Meet Sixto, the Founder of Think of Us and a nationally recognized leader. 🤝 He’s driving systems change in child welfare using tech, research, and policy to transform outcomes for youth and families. 🫂

In this episode, Sixto breaks down why advocacy is essential for creating lasting change. He explains that vulnerable communities need advocates who bring lived experiences to the table, using data and stories to drive decisions. Advocacy isn’t just about making noise—it’s about harnessing these experiences to influence policymakers and push for real, systemic transformation. 🗣️

Sixto talks about how Think of Us connects young people with foster care experience directly to lawmakers to help influence their decisions.💙

Join us for this episode today. 🎧

💡Learn:

• How Think of Us' work intersects with advocacy, including co-designing with those directly impacted.
• Misconceptions around advocacy that typically keep organizations from getting started.
• How Think of Us collected data from 27,000 young people to advocate for policy changes during the pandemic.
• How advocacy is not just an option but a necessity for impact organizations today.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the Necessity of Advocacy (5:29)
• Misconceptions About Advocacy (12:28)
• Empowering Youth Through Advocacy (26:36)
• Confronting Social Issues in Education (20:39)
• Research and Lived Experience (33:34)
• The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy (36:46)
• “Keep your advocacy simple. It’s not about the number of people; it’s about being strategic. A smaller, capable team can be more agile and responsive, while a larger team may be slower to act.”- Sixto Cancel’s One Good Thing(30:17)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/605

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/d5RpcOu6iDaC73ruubu3sPdgK9c?utm_source=copy_url

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Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Meet Manuela, the Founder and President of In A Perfect World. 🤝 She’s dedicated her life to empowering and activating the next generation of youth leaders and philanthropists. 🌎

In this episode, Manuela shares how to fuel young generosity by tapping into kids’ natural empathy and kindness, and how to partner with them to create their own "north star" for creating change within your mission. 🙌 After 20 years of work in this space, she shares her playbook for how to co-create programs and tailor your messaging to speak to their unique passions. 

Manuela also shares practical tools, like their Everyday Kindness series and Youth Ambassador program, to help young people take action and create change today. 💫

 Tune in for the playbook today. 🎧

💡Learn:

• How to authentically engage youth by listening to their voices and helping them find their own "north star" for creating change.
  
  
• Strategies for effective messaging and storytelling to connect young people to social issues.
  
  
• How to better integrate youth voice and agency into your work, such as finding internal champions and allowing kids to drive the solutions.
  
  

Episode Highlights

• Empathy and Generosity: Lessons from Children (2:51)
  
  
• The Power of Listening to Children (9:00)
  
  
• Storytelling as a Tool for Engagement (15:02)
  
  
• Confronting Social Issues in Education (20:39)
  
  
• Empowering the Next Generation (23:24)
  
  
• Programs for Change: Everyday Kindness and Dream Catchers (25:41)
  
  
• Hope for the Future: The Role of Young People (31:44)
  
  
• “Trust young people-we often dismiss them, but we should meet them where they are. Encourage them to be their authentic selves instead of shaping them into something else.”- Manuela Testolini’s One Good Thing (32:55)
  
  

Episode Shownotes: 

www.weareforgood.com/episode/604

Episode Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/eRZ0s4f9ViMSa7RNMHFls5LJDlY?utm_source=copy_url

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Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Welcome back to the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter Series! 🥳

Meet Jeff, the Principal of Plenty Consulting. 🤝 He’s an inspiring leader dedicated to helping others shine, even in the toughest times. 

In this episode, Jeff shares his heartfelt wisdom on finding your light and leading with purpose, no matter what challenges come your way. As an expert in conscious leadership and social impact strategy, he’s spent his career helping people and organizations discover their inner strength.

Join us for a warm and inspiring conversation as Jeff talks about navigating the “crisis of consciousness” we’re all feeling in the world today. Let’s explore how we can shine together.

💡 Learn:

• How to embrace the tough feelings and not try to talk yourself out of them, while also practicing optimism and constructive action.
• Practical steps to reconnect with your authentic self and the unique gifts you have to offer the world.
• The importance of community, kindness, and finding common ground to bring people together in divisive times.

