U. S. Dream Academy’s Post

🌟 Shining a Light on the American South’s Untapped Change-Makers 🌟 Marc Carr MBA reflects on a recent tour of the American South, it’s clear that we’re only scratching the surface of the immense change-making talent that exists within these communities. From Clarksdale, Mississippi—known as the home of the blues but rich with community redevelopment efforts—to bustling Charlotte, I witnessed powerful initiatives led by local leaders deeply rooted in the challenges their communities face. These “proximate leaders” are the very people driving innovative solutions, reclaiming their communities, and demonstrating a unique, authentic approach to impact that only those close to the issues can bring. This journey reinforced the importance of being on the ground, not just looking at data from afar. Foundations have a crucial role in supporting these local changemakers by truly understanding community needs, which often means taking the time to tour, listen, and learn firsthand. Supporting these leaders—who are overlooked far too often—can help catalyze sustainable, locally driven change. If foundations, investors, and advocates continue to focus on proximate leadership, we can uplift these communities and the often-overlooked positive stories that exist alongside the challenges. Let’s recognize and champion the impactful work happening in the South and beyond. #CommunityCapital #ProximateLeadership #SouthernChangeMakers #ImpactInvestment #CommunityDevelopment #UntappedTalent #FoundationsForChange #InvestInTheSouth #ClarksdaleMississippi #Charlotte

I’ve worked with Dana Cummings, EdD, CFRE for over five years and cannot give a higher endorsement to her talent and professionalism. If you are in higher education or non-profit l, especially, Dana has deep experience in development, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and relationship development and management. #highered #development #fundraising #strategy #consulting #leadership

Pre-COVID, the Effective Church Group was heavily involved in on-site church consultations across the nation. At one point, I spent almost 200 days a year on the road, working with churches across the U.S. to help them transition from stagnation to growth. The pandemic, however, changed all of that, leading to a shift in how consultations are conducted. Like many others, we’ve adapted to fewer on-site consultations, but our commitment to impactful, customized church growth strategies remains unwavering. Recently, I had a conversation with a pastor and church board about what a consultation with the Effective Church Group entails. One thing that sets us apart is that we don’t operate from a standard template during consultations. Instead, we utilize a refined data gathering instrument that we’ve honed over 30 years to ensure we collect all the necessary information for informed recommendations. 📊 But that’s just the beginning. Our approach involves spending several days with the church, its leadership, and the community. We delve deep into understanding the people, their vision, leadership styles, congregational culture, and the community’s dynamics. This immersive process allows us to identify and build effective bridges between the church and the community. 🌍🤝 During these days, we interview people, observe the congregation at work and play, and watch staff and leadership interactions. This comprehensive approach enables us to create a strategic plan tailored to helping the church move from where it is to maximizing its potential. 🌟 Trust is built through thorough understanding and personalized strategies, and that’s exactly what we aim to provide. If you’re looking to transform your church and maximize its impact, let’s start the journey together. 📅 Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our consultation process. #effectivechurch #churchgrowth #pastors #church #churchconsultation #churchleadership #trustbuilding

My late husband, Brian, had a remarkable journey filled with lessons on leadership, resilience, and the essence of a servant's heart in business. A huge part of that was his relationships. Brian started in the roofing industry as a teenager and, by 19, was propelled into ownership, fueled by mentorship and a referral network. He always put people and relationships first. Brian often shared that the core of our business was not roofing—it was people. From nurturing a referral network to the genuine care of our subcontractors and customers, he believed in treating everyone with respect and priority. This philosophy didn't just build a business; it created a community. Many people have told me that Brian’s funeral had more people than they’ve ever seen at any other funeral. That’s a testament to how he treated people and relationships. I do my best to honor that legacy as I continue to lead Land Enterprises Roofing. I hope that I treat people well and maintain a servant’s heart. How do you build relationships and put people first, even in business? #Leadership #Resilience #ServantLeadership #CommunityBuilding #RoofingProfessionals #BusinessEthics

