Never too late for a Christmas message of hope
A friend who shared this story described it as "the best sermon" my dear friend and mentor Rev. William Sloane Coffin, Jr., who passed away this year, "never preached." It was Christmas Eve and the pews at
Never mind that no figure of the innkeeper actually appears in scripture. We've all imagined him delivering the message of no room, of inhospitality to the baby Jesus and His parents. And it seemed the perfect part for Tim, an earnest youth of the congregation who has Down Syndrome. Only one line to remember: "There's no room at the inn!" He had practiced it again and again with his parents and with the pageant director. He seemed to have mastered it.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
(Our monthly Scorecard on "Power of Storytelling" Outcomes)
In the Fall of 2011 we detected some fresh breezes blowing in the world of non profit communication. We had been very pleased with the recognition given our 2010-11 national research. (Messaging to Mobilize Support for Children's Issues). But the concerted action—the collaborations—the energy—desperately needed from grantmakers to close the gap between good outcomes being achieved by their grantees in community-based initiatives, and the messaging required to win leader support and funding for sustainability and future growth, continues to lag.
Let me put it this way! Melinda and Bill Gates get it! If you want sustainability in the child-youth-family field, you must tell success stories. Not just individual anecdotes about individual kids or families, but the kind of storytelling that demonstrates how building better lives for young people strengthens the communities in which they live.
That's why, when you read our carefully researched success stories—and our updates to those narratives—you will always find demonstrations of impact and outcomes for the community at large.Our National research showed that "building a strong community" was always a key motivator.
We launch "Good News Nuggets on Children's Issues and Programs 2012" with just 3 short references—plus links to recent "fresh breeze" stories in 2012.
- Eureka! Storytelling Wins High Praise in Nonprofit Outcomes Toolbox 2011
- Does Communications Training for Grantees Make A Difference? Hewlett Foundation Learns From Its Grantees What Works (and What Doesn't)
- Ready by 21 attendees Swap Success Stories at Regional Meetings: New Sweet Spot in Messaging
Hershel Sarbin, editor and publisher
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Who's Doing What That Works
Rhode Island Kids Count Turns Data Into Policy Power; Small State, Big Impact
Every year on the first Monday in April, the governor of Rhode Island, two U.S. senators, members of Congress, the attorney general and state house leaders gather for a breakfast at a hotel in Warwick - 600 attendees all told, to release the annual Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook - a compendium of information on the status and progress of the state's children. In the audience as well are doctors, media and young people. In fact, there is a brief keynote address by a young person.