A few thoughts regarding the Deeper Change-CEIO forum recently held at the New Haven Grad Club

http://tomficklin.blogspot.com/2014/03/bringing-it-home.html

In December of 2011, Patricia became a foster mom to a baby girl named Kylie. “When she came to me, she was four months old,” says Patricia, “so light she was like paper.” Now two years old, Kylie is at a healthy body weight but has several significant developmental delays. Fortunately, she now receives free care from an experienced family child care provider named Debra…

The following New York Times article is a good example of what I think nonprofit leadership can (the now retired Chancellor) and not (the Board of Regents).  While the University is not precisely a nonprofit nor a Board of Regents precisely a board of directors, I believe the principles apply just the same.

Here is the…

I am currently participating the Community leadership program  and wanted to share a few thoughts thus far.

Being embedded and immersed has been really remarkable.

http://tomficklin.blogspot.com/2014/03/infinite-diversity-or-quantum-unity.html

Here also is the link to the program description…

In a way reading this article can make one go Ho-Hum, ie what else is new . Research without intervention can seem self defeating and impotent. Yet for my cup of tea, there has never been a time in American history and actually prior to 1776, and prior to the stamp act and the tea party, that the battle for resources and policy control has not been in play. Prior to Foxwoods ( the casino) there was some land gambling, blood letting and territorial war games taking place in Ledyard ! Today…

We know what we are, but know not what we may be.

(Hamlet 4.5.43-44)

On the eve of our 20th anniversary season, the Elm Shakespeare Company is looking ahead to the next 20 years of Shakespeare in our region. As part of this process, we are eager to collect input from those who love Elm Shakespeare, have yet to discover Elm Shakespeare, and everyone in between.

I invite you to participate in this anonymous survey,…

Wednesday April 30, 2014 - Wednesday April 30, 2014

3013 Dixwell Avenue

Map and Directions |…

Expansive Survey of America's Public Schools Reveals Troubling Racial Disparities

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released…

You have probably heard about "My Brother's Keeper" POTUS initiative. My good friend  Quida Washington as shared that there will be Google Hangout conversation about Women working for Black Male Achievement this Monday at 6:30 PM.

On Thursday, February 27, 2014 President Barack Obama took a bold new step by using his authority in this nation's executive office to announce "a new initiative with leading foundations and businesses that will take a collaborative,  approach to…

One can become weary of studies and research. Yet in some ways it is the world we live in. The data tool linked below could prove useful as we strive to erase the need to measure disparity.

http://tomficklin.blogspot.com/2014/03/functiond-s-id-var-js-fjs-d_9549.html

Some of you may have seen the Clybourne Park play presented by the Long Wharf Theatre last season and or attended the related community conversations co presented by the Long Wharf Theatre and the New Haven Public Library. I had the pleasure of co moderating the panels with Colin Caplan and Clifton Graves. This immersion really opened my eyes to how public policy impacts the literal and metaphorical design of our lives. Note for example the increased gentrification of New Haven and what that…

The following is an interesting "article" from Eugen Fram about what I call "polite" boards. Read and learn and feel free to share your own experiences and thoughts on the matter.

<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/nonprofit-board-professionalism/" target="_blank">&lt;a href=&quot;http://http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/nonprofit-board-professionalism/&quot;…

 Food for thought let's incorporate the Q House real estate footprint into a Dixwell Corridor Master plan. Integrate for example the Varick Church Development intentions, the Dixwell Church braintrust and money trust, the Trinity Temple economic development aspirations, the Elks real estate investment and related stakeholders not to mention the Dixwell Plaza Merchants Association into a big time design that future generations will be proud of. Greater New Haven and core city is poised for…

There has been and will probably continue to be much hot and cold air released regarding wealth, possession, distribution and justice. The free film screening on Thursday presents a cogent point of view and of course there are other ways of assessing the creation, manufacture , communication and transport of human capitol and the fruits of our individual and collective labors. Those of us in the non-profit sector might "profit" from attending this "FREE" film screening !…

You might not be able to travel to Pennsylvania to hear Bill Graustein deliver this presentation in early April. But on the other hand, given his loving and attentive investment into the New Haven non-profit community would it not be nice for a few folks to perhaps carpool and represent as the young people would say. Also who knows, perhaps we can entice Bill to deliver his lecture on home turf sometime soon as well !…

DOMESTIC ABUSE IS STILL NOT GIVEN THE RESOURCES & ATTENTION IT NEEDS AND DESERVES. IN MANY SEGMENTS OF OUR CULTURE WOMEN ARE STILL PERCEIVED TO BE PROPERTY. WE NEED TO EDUCATE TEENS; DOMINATION IS NOT LOVE. NO ONE SHOULD “OWN” OR BE POSSESSIVE OF YOU.

To End The Abuse, She Grabbed A Knife - The New York Times, Nicholas Kristof, 03/08/2014

Domestic violence deserves far…

Annual Charles A. Pillsbury Peacemaker Awards

Hamden, CT - Community Mediation, Inc. seeks nominations for the Charles A. Pillsbury Peacemaker Award.  The Award is given annually to a person or organization within the greater New Haven area in recognition of their contributions to more peaceable communities and greater understanding among community members.

The Pillsbury Peacemaker Award is named in honor of Charles A. Pillsbury, a previous Executive Director of…

There is always and understandably plenty of discussion surrounding fear and community safety. We have heard the current buzz words of creating a safe space, the hoodie phenomena from Geraldo Rivera, clutching the purse in the elevator, knock out punches and more. Those of us dedicated to making New Haven and empowered community recognize the challenges. Let's continue to combine faith and action.…

It is believed, and there's evidence among the mega-nonprofits to support this contention, that a fundraising board can make the make or break difference for a nonprofit.  A Wall Street Journal article on the prospects for the WTC…