http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html The 'Making Change' blog is about real people with real situations getting involved to help others. It is published in the Washington Times Communities. en-us online leadership tools Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:57:09 GMT Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:57:09 GMT online-leadership-tools.com http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#4-H:-Learn.-Serve.-Lead. 4-H involves over 6 million young people and 518,000 volunteers. Read about one familys experience. | Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:37:26 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Growing-leaders-for-agriculture A program focused on enhancing leaders for vital rural organizations and small towns. Over thirty states offer such programs as well as Canada and Australia Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:37:26 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Eastern-Europe:-Changes-from-1988-2010 After perestroika and the fall of the Berlin Wall, what change is visible to a tourist in cities in Eastern Europe? A tourist shares her impressions on change and continuity. Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:06:17 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Volunteer?-Lots-of-people-do. The Corporation for National and Community Service released a report on Volunteering in America 2010. Across the country, 63.4 million Americans volunteered to help their communities in 2009. This was an additional 1.6 million volunteers when compared to 2008. Their contribution of 8.1 billion hours of service has an estimated dollar value of nearly $169 billion. Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:28:46 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Assets-for-independence Buy a home. Start a business. Get an education. Check out this program that helps these dreams become reality. Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:31:24 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Public-Affairs-students-take-on-tough-issues This week I was inspired by the thirty graduate students who enrolled in my course at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Their motto is Learn here, lead everywhere. And they are. Sat, 29 May 2010 19:46:25 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Neutrality:-A-key-to-productive-public-meetings? There is often a neutral facilitator on hand when work sessions are engaging and show results. Fri, 21 May 2010 03:49:15 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Boomer-heavy:-Millennial-light? This week I facilitated a futures conversation with a statewide organization. They are boomer heavy and millennial light. Many employees were born from 1946-1964. Few employees were born since 1980. They have made a commitment to involving the younger generation in shaping the future of their organization. Fri, 14 May 2010 02:37:00 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Difficult-Groups:-What-Makes-Them-Tick? This is a story of a difficult public group and an analysis of why it was tough. Wed, 05 May 2010 01:20:28 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Working-with-difficult-groups? Help has arrived. It is called The Handbook for working with difficult groups: How they are difficult, why they are difficult, and what you can do about it. Facilitating Multicultural Groups is the title of our chapter number four. It was co-authored with my colleague Mary Laeger-Hagemeister and improved with help from Joyce Hoelting. It is a case study about forums convened between a United States regional health care system, and new residents who were immigrants from Somalia and Mexico. Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:33:43 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Is-the-Twins-ballpark-a-sensible-public-good? The new Twins ballpark has people talking. Is the public dollar subsidy for professional sports a wise economic decision? Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:58:19 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Has-your-boss-told-you-to-delegate-more? The popularity of the phrase delegate more to others follows economic downturns. Fewer people equal more delegation. | Sat, 10 Apr 2010 20:42:46 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Properity-on-the-rise-in-small-towns One of my toughest and yet most fulfilling professional roles was co-creating and co-implementing Horizons: Community Leadership for Poverty Reduction. It is aimed at towns under 5,000 people with poverty rates higher than 10. More than 200 communities have been involved and are now more vital. Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:40:45 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Harriet-Tubman-and-the-Underground-Railroad You may have heard of the Underground Railroad, but did you know that without the help of a former slave, Harriet Tubman, it wouldnt have been so successful. This essay will describe her younger life, what she contributed to ending slavery, and what we can learn from her. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:13:04 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Shifting-public-private-costs-of-K-12-education? Has there been a shift in the public-private share of K-12 educational costs? What is the fair share of parental support? More regular classroom projects and activities now require fees. Are youth missing out on lifelong habits and skills due to higher fees? Will a short-term choice have long-term public implications? For example, in the United States we see a rising concern and public response to obesity. Are kids sitting out of sports due to fees their parents cant afford? And gaining weight that will plague them throughout their lifetime? From which health care problems are likely? Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:36:22 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Tough-times:-Volunteer-farm-advisors-deployed Agriculture provides billions of dollars in Minnesota economic activity. Thousands of people directly employed in agriculture are facing tough times. Indirectly, many more are affected by the poor agricultural economy. Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:50:46 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Juding-fundamentals-of-great-organizations On the draft winds of the Olympics it is timely to consider rating systems. For example, if a public organization were to be judged, what would the rubric be? How can an organization be a 10? Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:50:46 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Fundraising:-From-Private-Gain-to-Public-Cause After fundraising for tangible goods and groups; how do you transition youth to support intangible public causes? Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:54:06 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Picturesque-Farms:-1850-and-1930 Get a glimpse of historic Minnesota farms by visiting the Farmamerica site. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:52:42 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/Donna-Rae-Scheffert.html Donna-Rae-Scheffert is introduced with professional capacities, employment history, past teaching, education, and more. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:26:38 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Pentagon-Promises-to-Pay:-Veteran-Invests-in-Inner-Cities The Pentagon just announced that over $10 million dollars due to National Guard members will be paid by March 19, 2010. Among them is my youngest brother Kevin. He came home from war torn Iraq in July, 2007. He invested his military pay in a campaign combating violence in U.S. inner cities. He is unsure about where his back pay may go. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:01:25 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Philanthropic-Women:-Join-the-Movement Women giving money to create change has grown quickly over the past decade. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:01:25 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Easy-Grading-System-Makes-Judging-Hard A speech judge ponders how to encourage individual progress with an easy grading system. