Beyond The Blog

Kennedy and Avery Cole, two young Sarasota County (almost) voters, joined host Leah Verier-Dunn on the Civic Sparks podcast to talk about the efforts of future voters in our region and why we should listen to them. Hear about the civic involvement of teens, their influence on local elections, and why those 16+ should preregister to vote.

Timestamps 

• 00:13 Introducing Avery and Kennedy Cole, Students at Sarasota County Schools
• 02:12 What Inspired Their Civic Engagement
• 04:07 Encouraging More Young People to Use Their Voices
• 07:00 Responding to Adults Who Dismiss Young Voices
• 10:02 Having Civil Conversations With People Who Disagree
• 13:50 Helping Young People Find Their Own Way to Get Involved
• 15:16 The Power of Peer-to-Peer Civic Engagement
• 18:17 Engaging Young People Beyond Election Cycles
• 21:30 Turning Passion and Awareness Into Action
• 23:14 Why Preregistering to Vote Matters

Links to Learn More 

• Register to Vote
• Find Ballot Information

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Beyond the Spectrum knew that expanding its mission would require more than grants and charitable giving. Through The Patterson Foundation’s Margin & Mission Ignition initiative, the organization launched two earned-income ventures, an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Clinic and H.I.V.E (Helping Individuals Through Vocation & Enrichment), that have generated more than $10 million in revenue while creating new opportunities for the individuals and families it serves.

Host Read Corley is joined by Lora and Loryn Carpenter, who share how outside guidance, detailed business planning, accountability, and a willingness to start small helped Beyond the Spectrum turn ambitious ideas into sustainable ventures. 

Timestamps 

01:38 Why Beyond the Spectrum explored earned income

04:58 Why an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) clinic was the right first venture

13:11 Raising startup capital and preparing for the Fast Pitch

15:47 The ripple effects of the first MMI venture

20:02 Why Beyond the Spectrum launched H.I.V.E

22:26 How MMI changed the organization’s approach to innovation

26:20 The impact of more than $10 million in earned revenue

28:38 The personal impact of H.I.V.E. (Helping Individuals Through Vocation & Enrichment)

30:31 Advice for nonprofits considering earned income

Links to Learn More 

Beyond The Spectrum Website

Margin & Mission Ignition website

Blog: How Earned Income Helped Beyond the Spectrum Expand Its Mission

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Beyond the Spectrum

Lora Carpenter LinkedIn

Loryn Carpenter LinkedIn

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What really goes into running an election? Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner for a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes, and planning involved in helping voters confidently participate in an election. From creating and tracking different ballot styles to reaching young voters, expanding voting accessibility, and assisting voters in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals, Ron shares some of the work voters may never see. The conversation also explores voter confidence and misinformation, how voting options have evolved, and what Sarasota County voters should know before the next election.

Timestamps 

• 0:00 Introducing Ron Turner, Supervisor of Elections, Sarasota County
• 0:52 What does the Supervisor of Elections do?
• 3:56 What it takes to run an election in Sarasota County
• 7:58 Voter outreach and engaging young voters
• 12:58 Building voter confidence and combating misinformation
• 15:53 Voter turnout and how Sarasota County residents vote
• 19:02 How different ballot styles are created and tracked
• 20:59 How voting options have evolved and increased accessibility
• 23:18 Helping nursing home, assisted living, and hospitalized voters
• 27:29 What voters should know before the next election

Links to Learn More

https://www.sarasotavotes.gov/

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In this episode of Connecting Communities, Leah Verier-Dunn is talking about Suncoast Remake Learning Days with four fabulous, long-time hosts, one from each county. Guests include Neirda Thompson-Pemberton, Executive Director of Funducation; Becky-Sue Mercer, Executive Director of Arcadia Housing Authority; Justin Gomlak, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; and Amanda Clyatt, Title I Achievement and Family Associate at Sallie Jones Elementary. 

Timestamps 

00:28 – Meet Amanda Clyatt of Sallie Jones Elementary

02:22 – How Sallie Jones Got Involved With Suncoast Remake Learning Days

05:06 – How Community Partnerships Extend the Impact Beyond SRLD Funding

07:05 – The Ripple Effects of Suncoast Remake Learning Days

11:44 – Meet Becky-Sue Mercer of Arcadia Housing Authority

13:12 – Engaging Families Beyond Suncoast Remake Learning Days

16:05 – What Strengthens Multigenerational Family Engagement?

