One thought: Practical and Actionable

We finished a review for a client recently and she said our report was “practical and actionable.” We like to think we have some serious heft behind us in terms of academic training, diversity of clients and years of experience, but really practical and actionable are kind of the gold star. Then we read this superb essay from McSweeney’s “We dare you to figure out what our nonprofit does.” Priceless.

"Thank you for visiting our nonprofit organization’s website. The first thing you’ll see are some inspiring photographs—young people planting a tree, a diverse group of folks chatting on a street corner, and an unhoused person being handed a meal. You might imagine this means we plant trees, help young people, or serve food to the unhoused. But honestly, do you think we’d make it that easy for you?...

So, how does our staff spend its time? We can describe it in three simple words: we drive change. There, we told you. You want to know more? Fine, here you go. We leverage resources to build capacity. We align partners for impactful solutions. We address needs, embolden stakeholders, empower the powerless, and give voice to the voiceless."