blog
Late Night Fundraising Blog
Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of writing a blog post around this time of year, sharing reflections on my role and work fundraising for NEW. And each year, I’ve taken time to reflect, found a central theme, and waxed poetic about my latest musings. And of course,...
Design, Strategy & Sociocracy, Reimagining Our Organizations Through A Justice-Centered Lens with Jeanne Bell
In this engaging conversation, Yodit Mesfin Johnson, President & CEO of NEW, and Jeanne Bell, founder of JustOrg Design, explore how organizations can fully activate bold strategies and build collective decision-making power...
A Call For Bold Choices, Again
I’m writing this at the end of my first week back from an incredibly memorable two-month sabbatical. In their 2023 grant cycle, the McGregor Fund made a bold investment in leaders of Detroit-area nonprofits who are dedicated to equity and justice. This shift in the...
A Love Letter to our Learning Community Alums
“We are exactly who we need.” This is a commonly used phrase around NEW these days, and I completely understand why. Coming to NEW burned out and feeling alone, I have experienced healing and daily inspiration from my connections with those in NEW’s Learning...
Exciting Developments for New Beginnings
https://youtu.be/5KBc4IJ3UGE?si=2ETm7ltU6IixCdDd When one door closes, another opens. At least that's our experience at NEW right now. As the composition of NEW's leadership has changed over the past few months, we've had the opportunity to reflect on what we can gain...
Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Equity: What’s the worry?
By Terri McKinnon When I hear folks talk about AI, I instinctively get a little pit in my stomach. In my lifetime, I've seen us go from TVs with only four (4) channels to streaming thousands of shows on our computers. I've seen us go from sharing one phone - attached...
A Good Challenge
by Perry Ohren, board member - May 17, 2024 My first job in the “nonprofit” sector, in 1984, was at Ozone House, after having volunteered for a couple of years there. At the time, this was “right down the street” from the NEW Center, at 608 N. Main. Ozone House was...
Navigating Transitions: Honoring Change and Growth Vlog
Change is an inevitable part of life, shaping our personal experiences and the world around us. While the process of change can be daunting and filled with uncertainty, it holds the potential for growth, innovation, and new opportunities. Join Yodit, Carrie and Linda,...
Strategic Plan Reflections & Key Themes Vlog
With Yodit Mesfin Johnson, Emily Heintz, Perry Ohren, Nicole Cole and Carrie Hammerman
Cultivating a Values-Driven Culture: The Heartbeat of Effective Organizations
As a woman balancing multiple professional and personal responsibilities, I’ve felt the pressure to “do it all.” In such situations, being part of an organization that supports and understands these challenges is vital. NEW, SkySpecs, and EntryPoint have all demonstrated how a values-driven culture can provide that support, allowing people to excel. Do I sometimes work until 2 am when I have a big deadline? Yes, sometimes I do. Do I also feel comfortable and supported to cancel everything when a global pandemic hits or my kids have a snow day? Yes, I do.