Connecting Communities Consulting

Introducing Lightbulb Moments: Insights from 30 Years in Nonprofit Work Let’s discuss BYLAWS… ❌ One of the most common foundational mistakes in nonprofits is treating bylaws as a mere formality, neglecting their integral role in organizational operations. Many think, "Let’s just hire a lawyer to draft some bylaws so we can be official." 💡 In reality, bylaws are essential legal guidelines for managing your nonprofit effectively. While they don’t have to be overly complicated, bylaws require careful thought and clarity. The more attention you give to them at the outset, the more beneficial they will be in the long run. I promise you we practice what we preach in our household… On our Thanksgiving visit, my 22-year-old son handed me a set of bylaws with a handwritten note stating, “Could you please look over this at your convenience?" My initial thought was, “Sure, that’s actually what I want to do with the rest of my Thanksgiving break…review bylaws." 🙄 But, I also felt a sense of pride knowing he values bylaws and wants to ensure compliance, having witnessed the serious ethical and legal issues that can arise. So for all our benefit... Here are some key items to consider when creating and reviewing bylaws: ✅ Officer positions and responsibilities ✅ Annual meetings ✅ Proxies ✅ Meeting procedures and notifications ✅ Regular vs. special meetings ✅ Term limits and succession planning ✅ Vacancies and resignations ✅ Board composition (minimum and maximum sizes) ✅ Quorum requirements ✅ Committees (standing and special) ✅ Task forces ✅ Indemnification clauses ✅ Directors and Officers insurance If these topics seem unfamiliar, it’s time to dust off your bylaws and reacquaint yourself. It’s standard practice to review your bylaws every 3-5 years. This review helps pinpoint areas that need updating to ensure your daily operations align with your bylaws. If your nonprofit bylaws need a compliance review, you can contact us at Connecting Communities Consulting. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #bylawsmatter #nonprofitconsultant #bylawcompliance

I had an amazing time today at The Get Together, closing out the year and celebrating the collaboration between industry professionals and nonprofits dedicated to our city! I’m truly grateful to be a sponsor for this network and its participants, who have enriched my life. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #communityimpact #thegettogether Natasha Paradeshi Amanda Boyd Ginsu Varghese Ginger Harris Robin Sturgis Bridgett Edgar Jim Spence Eric Cowpersmith Pam Lilly Bill Baumeyer Catherine Brown Gabrielle Vasquez Baumeyer, ACC Kendra Atkins Hilda Marcel

I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my newly revamped website! I'd like to express my gratitude to a incredibly talented team of colleagues. A special shoutout to Michele Caldwell, my dedicated web designer for 15 years, along with her talented graphic designer, Ted Reade. I'm also thankful for Katie Lantukh, a gifted marketing expert, Grace Zuzu Darbyshire, whose stunning photography will astound you, and Bill Baumeyer, a faithful videographer for nonprofits. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #ittakesavillage #b2breferals Check Us Out! https://lnkd.in/g3NBfPWr https://lnkd.in/guvxWHQD

What a privilege to learn more about nonprofit best practices with The Get Together by participating in a site visit to the Prestige Learning Institute (PLI). PLI educates, equips, and ministers to immigrant and refugee families in Houston. Additionally, it was a wonderful opportunity to deliver a donation from PLI to SPORTS QUEST and reconnect with my longtime colleague and Connecting Communities Consulting client, Jim Spence! Michael Obringer Ginger Harris Roger Wernette Dr. Amy Fuller, LMFT-S, LPC-S, CST-S Gabrielle Vasquez Baumeyer, ACC Hilda Marcel Jenny Fridge #thegettogether #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #prestigelearninginstitute #lovingrefugees #communityconnector #nonprofitdevelopment

This past week, it was a pleasure to be a guest lecturer at Bakke Graduate University with students from all over the globe pursuing the quest to be servant leaders. We explored what it means to increase cultural sensitivity in racially diverse communities. #BakkegraduateUniversity #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #servantleadership Dr. Phinehas Kinuthia Matt Neely

