Beyond The Blog

In this episode of The New Civic Path Beyond The Blog podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Monica Encarnacion, founder and CEO of Homeschool STEAM. Monica reflects on her experience in a New Civic Path book circle, sharing how it transformed her outlook from feeling hopeless to hopeful and why small actions can spark big community change. They discuss finding common ground, fostering civic responsibility, and the unique design of book circles that bring people together to create meaningful impact.

Timestamps 

• 1:00 - About Monica & Homeschool STEAM
• 2:32 - Sparking Interest 
• 3:51 - Weaving The New Civic Path Into Everyday Life
• 5:31 - Finding Common Ground
• 8:50  - Defining Civic Responsibility 
• 8:56 - Patriot Plaza
• 10:33 -  Sparking Conversations
• 11:45 - Becoming Agents of  Hope
• 14:30 - The Ability to Pay It Forward
• 15:40 - Why Participate?
• 17:18 - Moving From Hopeless to Hopeful 

Links to Learn More

• Patriot Plaza
• Blog: From Hopeless to Hope: A Conversation on The New Civic Path with Monica Encarnacion

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Instagram: @homeschoolsteamfest
• Facebook: @STEAMVENTURE
• Website: Homeschool STEAM | Monica Encarnacion

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The Patterson Foundation's (TPF)  approach to philanthropy goes beyond traditional geographic boundaries, tapping into expansive networks and movements that work toward shared aspirations.

Exemplifying TPF's collaborative approach to philanthropy, a report titled Proven Practices: Applying National Practices Locally was developed to identify and examine ten instances where TPF worked with national organizations to catalyze efforts toward shared aspirations locally while enhancing national efforts. As a follow-up to the report, and to dive deeper into how TPF undertakes its philanthropic work in ways others are not doing, cannot do, or will not do, Kiarra Louis had a conversation with Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation.

Timestamps 

• 1:53 – Why Proven Practices
• 2:35 – Connecting, Learning, Sharing, Evolving, Strengthening (CLSES)
• 4:46 – The Proven Practices Report
• 5:40 – Proven Practice #3: The Village to Village Network: A Model for Aging in Place and Community
• 12:11 – Proven Practice #5: National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading: A Network to Increase Early-Reading Proficiency
• 15:56 – Our Responsibility to Share Our Cookies
• 21:09 – Proven Practice #6: Remake Learning Days: An Innovative Learning Festival for Families and Youth
• 22:00 – Showing Up to Learn
• 25:27 – Three Reasons to Read the Report
• 25:50 – Don’t Do It Alone
• 26:10 – Adding Sparkle
• 26:47 – Weaving in Hope and Possibilities

Links to Learn More 

• Reflecting on the First Five Takeaways From the Proven Practices Report (Part 1) - The Patterson Foundation 
• Reflecting on the Remaining Five Takeaways From the Proven Practices Report (Part II) - The Patterson Foundation 
• Proven Practices: Applying National Practices Locally to the Suncoast Region
• Blog: Proven Practices: Applying National Practices Locally

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In this episode of Beyond the Blog: The New Civic Path series, we sit down with Tiffaney Schippert Conner, a former librarian, published writer, and owner of Sobriety Beach, to hear her inspiring reflections on participating in A New Civic Path book circle.

Tiffaney shares how these circles create safe spaces for connection and trust, where vulnerability turns into strength and small actions ripple into meaningful community change. From building friendships across differences to witnessing generosity in action, her story reminds us that every voice matters and one person can make a difference.

Discover why Tiffaney believes these circles are more than discussions—they are practices of belonging, listening, and courage that strengthen civic life.

Timestamps

• 00:57 - Finding About The New Civic Path Book Circles 
• 2:41 - Benefits to Engaging in A Group Experience
• 4:46 - Creating Connections Beyond The Circle 
• 6:16 - Bridging Communities in The Suncoast 
• 7:22 - Identifying The Takeaways 
• 9:04 - Restoring Hope & Positivity Again
• 11:09 - Making Your Community Better
• 11:49 - Reminders That We Are More Similar Than Apart
• 12:08 - Using Question of the Day to Break the Ice
• 14:38 - Why Should Others Do it 

Links to Learn More

• Register for A Book Circle 
• Sobriety Beach
• Connecting with People In Community By Tiffaney Schippert Conner, Sobriety Beach.docx 

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Sobriety Beach
• Tiffaney Conner on Facebook
• Connect with Tiffaney on LinkedIn
• Connect with Tiffaney on Instagram

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

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In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn has an in-depth conversation with Hedy Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works. Together, they unpack the growing challenge of chronic absenteeism. How it has become such a widespread issue across the country and why it matters for children, families, and schools alike. Hedy also shares practical strategies, proven approaches, and valuable resources that parents, caregivers, and educational professionals can use to help students stay on track and thrive.