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:59:32 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Innovative-Solutions-for-2010-Problems The Northfield Area Fdn. funded seventeen projectes. Three of those efforts stood out. They seemed to be historical markers that we can point back to 2010 in the United States . They relate to solid waste, affordable housing, and elders connections to nature. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:18:56 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Insights-from-Third-Generation-Volunteer-at-Homeless-Shelters Caroline is the third generation in her family to volunteer at homeless shelters. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:45:57 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Entreprenuerial-School-Leaders School leaders are activating and mobilizing others to make positive change. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:45:57 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#MLK-Day:-National-Civil-Rights-Museum Many cities and towns are known by events that occurred there. They are intertwined. Historical connotation to a place can be positive or negative. In the best case scenario, public good can even come out of a tragedy. And, the place serves as a reminder of what is important to those of us who visit there. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:21:58 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Growing-Crops-in-Haiti-Not-Halted-by-Earthquake Protein is in short supply in poverty stricken Haiti. Volunteers are helping to establish crops to increase the protein supply in Haiti. Tom OMalley noticed the lack of food crops when he first traveled to Haiti on a mission trip in 2004. He thought, Here is a place where my agricultural background is needed. I know about the leaf protein process and they need it here. I have felt the burden ever since to help the people of Haiti. Tom helped establish the Protein For Kids project. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:10:16 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#High-School-Youth-Takeover-the-Capitol How would you like to serve as a legislator, judge, attorney, lobbyist, cabinet member, media rep, and/or governor for a four day trial period? Nearly 1,400 high school students recently found out what it is like to run the State of Minnesota. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:10:06 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Unconditional-Hospitality-in-Community A simple way to understand unconditional hospitality is to compare it to the outsider syndrome. | Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:05:04 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Medical-Professionals-and-Students-Volunteer-in-Peru Dentists, physicians, and students travel to Peru to provide dental and medical care for orphanages and remote villages. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:44:06 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/list-of-online-tools.html List-of-online-tools for leaders to use immediately with their team. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:59:17 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#2010:-Scrooge-Is-Out-Generosity-Is-In Writing this column has provided me insight into generosity. That surprised me. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:48:06 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Rising-Costs-of-Public-Burial-or-Cremation At death, will it be cremation or burial for you? If you have personal means to cover your expenses, you have a choice to make. If you are poor, and die in Minnesota, cremation is now your default option. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:48:06 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#The-Blind-Side:-An-Uncommon-Story A poor young man becomes prosperous. How common is it for poor children to climb the economic ladder? Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:13:36 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Wanted:-The-Next-Generation-of-Leaders Emerging leaders? Is cultivating the next group of leaders worthy of public funding? Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:13:36 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#All-I-Want-For-Christmas-is-Dental-Care Christmas came early for underserved children with dental needs when the the Ronald McDonald van came to town. | Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:37:29 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Board-Members-Make-Lunch-for-NonProfit-Staff This is a time to rethink the rules of engagement of board members and staff members. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:57:01 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Designate-Your-Host-Gifts-for-Charity Are you hosting a home party? If so, why not ask guests to bring a food item for the food shelf or other local charity? Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:20:01 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Nearly-Nine-Hundred-Children-Benefit-from-Holiday-Sharing Read how one community ensures that low-income families have gifts to give to their children. And grow generosity. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:29:06 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Is-Your-Leader-A-Director-or-a-Guide Many leaders direct and decide. Some coach or mentor. What do life-changing leader's do to guide others? Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:15:24 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Increasing-Volunteerism-One-Pledge-At-A-Time How a community enhances individual and community life by encouraging the habits of volunteerism and philanthropy. Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:09:01 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Does-Your-Commmunity-Have-a-Foundation? A community foundation can help local organizations with basic necessities or creative projects. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:14:39 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Try-'Fair-Trade'-for-Holiday-Shopping Find links and information about fair trade opportunities. Use some of your consumer dollars to help others in poverty. Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:58:49 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Turning-Trash-Into-Cash Looking for a fund raising idea? There are companies who will pay schools and nonprofits to collect their product labels. One school has raised over $15,000. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:47:05 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#NonProfits-Net-$14-Million-in-24-hrs November 17 was a good day for Minnesota nonprofits. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:20:52 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Can-You-Name-the-Twelve-Socio-Economic-Levels? If you still think about classes as low, middle, and upper class; check out this story about the twelve in the United States today. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:49:13 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Missing-in-Action-Hunters The Moon family has found hundreds of service personnel formerly on the U.S. missing in action list. Read about their extraordinary volunteer missions. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:49:13 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Wanted:-Wise-and-Tech-Savvy-Leaders This is a tale of a board of directors. Thirteen were tech savvy. One was not. How important are tech skills for civic leaders today? Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:49:13 GMT http://www.online-leadership-tools.com/online-leadership-tools-blog.html#Focus-on-Veterans-on-November-11th Our armed forces protect and serve. They get involved in both domestic and international peace keeping, emergency response, military action, and more. We are asked by our U.S. government to take a day to remember and honor them on November 11th. If you do not know any veterans, or have children and want to make the day come more alive for them, feel free to read about and "adopt" my family of veterans. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:54:09 GMT