Autumn seems to have come a bit early this year with back to school. If you are not hitting the books in a school setting, here are top choices to help you stay on top of the skills you need to be effective in the charity sector.
Hooked on a Feeling by Francesco Ambrogetti
In his landmark book, Emotionraising, Francesco Ambrogetti was the first to tell us how to astonish, disturb, seduce, and convince the brain to support good causes. He gathered the best in neuroscience and behavioural science research to show us the theory and on-the-ground proof that emotion works. Now in Hooked on a Feeling — How the passion and devotion for good causes becomes memories and identities, he closes the loop and explains why and how we must convert responses to society’s chronic problems into long-term relationships that will lead to long-term solutions. Leading-edge insights for forward-thinking fundraisers. Hooked on a Feeling is now available for ordering online.
Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love editors Nneka Allen, Camila Vital Nunes Pereira and Nicole Salmon
“An anthology that’s lyrical, poetic and beautifully written …”
Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love is a collection of stories documenting racism and survival by 14 accomplished Black fundraisers working in charities across North America.
With searing and intimate detail, they write about their experiences with anti-Black racism—about coping with being last hired, first fired, overlooked for promotion to outright hostility in toxic workplaces. Their testimony chips away at the idea of the inherent goodness of the charitable sector.
“First and foremost, this book is the start of a process to systematically document our experiences, so our voices are the ones that shape the narrative,” say the editors. “Secondly, for those whom our stories resonate, we hope they give you the courage to voice your own experience.
“Finally, for those committed to being allies and accomplices in dismantling barriers and championing a sector culture of belonging and reciprocity, we hope the book illuminates a path to action.”
In addition to the editors Nneka Allen, Camila Vital Nunes Pereira and Nicole Salmon, contributors to Collecting Courage include Birgit Smith Burton, Christal Cherry, Kishshana Palmer, Heba Mahmoud, Mide Akerewusi, Naimah Bilal, Niambi Martin-John, Fatou Jammeh, Muthoni Kariuki, Sherrie James and Marva Wisdom.
Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love editors Nneka Allen, Camila Vital Nunes Pereira and Nicole Salmon
The Intrepid Nonprofit: Strategies for Success in Turbulent Times by Tim Plumptre
The Intrepid Nonprofit: Strategies for Success in Turbulent Times is a playbook for nonprofit leaders to help them navigate the turbulent environment ahead.
It examines difficult challenges facing nonprofits, such as shrinking or stagnating revenue sources, technological change, under-performing boards, staff turnover, mission drift, or measuring intangible results. Drawing insights from organizations that have not only prospered but sometimes achieved outstanding results, the book outlines practical strategies for success, including some out-of-the-box approaches to leadership. It also calls upon governments and foundations to do more to support the sector.
Tomorrow’s nonprofit leaders will have to be intrepid—resolute, imaginative, adaptable, and courageous. This book will inspire and sustain them when the going gets tough.
The Intrepid Nonprofit: Strategies for Success in Turbulent Times by Tim Plumptre
The Nonprofit Book of Wisdom: One Executive Director Who Couldn't be Swayed by Sheree Allison
In a series of short vignettes, charity sector veteran Sheree Allison provides an entertaining and insightful guide to not only surviving but thriving as a nonprofit leader.
From the Introduction:
"Executive directors are expected to know every facet of business and execute at near-perfect levels…all while working for a committee of volunteer employers in the least optimal conditions with a shoestring staff at the lowest possible compensation.
Inside this book, you will find a refreshingly powerful approach to the most critical concerns of every nonprofit. Whether you are eagerly entering the nonprofit world for the first time, or you’ve just exited a situation that left you with more questions than answers, I can promise you that mission fulfillment and personal success are possible for you."
The Nonprofit Book of Wisdom: One Executive Director Who Couldn't be Swayed by Sheree Allison
Green Green by David Love
David Love, the “Godfather of Good,” and one of Canada’s truly great fundraisers has finally distilled his 50+ years raising legacy gifts for nature into one happy gem packed with tips, ideas, and insights for fundraisers.
All author proceeds will go to The Love Family and Friends Fundraising Education Fund at Birds Canada.
Green Green by David Love.
The 100-Year PR Plan: A Guide for Advocates by Benjamin Miller
Language can be one of your most powerful allies or ardent foes. The 100-Year PR Plan will help you get language on your side. It evaluates how conventional wisdom about how nonprofits communicate is undermining their ability to make lasting change.
The 100-Year PR Plan: A Guide for Advocates by Benjamin Miller
You Have a Hammer: Building Grant Proposals for Social Change by Barbara Floersch
Written by the author of Grantsmanship: Program Planning & Proposal Writing, this is the perfect why-to book for nonprofit and grant professionals. Rather than just another how-to tome, in Hammer Barbara explains “why you need to think about the work in a particular way if you want to make a difference.” This 116-page primer challenges grantseekers and those who guide nonprofits to embrace the change-making power of their work. A quick and powerful primer for mission-driven leaders seeking an introduction to grant proposals, this little book is a pure-gold must-read for anyone engaged in grants development.
You Have a Hammer: Building Grant Proposals for Social Change
Creating Opportunities: A volunteer's memoir by Chris Snyder
Chris Snyder believes there is much more good in the world than bad. And, in Creating Opportunities-A Volunteer's Memoir, he takes us on a tour through the streets of Bombay, rural Malawi and high-powered boardrooms to tell us why. Chock full of interesting people and compelling anecdotes, it is one book everyone involved in charity, whether a worker, donor or volunteer, should read.
"Creating Opportunities is an inspiring roadmap of service and giving that others will certainly learn from."- The Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C. Governor General of Canada 2010-2017.
Creating Opportunities: A volunteer's memoir by Chris Snyder
Editor's note - Civil Sector Press is part of the Hilborn group of companies which includes Hilborn Charity eNews.
Cover photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
