November flew by (don’t I say that every month?). These are the stories I ran across in my work that kept me thinking long after I pressed “send.”
BoardSource
The smallest things can make a difference when trying to secure contributions to nonprofits. This article describes why an “anchor” (“simply prefilling the donation field with an amount higher than your average donation”) can result in a 20% increase in donations.
Most-clicked November story: Use this 8-step process to make better decisions
Business Transformation SmartBrief
This article piqued my interest for two reasons. It did a great job of explaining the ways in which analysts are failing to take supply chain-related issues into account when evaluating environmental, social and governance performance. It also painted a picture of how much more important ESG has become in 20 years, essentially from being introduced to being worth $35 trillion.
Most-clicked November story: A futurist tries to predict the 2020s
International City/County Management Association
The Billion Oyster Project is exactly the kind of thing I would be involved in if I still lived in New York City. The goal is to bring biodiversity, water filtration and storm protection to New York Harbor by generating oyster beds.
Most-clicked November story: 3 things leaders can do to stem the Great Resignation
National Association of Social Workers
This story resonated with me because of a link that branched off from the main article (which was cool). The link went into more detail about Caroline Briones’ research trip. It contained a passage about the proverb “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” This proverb was emphasized heavily when I worked at Fordham University as its internship coordinator, so it has a deep meaning for me.
Here’s what caught my attention, though:
“A professor from the University of Puerto Rico explained to us that its meaning is way deeper than that,” she said. “We must ask the ‘social questions’: ‘Where are the fish? Do the people want fish? What if there are no fish? Why are there no fish?’ By thinking critically about circumstances, we will only help our clients more.”
There’s so much truth to that.
Most-clicked November story: DNA tests can hold surprising, traumatic information
National Emergency Number Association
I love creative use of social media to promote local government. The Lyon County Emergency Communication Center in Kansas has it down pat! Check them out here and here:
@lyoncounty911 Hour 1 of dispatching…. ##ohmylord ##fyp ##shiftwork ##911dispatcher ##thingoldline
Most-clicked November story: Dispatcher shortages adding to “cumulative stress”
Reserve Officers Association
This sobering article about alleged abuses (over decades) in the National Guard was troubling. I think about the National Guard members who administered my first COVID-19 tests in May 2020, the ones who have given up so much to be able to serve our country amid disasters, not to mention their other responsibilities overseas.
Most-clicked November story: Navy announces 5 medical exemptions to vaccine
UN Wire
This article, about a program in which Greek and Turkish Cypriots work to clean up a UN-patrolled buffer zone that splits Cyprus, gave me hope.
Most-clicked November story: UN Security Council split on Poland-Belarus standoff
Podcast, anyone?
My wonderful colleague, Karen Kantor, and I appeared on the Renewable Energy SmartPod to talk about successes, failures and surprises of COP 26. It was a lot of fun (and required a bit of courage to look beyond our comfort zones). Thanks to Sean McMahon for making it such a pleasant experience. Listen here.
About careers at SmartBrief/Future
Each month, I share the open positions at SmartBrief and Future for anyone who is interested in being a part of finding and sharing stories through newsletters and Future’s other enterprises.
All open positions at SmartBrief and Future plc can be found at this link. Here are the most recent:
Mobile Editor, TechRadar (Atlanta)
North American Editor Online, Cycling Weekly (Atlanta)
Senior Writer, TV and Film (Atlanta)
Freelance Commercial Manager (Atlanta)
Marketing Reporter/Editor (Atlanta)
Talent Acquisition and People Partner (Atlanta)
Content Producer – Radio World (Atlanta)
Paid Social Product Coordinator – SmartBrief (Atlanta)
Account Director – Media and Entertainment (Atlanta)
Editor, Government and Nonprofit (Atlanta) – Note — this is the job I am currently doing (I’m moving to a different set of responsibilities). I’m happy to answer questions!
Content Manager, Systems Contract News (Atlanta)
Account Director, Technology (NYC)
Account Director, Supply Chain (NYC)
Digital Sales Associate – Retail (Remote)
Digital Sales Associate – Financial Services (Remote)
Digital Sales Associate – Education (Remote)
Digital Sales Associate – Education (Remote)
Digital Sales Associate – Advertising, Marketing and Media (Remote)
Sales Planning Manager (Atlanta)
Content Producer – AV Technology Group (Atlanta)
Manager, Client Success – Music (Remote)
Junior Executive Producer (Atlanta)
Content Producer, What to Watch (Remote)
Visuals Designer, MarieClaire.Com (NYC)
Account Director, Women’s Lifestyle and Home (NYC)
If you are interested in applying and have questions, please email me so we can discuss further.
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*These opinions are my personal thoughts, not those of my employer.
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Luckily here we haven’t had much of an issue. Full shelves.
Glad to hear it! Still questioning my choice to use that as the title, given that I didn’t really tie everything together. But the one article about the supply chain was really good. Thanks for commenting!
That oyster project just brightens my day! I could definitely get behind that. And those young Cypriots? Inspiring!
But that report from the National Guard makes me sad!
Yes! Such a mixed bag this month. I didn’t even get into the fun Mariah Carey story I did or how engaged people were about the time change. But really — as a Floridian living near a place where people used to be able to make their living from oystering, that story is totally up my alley. I wish I could volunteer, as I said!
I was especially interested to hear about the effect of “anchors”. Good to know!
Me too! I’ve picked up all kinds of little “light bulb moment” ideas about fundraising from this newsletter.