount of time, making it essential for nonprofit organizations to have a written retention policy that is faithfully followed.