Timestamps 

00:32 - Introduction

01:32 - Hedy explains what Attendance Works does 

06:09 - Hedy talks about the free family-facing resources Attendance Works offers

06:46 - Hedy shares how COVID shifted parents' perspectives on sending their kids to school

O8:17 - Hedy discusses how to determine when to stay home from school

12:19 - Hedy shares the causes of chronic absence

17:37 - Hedy talks about the misconceptions of chronic absence 

25:56 - Hedy discusses people's fears around school safety contributing to chronic absence

29:31 - Hedy shares the importance of "Help Banks" to get kids to school on time

33:37 - Hedy provides insights on how to communicate with families about attendance

35:59 - Big Picture Small Steps

36:13 - Hedy shares her long-term goals on attendance

38:15 - Hedy explains what it means to show up for R.E.A.L.

39:03 - Hedy provides more tips to help families reduce chronic absence

43:54 - Connecting with Kids

Links to Learn More 

• Attendance Works website
• Family Guidelines for when is too sick for school 
• My Family Help Bank 

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Thriveability Podcast, we dive into how one nonprofit leader transformed his approach to fundraising through The Patterson Foundation's Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative. Dave Abderhalden, Executive Director of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, shares his firsthand experience from attending the multi-day, research-backed training led by the Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. From the power of donor stewardship to the ripple effects on strategic planning, Dave's story is filled with practical insights, heartfelt moments, and a reminder that taking the first step, even in the midst of quicksand, can lead to transformational growth.

Timestamps 

• (00:00) Introducing David Abderhalden, Board President and Executive Director of Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
• (07:00) David's description of Fueling Dynamic Fundraising
• (11:45) The value of learning about Donor Stewardship
• (13:50) Developing a Case for Support
• (16:00) The power of collaborating and connecting with other organizations
• (18:00) Annual Fund Planning and Implementation
• (19:50) Growth of Dave's fundraising confidence
• (22:00) Approaching FDF as the Executive Director
• (23:50) A cookie from David's jar

Links to Learn More 

• Fueling Dynamic Fundraising
• Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Connect with Read on LinkedIn
• Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center on Facebook

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

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In this episode of Beyond the Blog, Sarasota local and Muscle Repair Shop owner Butch Phelps shares his experience participating in a New Civic Path book circle. Butch reflects on the power of authenticity, the importance of starting local, and how everyday neighbors are quietly making a big impact in our communities.

Discover why these book circles create safe spaces for honest conversations, build trust across differences, and inspire action that strengthens civic life. As Butch puts it: “Just do it. You won’t regret it.”

Timestamps 

01:16 - Joining a Book Circle 

3:11 - Meeting Different People & Perspectives 

3:29 - Highlights from The Experience 

6:41 -  Together Vs Siloed Approach to Reading The Book

8:44 - Learning During The Book Circles

9:58 - Shifting From Issues to Aspirations Together

14:46 - Taking The Next Step

16:00 - Value of Facilitation   By The Patterson Foundation

16:43 - Identifying Shared Aspirations & Engaging With Different Perspectives 

17:58 - Dispelling The Fears 

Links to Learn More

• Register for Book Circle
• Muscle By Repair Shop

Connect Beyond The Blog

YouTube: @themusclerepairshop

Instagram: @musclerepairshop

Facebook: @musclerepairshop and @butchphelps

LinkedIn: Connect with Butch on LinkedIn

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

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In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Sondra Guffey, DeSoto County’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism.

Sondra shares her aspirations for the future of DeSoto County and highlights the many ways she is working to make those dreams a reality. From strengthening local businesses to promoting tourism, her leadership is helping shape a thriving, connected community.

Through her involvement with initiatives supported by The Patterson Foundation, Sondra emphasizes the importance of collaboration, vision, and resilience. She reminds us that economic development isn’t just about growth, it’s about creating opportunities for residents, celebrating local strengths, and ensuring that DeSoto remains a place people are proud to call home.

This episode is a heartfelt look at what’s possible when passion and community come together.

Timestamps 

-00:38 - Introduction to Sondra, DeSoto County’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism

-01:42 - Sondra shares what brought her to work in DeSoto County.

-02:50 - Sondra discusses her role as DeSoto County’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism

-04:30 - Sondra comments on the changes she has seen in DeSoto County, as well as opportunities for possible business investors.

-8:15 - Sondra discusses working in a small town and how she was welcomed into her position.

-10:08- Sondra talks about her engagement in the Community Conversations that have taken place in DeSoto County.

-14:20- Sondra and Alicia discuss the first DeSoto County Ahead event in 2023 that was held at The Turner Center.

-19:00- Sondra and Alicia discuss the second DeSoto County Ahead event in 2025.

-20:27 - Sondra discusses her involvement as a breakout room speaker for the Digital Access for All “Suncoast Connect Innovating and Thriving in the Digital Age” Symposium.

-26:00 - Sondra reflects on her experience at a Community Conversation she attended that was held by DeSoto County Public Innovators, who are on the Housing team.

-32:00 - Sondra informs listeners about her Discover DeSoto Gem: Horse Creek Retreat.

-34:00 - Sondra wraps up this episode by sharing that she is the Film Commissioner for DeSoto and possible opportunities in the future in the film industry. 

Links to Learn More 

• Community Champion
• Horse Creek Retreat

Connect Beyond The Blog

Connect with Sondra on LinkedIn

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify and iHeartRadio or visit us Beyond The Blog!

