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Maybe you've felt it before. That moment when you're face-to-face with a potential major donor, or standing before your board, or speaking to a community group, and despite your preparation, passion and expertise, you can see their attention drifting. You know your organization's work is transformative. You can recite the statistics. You understand the impact. But somehow, in that moment, the magic of your mission isn't communicated as vividly as you hoped it would be.

I've been there and that is why I’m excited to share some reflections from a book I have read that has helped shape my approach to storytelling. Karen Eber's book, The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories That Inspire Action and Get Results offers science-based frameworks that are easy to apply to how you tell stories about your organization’s impact and mission in action.

For leaders of mission-driven organizations, keeping a hopeful attitude is critical to meeting the inevitable challenges that arise. But how do you keep your attitude positive when things aren’t going your way?

In “Imaginable” by Jane McGonigal, the author introduces the concept of “urgent optimism.” In this state of mind, it’s possible to be realistic about the issues and risks ahead, while also keeping an open eye and heart as to how you can help to solve those issues and address the risks.

One of our axioms is “Keep learning, stewarding, and sharing.” We’re big believers in the power of books.  

Sure, we’ve got a few good suspense and historical fiction novels on our bedside tables, but today we’d like to share a few non-fiction gems that have inspired us for work – and life.

Those who know me, know I am always on the hunt for a good book. Recently, I had a chance to read a particularly great book: Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead.

Considering you are reading this it’s likely we agree that charitable giving is a good and powerful tool to make the world a better place. And like me, you may also have dedicated much of your professional career to fundraising, witnessing the life-changing impacts of charity on both the donor and recipient.

Central to our team values is the concept that we can never stop learning, reading, connecting and sharing.  This month, we will share books that have impacted us personally and/or professionally. Perhaps one of our “book reports” will inspire you to join us in our quest for continuous learning. (Although we suspect you are already there.)