17:56 – Partnerships Powering Learning and Family Activities

25:34 – Meet Neirda Thompson-Pemberton of FUNducation

29:15 – How FUNducation Got Involved With Suncoast Remake Learning Days

31:04 – How Parent Involvement Has Grown Over the Years

32:50 – Turning Esports Into a Learning Experience Through Partnerships

34:56 – How FUNducation Builds Community Partnerships

39:24 – Meet Justin Gomlak of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 

39:24 – Meet Justin Gomlak of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

43:18 – Justin’s Favorite Suncoast Remake Learning Days Events & Partnerships

48:27 – How to Engage Both Children and Adults at Your SRLD Event

49:49 – Justin’s Advice for Future Hosts, Partners & Families 

Links to Learn More 

• Suncoast Remake Learning Days
• Neirda Thompson-Pemberton
• Becky-Sue Mercer
• Justin Gomlak
• Amanda Clyatt

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Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.

In this episode of Growing Together: North River, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Norma Kennedy, a lifelong resident and community leader, and octogenarian who rediscovered her purpose after a season of deep personal grief.  Norma shares her dedication and servant leadership to North River Manatee County, and how it is fueled by her desire to preserve what makes the community special while helping it evolve to meet the needs of future generations. She sees her service as a way to honor her roots, support her neighbors, and contribute to a shared vision for a stronger, more connected North River.

Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.

Timestamps 

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 1:17 – What Is North River Manatee County?
• 3:45 – What Inspired Norma to Join a New Civic Path Book Circle?
• 4:32 – Finding Purpose Through Community Action
• 8:30 – How the Harwood Institute Helps Communities Create Change
• 9:14 – Listening to the Community: Growing Together in North River Manatee County
• 10:10 – Harwood Labs: Learning to Lead Community Change
• 11:40 – Shifting Your Mindset to Put People First
• 12:43 – Turning Outward: Putting People and Communities First
• 14:36 – Honoring Norma's Leadership and Community Impact

Links to Learn More

• North River Manatee County Initiative Description
• North River Manatee County Harwood Report

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In this episode of Connecting Communities, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Donna Puhalovich from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) and Susan Flores, Coordinator of Social Work and Mental Health Services with Charlotte County Public Schools, to talk about one of SCGLR’s core pillars, attendance!

Together, they discuss two different initiatives: the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest and Motivating Improved Attendance. Each guest shares their insight on the impact of these initiatives and how both have strengthened efforts to improve attendance across the Suncoast region. 

Timestamps

• 00:47 - Introduction to Donna Puhalovich
• 01:07 - What is the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest?
• 02:05 - Why attendance is a big deal
• 07:27 - What students do after receiving a poster template
• 15:06 - How schools can participate in the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest
• 15:58 - Donna’s final thoughts: Consistent attendance creates a strong student.
• 19:19 - Introduction to Susan Flores - How social work relates to attendance
• 20:26 - How the pandemic shifted concerns about attendance and in-person learning
• 21:09 - Chronic absenteeism. What is it and why is it a big deal?
• 28:43 - Criteria and purpose of Motivating Improved Attendance (MIA) Program
• 33:00 - Successful community messaging: the March Madness competition of attendance
• 40:20 - Susan’s final thoughts: Attendance is primary and foundational

Links to Learn More 

• Donna Puhalovich
• Susan Flores
• Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading | Attendance 
• Attendance Awareness Poster Contest
• Motivating Improved Attendance

Connect Beyond The Blog

Donna Puhalovich

Susan Flores

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What happens after you complete Fueling Dynamic Fundraising?

Rebekah Prieto, Director of Development and Marketing at Parenting Matters, joins the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast to share how the program helped her organization strengthen its fundraising infrastructure and put new strategies into action.

Rebekah discusses what she learned through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising, from donor stewardship and board engagement to annual planning and building a case for support. She also shares how the program’s ongoing education and one-on-one consulting helped Parenting Matters develop a major donor program, strengthen donor relationships, and create a more intentional approach to fundraising.

Hear how Parenting Matters turned the lessons from Fueling Dynamic Fundraising into systems and strategies that continue to shape the organization more than a year later. 