People frequently ask me the following various questions, and I often provide these insights for context: What is your doctorate in? 👩🎓 Many people are unaware that there are two main types of doctorates. Academic doctorates (PhDs) emphasize research and contribute new findings to a field, while professional doctorates focus on applying knowledge in a specific profession (for example, a Doctorate in Education - EdD). I hold the latter—a Doctorate in Transformational Leadership (DTL). My journey in education wasn't something I initially planned. I don't consider myself primarily an "academic." The main motivator for pursuing further education was the realization that my learning would enable me to acquire the tools and resources necessary to serve others effectively. Where did you go to school? 📖 When I discovered Bakke Graduate University, it felt like the convergence of my professional and personal worlds. For those who know me well, it's clear that I value relationships as much as I do business, particularly in nonprofit development. Many people locally may not be familiar with Bakke; it is a global university established through the Lausanne Committee originally founded by Billy Graham. The university was created to address the need for education focused on theology, urban development, and business. As a result, when conversing with individuals associated with organizations like Compassion International, World Vision, or the United Nations, or with leaders from various countries, it’s common for them to know colleagues who have attended or are currently enrolled at Bakke. What does that education look like in practical terms? ✨ Imagine being in a class where one student is campaigning for the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, another is an ex-NFL Super Bowl champion starting a chaplaincy program on Wall Street, and yet another is a tribal leader addressing apartheid and genocide in his village. This was the real dynamic of my classes! I was immersed in an environment filled with leaders dedicated to transforming their communities while confronting significant challenges and enacting meaningful change. This week, I have the privilege of being a guest lecturer at Bakke. It’s humbling to think that the degree and dissertation that took 10 years to complete (a story for another day) will now inspire others on their own educational and professional paths. I look forward to continuing to work alongside transforming leaders who transform their communities! #transformationalleadership #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #bakkegraduateuniversity #transformationalspeaker Paulette Jordan Dr. Paulette Ragobeer Dr. Vedawattie Ram Dr. Kawal S Kareah Dr. Matthew A. Davis, TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, CLSSGB Arthur Benjamin, CDE, SPHR Lynn Turpin Hendricks Bill Payne, Rel.D., Nita Kotiuga Brad Smith Funmi Adeyemi Phd. PHR, Peoplesoft HRMS Adm Martine Audéoud

How timely! When you get a friend's book in the mail and can't wait to dive in! Pam Lilly, thank you for your sacrifices in going first! #thefirsttheonlythefew

Bel Inizio is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women by fostering self-confidence and essential life skills through fitness and nutrition. I had the honor of discussing the Stages of Forgiveness with their program graduates, known as the Forgiven Felons. "Freedom is found in forgiveness!" - Susan Nichols #transformationalspeaker #forgivenfelons #connectingcommunitiesconsulting Kendra Atkins Rachel Sanrelus Caroline V.

Introducing Lightbulb Moments: Insights Gained from 30 Years in Nonprofit Work ❌ A common mindset among many nonprofit executives and board members is: "We're a nonprofit, not a business." 💡 However, the truth is: Nonprofits ARE businesses. The difference lies in how they utilize their profits, reinvesting all revenues back into the organization to further their mission. I learned this lesson early on. My father operated our household with the efficiency of a Fortune 500 company (requiring three vendor bids for every aspect of my wedding). Simultaneously, my mother’s compassionate heart constantly nudged our family to step outside our comfort zone and serve others (reflected in the unexpected guests we constantly had in our home). These seemingly opposing traits—business acumen and altruism—became my DNA. According to Amanda Cole in NonProfitPro, one of the top trends for 2024 is adopting a Business-like Model for nonprofits. Organizations are recognizing that business-savvy skills are essential for fostering growth, sustainability, and impact. At Connecting Communities Consulting, my focus is to bridge that gap. This past week I had the privilege of engaging with nonprofit leaders and industry executives to explore strategies for enhancing community impact! #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #barnabaspartners #nonprofitconsultant #communityconnector #nonprofitbusiness Pam Lilly Willis (Gary) Dunkum Gabrielle Vasquez Baumeyer, ACC Hilda Marcel Erin Lichnovsky Bill Baumeyer Andrew Willey Jessica Willey, CPA Nancy Penney

For 30 years, I have made it a habit during my vacations to research a local nonprofit in the city I am visiting and arrange a meeting with their Executive Director. This has allowed me to gain insights into the context of poverty in different areas, learn best practices, and connect with leaders dedicated to making a positive impact in their neighborhoods. Today, we implemented this same concept at The Get Together in Houston. A group of nonprofit and business leaders visited The Nativity Academy of Houston, which serves some of the most vulnerable populations in our city, educating children from age 3 through 6th grade. According to a 2023 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, “The U.S. education system — including early education, K-12, postsecondary schooling, and career training — is a crucial driver of upward intergenerational mobility by equipping individuals with skills valued by employers.” Witnessing a nonprofit in action that has a long-term vision of providing essential tools and resources to communities is truly inspiring creates transformational change. #connectingcommunitiesconsulting #thegettogether #nativityacademy #gulftonneighborhood #communitytransformation Ginger Harris Catherine Brown Robin Sturgis Hannah White Dr. Amy Fuller, LMFT-S, LPC-S, CST-S Jamie Garcia Jenny Fridge Bill Bispeck Roger Wernette