For me, leadership is personal. It’s not just about making decisions from my desk. It’s about getting involved and being where it matters most. I take pride in being hands-on. I’ve learned about every aspect of our work, from collaborating with nonprofits to locating essential resources for our residents. I have worked with my team on maintenance and repair tasks. These tough experiences remind me why we do this: to improve the lives of families in our communities. Every repair we make, every system we improve, and every partnership we create helps turn neglected properties into safe and thriving spaces. We are not just building homes; we are creating opportunities and fostering a sense of dignity and pride for those living in them. Leadership involves action, and I’m proud to lead by example. I'm always available to chat if you’re interested in hearing more about our work and how you can contribute to its impact. #Leadership #AffordableHousing #CommunityImpact #HandsOn #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityLeadership #HandsOnLeadership #AffordableHousingAdvocate #CommunityEngagement #SocialImpact #HousingSolutions #CommunityBuilding #Empowerment

Leadership isn’t just about having a title—it’s about taking action, advocating for others, and continuously striving for the success of your community. Whether through my role as an executive board member of the Huntington County Humane Society, serving on the Huntington City Plan Commission, or leading efforts within Pathfinder, I aim to foster growth and inclusion in every space I occupy. #Leadership #CommunityInvolvement #NonprofitLeadership #Pathfinder

Unearthing insights from Adam Smith's philosophy, companies can play a crucial role in our communities. These companies may extract labor and resources, yet they often give back, ensuring community support thrives. This is where the whole concept of B Corps and responsible organizations shines, embodying a balance between profit and community well-being. - Capitalist systems often face criticism for resource extraction. - Yet, they have the potential to reinvest in community growth. - B Corps represent this duality, focusing on both profit and social responsibility. What are your thoughts on the balance between corporate profit and community responsibility? Share your experiences or insights in the comments! 🎧📺📑: https://lnkd.in/etsNYFN4 #CorporateResponsibility #BCorp #CommunityImpact #SustainableBusiness #BusinessEthics #Leadership #AdamSmithPhilosophy #ResourceExtraction #CommunityGrowth #CorporateProfit #SocialResponsibility #CorporateBalance #ProfitCommunity #BusinessSustainability #EthicalLeadership #ResponsibleBusiness #RebeccaHenderson #HarvardBusinessSchool #Harvard

Pre-COVID, the Effective Church Group was heavily involved in on-site church consultations across the nation. At one point, I spent almost 200 days a year on the road, working with churches across the U.S. to help them transition from stagnation to growth. The pandemic, however, changed all of that, leading to a shift in how consultations are conducted. Like many others, we’ve adapted to fewer on-site consultations, but our commitment to impactful, customized church growth strategies remains unwavering. Recently, I had a conversation with a pastor and church board about what a consultation with the Effective Church Group entails. One thing that sets us apart is that we don’t operate from a standard template during consultations. Instead, we utilize a refined data gathering instrument that we’ve honed over 30 years to ensure we collect all the necessary information for informed recommendations. 📊 But that’s just the beginning. Our approach involves spending several days with the church, its leadership, and the community. We delve deep into understanding the people, their vision, leadership styles, congregational culture, and the community’s dynamics. This immersive process allows us to identify and build effective bridges between the church and the community. 🌍🤝 During these days, we interview people, observe the congregation at work and play, and watch staff and leadership interactions. This comprehensive approach enables us to create a strategic plan tailored to helping the church move from where it is to maximizing its potential. 🌟 Trust is built through thorough understanding and personalized strategies, and that’s exactly what we aim to provide. If you’re looking to transform your church and maximize its impact, let’s start the journey together. 📅 Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our consultation process. #effectivechurch #churchgrowth #pastors #church #churchconsultation #churchleadership #trustbuilding

Did you know that April is the #NationalMonthOfHope? At BCF, we believe that every person deserves to love the community in which they live. Which is why our mission is to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership and strategic investments. Learn more about who we are, what we do and why we do it: https://ow.ly/GAjc50R3hmn

What drives someone to enter the political arena? For Harrison Roday, it’s rooted in the belief that politics should be about public service His journey was heavily influenced by mentors like Senator Tim Kaine, whose commitment to serving people left a lasting impression on him. Here are a few key takeaways that has inspired Harrison's vision for leadership: 1️⃣ Service Over Self: Politics isn't a platform for personal gain; it’s an opportunity to uplift our communities. 2️⃣ Community Focus: It’s essential to address the needs of EVERY resident, regardless of their background. 3️⃣ Building Opportunities: We have a unique moment to create a city that works for everyone and fosters success. As Harrison runs for mayor, his goal is to ensure that Richmond evolves into a city where opportunity is abundant for all. #PublicService #Leadership #Community #RVASmallBusinessShow #RVASmallBusinessNetwork #MeetTheCandidate #RichmondElection2024