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Alcoholics Anonymous vs. Best Practices
This article about Alcoholics Anonymous is not about how they help alcoholics, but reviews their unusual management and organizational practices, which fly in the face of much conventional wisdom about what good nonprofit management looks like. As part …
Nonprofits Portrayed in Popular Culture
Thanks to dozens of Blue Avocado readers who sent in examples of nonprofits in popular culture, here’s a quick look at the mostly-fake world of nonprofits on the big and small screens. Queen Latifah in “Life Support” is a refreshing exceptio …
The Volunteer Who Couldn’t
Martin Gorfinkel retired from the technology company he started and ran for 30 years. He is the legendary "retired and willing volunteer" but has run into roadblock after roadblock. We seldom hear from the would-be volunteer who never ended u …
Survival Strategies for the Arts
John Killacky, artist and arts funder, not only knows that we need the arts now more than ever, but gives us ten survival strategies for arts organizations and one for audience members — and reminds us that all of us are audience members. The a …
The Car Donation Controversy and the Right Way to Donate Your Car
Why is there a slightly sleazy vibe around car donations? Could it be the tacky, misleading-sounding billboards posted around town? As one example to the left, the “Outreach Center” (see news report) is reportedly a for-profit car liquidation fir …
The 411 on Starting a Car Donation Program
Does your radio station advertise for car donations? Blue Avocado reader Eric Haynes knows all about it — his Kansas City nonprofit accepts car donations and he's here with the inside story and how – surprisingly – to make it work on a modest scal …
Laid Off From a Nonprofit: Me!
A First Person Nonprofit story:Nearly two months ago, I joined the ranks of laid-off Americans. It almost makes me feel Patriotic, somehow Special, to be counted among the group considered most newsworthy, 24/7. The news is filled with stories about us …
George W. Bush’s Legacy: A Dramatic Increase in Volunteer Spirit
While Torie Osborn makes a case in this issue of Blue Avocado for the fresh start she thinks nonprofits can and should make in the wake of the Obama campaign, Carol Stone argues that we would be well served to appreciate nonprofit strides made since 20 …
Did You Know…? Ten Nonprofits that Shaped the Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Did you know that hundreds of nonprofit organizations helped make Dr. King who he was? And do you know what they’re up to today? Do you know… 1. Which national nonprofit did Martin Luther King Jr. join as an undergraduate student? Alph …
Too Many Nonprofits? No — There Aren’t Enough Good Nonprofits
While Jan Masaoka was executive director at CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, the organization completed two mergers, rejected four merger offers, and was rejected by the other party in two other merger explorations. In addition to consulting …