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In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn chats with Beth Duda about the launch of The Patterson Foundation’s newest book circle selection, A New Civic Path by Rich Harwood. They discuss the success of past book circles, the addition of trained facilitators this time around, and the special connections participants make along the way. Their conversation highlights how book circles can be a powerful force for strengthening our community.

Timestamps 

• 00:33 - Introduction
• 01:18 - Beth shares The Patterson Foundation’s definition of a book circle
• 01:59 - Beth reflects on past book circle offerings supported by The Patterson Foundation
• 03:12 - Beth discusses the current book circle, A New Civic Path by Rich Harwood, and how it will be a little different
• 04:37 - Leah and Beth talk about the value of participating in a book circle
• 09:01 - Beth shares the history of The Patterson Foundation’s relationship with The Harwood Institute
• 13:03 - Beth discusses the different ways to participate in the Civic Path book circles
• 14:43 - Beth breaks down what to expect when joining a book circle
• 16:58 - Big Picture Small Steps
• 17:13 - Beth Shares her big picture aspirations for TPF’s book circles
• 18:22 - Beth provides insights to inspire people to join TPF’s book circles
• 20:09 - Connecting with Kids

Links to Learn More 

• Sign Up to Be A New Civic Path Book Circle Participant
• The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation
• Desoto County Ahead
• The Giving Partner
• The Patterson Foundation
• Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

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Discover how Sarasota Opera is transforming its mission-driven work into sustainable revenue in this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast.

General Director Richard Russell shares the opera company’s journey with Margin & Mission Ignition, an initiative designed to help nonprofits develop earned income strategies that align with their mission. Learn how Sarasota Opera turned its world-class costume collection into a thriving rental business, the steps they took to build operational capacity, and the lessons any nonprofit can apply to generate diverse revenue streams without losing sight of their purpose. If you want practical insights on strengthening your nonprofit’s financial future, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps
(00:00) Introducing Richard Russell, General Director of Sarasota Opera and Margin & Mission Ignition
(02:10) What is Margin & Mission Ignition?
(03:15) More details on Margin & Mission Ignition
(06:15) Why was costume rental a good business for you?
(09:40) Building internal capacity for the new line of business
(12:30) Aligning stakeholders around this new line of business
(16:00) How did joining MMI change the way you think about strategy moving forward?
(18:00) Cookies from Richard’s jar
(20:20) Earned revenue needs to align with your mission
(22:05) Ripple Effects Recap

Links to Learn More
Sarasota Opera Website: https://www.sarasotaopera.org/
MMI Page on TPF Website: https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/margin-mission-ignition.htm
Blog: https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/margin-mission-ignition/how-sarasota-opera-turned-costumes-into-revenue-with-margin-mission-ignition.html

Connect Beyond The Blog
Richard Russell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raruss/

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0tVpVxg0SlkdAYDLPUDRwf iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-beyond-the-blog-123868571/ or visit us at Beyond The Blog! https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/beyond-the-blog.html

Join The Journey

In this Beyond The Blog conversation, Kiarra Louis invites Josephine Eisenberg, Alicia Exantus, and Stacy Sternberg — three committed, brilliant, and studious women — to share their experience in leveraging The Patterson Foundation's Tuition/Fees Reimbursement Program in collaboration with Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP) through its Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative.

Recognizing the value of academic and professional educational experiences offered by LFSOP, since 2022, TPF has provided opportunities for TPF staff and consultants to enroll in LFSOP graduate and professional development courses and be reimbursed. 

Note: For TPF staff and consultants interested in or wondering if they should participate in TPF's Tuition/Fees Reimbursement Program, this podcast is worth a listen, as it demonstrates the value of academic and professional educational experiences in one's personal and professional life. 

Timestamps

• 2:35 - Exploring The Why
• 6:44 - The Fellows Program
• 8:05 - A Demonstration of TPF's Approach: 
• 8:25 - Connecting
  • 11:47 - Study abroad 
  • 13:10 - Welfare States 
  • 14:56 - Postcode Lottery Group 
  • 16:04 - The Giving Challenge
  • 16:40 - Not arriving with the answer 
  •  17:07: Leadership, willingness, readiness, capacity, and culture
  • 17:56 - Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer,
• 20:25   - Learning 
  • 23:10 - Fueling Dynamic Fundraising
  • 28:36 -  The Barnes Foundation
  • 38:26 - Women in Philanthropy
• 39:56  - Sharing 
  • 42:56 - Inspiring Philanthropy
  • 44:35 -  The Patterson Foundation Innovative and Collaborative Approach to Philanthropy
  • 45:25: The New Civic Path Book Circles
• 46:52 - Evolving  & Strengthening 
  • 47:15 - Bridging Art with Philanthropy
  • 50:00 - Developing Confidence
  • 51:09 - Learning to Love the Work Again

Links to Learn More 

• Advancing Philanthropic Leadership
• TPF Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Diving into Nonprofit Law - The Patterson Foundation by Josephine Eisenberg
• Embracing New Adventures: My Journey Back to Grad School - The Patterson Foundation by Alicia Exantus
• My Evolution at The Patterson Foundation by Stacy Sternberg

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

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