Episode Highlights

• Crisis of Consciousness in Leadership (3:06)
• Navigating Change and Uncertainty (10:01)
• Finding Your Light (15:09)
• The Importance of Community and Connection (19:45)
• Embracing Your Unique Light (29:56)
• “Decide to be intentional about how you show up." - Jeff Shucker’s One Good Thing (31:00)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/603

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/tDu-wjdrpU4vqoB12v_Mh8xqC6g?utm_source=copy_url

Support the show

Become a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!
Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Welcome back to the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter Series! 🥳

Meet Lindsey, the Executive Director of The Teaching Well. 🤝 She’s all about turning ideas into action and creating real, lasting change. 

The world needs more change leaders. 💡 Join us as Lindsey walks us through some hallmarks of change leaders, the barriers that can hold organizations back from creating real systems-level change, and actionable advice for how to start transitioning to a change leadership approach. 

If you're ready to move beyond just generating ideas and start driving tangible change, this is a must-listen episode. 👏

💡 Learn:

• How to take your big ideas and turn them into real action.
• How to overcome barriers to enacting lasting change.
• The strategies you need to lead with confidence and sustainability + empower your team as a change leader.

Episode Highlights:

• The Characteristics of Change Leaders. (3:06)
• The Importance of “scaffolding” and Empowering Eeams as a Change Leader. (10:05)
• Steps to Becoming a Change Leader. (13:31) 
• Empowering Others Through Change Leadership. (19:53)
• “If you struggle with communication—whether due to anxiety, overthinking, or uncertainty—consider coaching and development. Clear, timely, and honest communication builds trust and alignment.”(24:24)

Learn More: 

Episode Shownotes: http://weareforgood.com/episode/602

Episode Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/mVwJqlHm47YumaZ01VWKx9dg2So?utm_source=copy_url&tab=chat&view=transcript

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Become a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!
Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Welcome back to the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter Series! 🥳

Meet Ori, the Founder and CEO of Sowen 🤝. He's on a mission to help organizations rethink how they measure their social impact, moving beyond just tracking activities and inputs to truly understanding the outcomes they're driving. 

In this episode, we dive into why we need to rethink impact measurement and how to do it effectively. 📊 Ori shares a framework for aligning measurement to your organization's purpose, combining data and storytelling, and focusing on what matters most - the change you’re creating in the world.

Tune in to hear Ori share his wealth of insights and practical strategies to help you redefine impact measurement in your own organization. 🎧 It’s a must-listen episode. 🙌 

💡 Learn

• How to align your measurement to your organization's true purpose and vision for change.
• How to integrate the “art” and the “science’ in your approach to impact measurement. 
• Real-world examples of organizations that are innovating in impact measurement and seeing great results. 

Learn more: www.weareforgood.com/episode/601 

Episode Shownotes: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/601

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/mgpU6iDPqhKIuLmgqtPONrhQvOw?utm_source=copy_url&tab=chat&view=summary

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Become a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!
Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Meet Dr. Tim Lampkin, founder of the economic justice org Higher Purpose Co. We’re in our 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter Series, and Dr. Tim is here to share how we can own our narratives this year. 📝

In this episode, Dr. Tim shares his personal journey of shifting the stories his team was telling themselves - and the communities they serve in Mississippi. He walks us through practical tips for analyzing existing narratives, crafting a bold vision for the future, and using storytelling as a strategic tool (not just a marketing tactic). 

Most importantly, Tim emphasizes the importance of moving from surface-level "storytelling" to deeper "truth-telling" that taps into our shared humanity. ❤️

Your organization is a beacon of hope and a hub of knowledge and resources for your community. This episode is your toolkit to take control of the narrative around your mission this year. We got this friends. 🤝

 
Learn

• How to analyze the existing stories and preconceived notions about your organization and the communities you serve, in order to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Strategies for crafting a bold, collective vision for the future narrative you want to create for your organization and mission.
• Techniques for moving beyond just "storytelling" to deeper "truth-telling" that taps into the humanity and liberates your community.

Episode Highlights

• The Inner Work of Narrative Change (2:34)
• Challenging Preconceived Notions (6:46)
• Storytelling is Liberation (10:29)
• Impact on Relationships with Donors (19:37)
• Practical Tips for Owning Your Narrative This Year (23:00)
• Dr. Tim's One Good Thing: “Remember the story you first told yourself and allow that to be the thing that guides you on this journey.” (27:32)

Learn more: www.weareforgood.com/episode/600

Episode Shownotes: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/600

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/mgpU6iDPqhKIuLmgqtPONrhQvOw?utm_source=copy_url

Support the show

Become a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!
Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Welcome back to the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter series! 