Timestamps 

• 00:39 What is Fueling Dynamic Fundraising?
• 01:27 Why Rebekah chose to participate
• 02:42 What an experienced fundraiser relearned
• 03:51 Helping board members engage in fundraising
• 08:54 The value of one-on-one fundraising consulting
• 11:58 Donor stewardship, case for support, and annual planning
• 13:47 Building an intentional fundraising calendar
• 18:09 Creating a culture of philanthropy across the organization
• 20:28 Rebekah’s biggest accomplishments since the program
• 21:32 How Parenting Matters’ fundraising has changed

Connect Beyond The Blog

Rebekah Prieto on LinkedIn

Links to learn more

Blog: Building the Foundation for Stronger Fundraising

Fueling Dynamic Fundraising Initiative Webpage

Indiana Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Website

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On this episode of Civic Sparks, Leah Verier-Dunn and Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading and playwright, talked about the acclaimed one-act play,Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect. 

A staged reading and powerful theatrical experience, Beth and Leah discuss the impact of this opportunity to look back at our country’s history through an artistic lens that provides space to take a deeper dive. 

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass had opposing views and lived very different lives, but through deep listening and consideration, they found themselves at the meeting place of respect. This effort led to an unsuspecting friendship, and Beth’s discovery of this friendship inspired the crafting of A Walk to Respect.

Timestamps 

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:44 How A Walk to Respect Began
• 05:12 Lincoln and Douglass: Different Views, Mutual Respect
• 09:36 What Makes the Play Unique
• 10:49 The Post-Show Discussion Experience
• 13:11 How Audiences Have Responded
• 16:29 Creating Conversation Without Blame
• 18:09 Where the Play Goes Next
• 20:38 What Lincoln and Douglass Can Teach Us Today

Links to Learn More

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect

Voter Education Initiative

Ticket Information for A Walk To Respect

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Growing Together: North River Manatee County highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.

In this episode of Growing Together: North River Manatee County, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Cheri Coryea, initiative lead for the Aspirations to Actions initiative at The Patterson Foundation. Together, they discuss Cheri’s deep roots in North River and her public‑service leadership. We offer a thoughtful look at community growth, collaboration, and trust. We explore the history and rapid expansion of North River and the multi‑year partnership among the Bishop Parker Foundation, The Patterson Foundation, and The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation a long‑term effort to strengthen civic culture and support residents in shaping a shared future.

Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.

Timestamps

• 00:55 – About North River and Its Growth
• 3:07 – Investing in North River with The Harwood Institute and the Bishop Parker Foundation 
• 10:31 – Lessons from the Growing Together in North River Manatee County Report
• 16:25 – Why Meaningful Community Change Takes Time
• 18:07 – How You Can Get Involved and Help Shape the Future

Links to Learn More 

North River Manatee County Initiative Description
North River Manatee County Harwood Report

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In a recent Beyond The Blog podcast, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, speaks with Rich Harwood, President and Founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, a nonprofit advancing positive community action by inspiring people and communities to turn outward. 

Working with Rich Harwood and The Harwood Institute for more than a decade, The Patterson Foundation has provided the community with an additional tool for changing how it approaches challenges and developing innovative, collaborative partnerships that might not otherwise form. Through its Aspirations to Actions work in DeSoto County and North River Manatee County, as well as its book circles series, the Foundation has helped introduce new ways of thinking and working together.

Most interestingly, Debra and Rich pull back the curtains and share how the alignment of leadership, willingness, readiness, capacity, and culture amongst their two organizations has been critical to a successful and evolving partnership. 

What You'll Learn in This Conversation:

• Why people-centered approaches help communities move from identifying challenges to taking meaningful action together.
• How alignment in leadership, culture, readiness, and shared values has sustained a successful partnership between The Patterson Foundation and The Harwood Institute for more than a decade.
• The meaningful impact and ripple effects that can emerge when organizations invest in community-driven relationships, collaboration, and public innovation.

Timestamps 

• 2:03 – Why TPF and Harwood Have Worked Together for More Than a Decade
• 3:36 – The Harwood Approach Explained
• 6:52 – What Communities Across the Country Have in Common: Lessons from DeSoto, Alamance, Reading, and Beyond 
• 9:18 – How Harwood Practices Took Root in DeSoto and North River
• 10:35 – Shifting from Problems to Possibilities
• 19:20 – Why We Created Book Circles Instead of Book Clubs
• 23:11 – How Debra Jacobs and Rich Harwood Met
• 25:19 – A Real-World Example of Partnership in Action
• 27:25 – The Truth About Long-Term Partnerships: Highs, Lows, and Growth

Links to Learn More 

• The Harwood Institute
• DeSoto County Coming Together: Unleashing the Community’s Potential (2024)
• Growing Together in North River Manatee County: Shaping a Shared Future
• Blog: The Power of Partnerships To Create Meaningful Impact

Connect Beyond The Blog

Rich Harwood

The Harwood Institute

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