Meet Adam. He's the VP of Marketing at iDonate, a Podcast Host, and a passionate Mental Health Advocate. In this episode, we explore the power of "simple shifts on repeat" to drive sustainable growth this year. 

The reality of who's giving is changing, how they're giving is changing, and why they're giving is changing. Adam walks us through specific tactics and pilots you can test on your marketing, copywriting, fundraising and technology this year to meet this moment. He even shares a powerful case study of an organization that raised $750,000 on GivingTuesday by optimizing their donor experience and leveraging A/B testing. You don't want to miss it. 

Check out the link to Adam O'Briens GPT he created for testing

Learn: 

• Practical strategies for running effective tests and pilots to optimize your operations, from donation pages to supporter engagement
• The importance of adopting an iterative, "try stuff" mindset to drive continuous improvement, even with limited resources
• How leveraging accessible technology and a donor-centric approach can unlock significant growth and impact

Episode Highlights: 

• Leveraging Technology for Nonprofit Success (6:07)
• Practical Pilots and Testing Strategies (12:00)
• The Role of Technology in Nonprofits (20:20)
• Personal Stories of Philanthropy and Impact (26:08)
• Adam O'Brien's One Good Thing: Don't be afraid to take that 1% step, that will change your mission. Focus on yourself and focus on your mission (31:49)

Episode Shownotes: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/599

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/to4TlP1-2X2BIBjKBLX4FdPhOGU?utm_source=copy_url

Support the show

Become a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!
Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Meet Floyd🤝. He’s a New York City-based speaker, coach and Community Builder. He’s helping us kick off our newest series from We Are For Good Studio: 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter 🥳 

Our first trend: Community is the multiplier. ✖️

But building a thriving community isn't easy - it takes strategy, consistency, and a whole lot of heart. In this episode, Floyd joins us to share the proven tactics and mindset shifts that will help you turn followers into loyal supporters and donors this year. 

Episode Highlights: 

• The Power of Community in Nonprofits (2:53) 
• Success Stories: Community Engagement in Action (6:02)
• Mindsets Shifts for Effective Community Building (8:59)
• The Role of Consistency in Engagement (13:08)
• Sustainable Growth and Avoiding Burnout (17:50)
• Floyd Jones’s One Good Thing: No one starts as a butterfly, you have to start as a caterpillar. (26:09)

Episode Shownotes: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/598

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/Q-WDZlAjm3r0Tw1AlC11CTsWzpY?utm_source=copy_url

Learn more: www.weareforgood.com/episode/598

Support the show

Become a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!
Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Meet Brynne. She’s the Founder and CEO of Cause Fokus and social media strategist 🤝. She shares her journey in social media, the misconceptions surrounding LinkedIn, and offers practical advice on how to engage authentically with potential partners and donors. This episode discusses the challenges nonprofits face in the digital age, the importance of empathy in social media, and how LinkedIn has emerged as a powerful platform for social impact leaders. It offers insights into the need for genuine connections and the value of sharing personal stories to build trust and credibility in the nonprofit sector. You don’t want to miss it 🎧

• The Power of Empathy in Social Media (3:30)
• Misconceptions About LinkedIn (11:32)
• The Three P’s of LinkedIn Engagement (14:09)
• Navigating Early Career Challenges (19:12)
• Building Authentic Connections Through Storytelling (20:35)
• Brynne Krispin’s One Good Thing: The importance of Sleep for Productivity. (36:18)

Support the show

Become a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!
Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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Today, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of a typical interview, we’re taking a pause. And inviting you into a collective One Good Thing.

Good is the foundation of progress, and the fuel for movements. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re reminded that good isn’t passive; it’s a choice. It’s choosing love over hate, justice over complacency, and action over indifference.

So today, instead of a regular podcast episode, we want to leave you with a simple challenge: Do one good thing for someone. 

It doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. It could be checking in on a friend, volunteering your time, buying the coffee for the person behind you in line, or simply smiling and saying hello to someone you cross paths with today. Small acts of kindness have the power to ripple outward and create waves of change.

We're so glad you're here. ❤️

Give: The King Center + LA Fire Relief

Volunteer: Idealist.org - is a great place to start to find a way to take action or volunteer your time.

Read: Discover how forward-thinking nonprofits and foundations are transforming communication strategies for building trust, fostering inclusion, and creating impactful connections in a new article series from SSIR and The Communications Network.

Watch: The Story of MLK as told by Kid President (it’s 3.5 minutes of joy AND education 🙌)

Support the show

Become a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!
Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.

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