We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

Meet Nelle 🤝, the President + CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. From her start as a board member to leading the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, Nelle’s journey is all about stepping up with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to community.

In this episode, she shares the innovative ways her team is reimagining food access—from wellness markets to food-as-medicine initiatives 🌱. You’ll hear how breaking down silos, leaning into collaboration, and lifting up stories of lived experience can spark real change and impact far beyond a meal.

Nelle reminds us that leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about compassion, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity at the table. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a volunteer, or simply passionate about social good, her wisdom and heart will leave you inspired to keep building a world where community always comes first.

Episode Highlights: 

• Nelle's Journey from Board Member to CEO (02:15)
• Innovative Strategies for Tackling Food Insecurity (05:45)
• The Importance of Community Collaboration (10:30)
• The Power of Storytelling in Social Change (15:20)
• Practical Advice for Nonprofit Leaders (20:10)
• Addressing Food Insecurity as a Fundamental Right (25:00)
• Nelle's "One Good Thing" (35:50)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/642

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Meet Nicole 🤝, the Executive Director of Boston CASA, a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children affected by abuse and neglect. With over 25 years in education and nonprofit leadership, Nicole has dedicated her career to improving the lives of vulnerable children and driving systemic change through equity and lived experience. Her journey, shaped by deep commitment and resilience, fuels Boston CASA’s mission to create lasting impact. 💙

In this episode, Nicole opens up about how her own lived experience shapes her leadership and fuels her dedication to equity and systemic change. She shares what it takes to build volunteer programs that are welcoming and inclusive, and how Boston CASA is working to triple the number of children they support. 

Tune in to hear her honest reflections on leadership, the power of volunteers, and how one consistent, caring adult can create a ripple of hope and opportunity that lasts a lifetime. This conversation is a heartfelt look at showing up for kids, community, and the kind of leadership that moves people to make a difference. 🎧

Episode Highlights: 

• Nicole's Journey from Challenge to Leadership (02:15)
• The Power of Lived Experience in Leadership (09:30)
• Cultivating Strong Volunteer Programs (17:45)
• Boston CASA's Role in Child Advocacy (24:10)
• The Impact of One Caring Adult (31:25)
• Nicole’s One Good Thing (30:00)
• Strategies for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention (38:50)
• Authentic Leadership and Its Influence (44:05)

Episode shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/641

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Meet Stacy 🤝, the dynamic CEO of The Chronicle of Philanthropy and a true force for good in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore Stacy's journey from a curious student journalist to a leader transforming the landscape of philanthropy. 

Stacy shares her insights on the future of fundraising, the impact of new generations of donors, and the game-changing potential of unrestricted giving. Her thoughts on curiosity and humor as leadership essentials will leave you inspired and ready to tackle challenges with a smile.

Whether you're a nonprofit pro or just passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and inspiration to fuel your mission-driven journey. Tune in and let's change the world together. 🎧

Episode Highlights: 

• How Stacy's Journey Shaped Philanthropy (02:00)
• Why Media Drives Change (10:15)
• How to Retain Talent in High-Burnout Environments (18:30)
• Where Resilience Leads Amidst Policy Shifts (25:45)
• Why Understanding New Donor Generations is Crucial (33:20)
• How Unrestricted Giving Transforms Impact (40:50)
• The Importance of Curiosity and Humor in Leadership (45:10)
• Stacy’s One Good Thing (41:40)
• Navigating the Future of Fundraising (50:30)

Episode Shownotes: 

www.weareforgood.com/episode/640

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Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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Meet Cicley 🤝 She’s the Board Chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, where she’s shaping the future of racial justice and philanthropy with love, transparency, and community at the center.

In this episode, Cicley takes us inside her journey from grassroots activism to leading a global movement. You’ll get the inside scoop on BLM’s 12th anniversary Black Play Matters campaign and why joy, play, and community are powerful tools for change.

Join us as she breaks down her step-by-step approach to launching campaigns that truly make an impact—being human-centered, telling powerful stories, securing amplifiers, staying agile, and measuring what matters.

No matter your role—leading a nonprofit, organizing in your community, or simply seeking ways to spark change—you’ll walk away with practical strategies, renewed hope, and a reminder that everyone has a part to play in building a more just and joyful world.

Episode Highlights

• How Cicley Gay Leads (02:00)
• Where Campaigns Thrive (10:15)
• Why Change Matters (18:30)
• How Play Empowers (25:45)
• Where Philanthropy Impacts (33:20)
• Why Love Leads (40:50)
• The Power of Community (45:10)
• Navigating Leadership Transitions (50:30)
• Cicley's One Good Thing (55:00)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/639

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Meet Jesse 🤝 – the dynamic president of The Neurodiversity Alliance and a true champion for seeing the brilliance in every mind.

From navigating ADHD and learning differences to finding his voice at UC Berkeley and leading with purpose in the tech world, Jesse’s story is one of resilience, passion, and possibility. He opens up about the mentors who lit the way, the power of belonging, and the movement that’s now reaching over 630 schools to uplift neurodivergent students across the nation.

This conversation is equal parts heart and hope. You’ll walk away inspired by Jesse’s vision of a world where every person’s unique abilities are celebrated, and reminded that community is the place where potential turns into transformation.

Whether you identify as neurodivergent, love someone who does, or simply want to be part of building more inclusive spaces—you’ll find encouragement, joy, and a renewed belief that together, we rise. 💙

Episode Highlights: 

• Jesse’s Journey: From ADHD to National Advocacy (10:15)
• How to Build Inclusive, Empowering Networks (18:30)
• Recognizing and Leveraging Your Unique Strengths (25:45)
• The Highs and Lows of Leading for Neurodiversity (35:00)
• Jesse’s One Good Thing (50:20)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/638

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Meet Eric 🤝, Co-Founder of Whiteboard and a creative visionary helping purpose-driven brands change the world. From growing up in a log house in Georgia to partnering with changemakers worldwide, Eric’s story is rooted in belief, values, and community. His work spans digital branding, platform development, activation campaigns, and team training for clients like Purposity, Praxis Labs, Q Ideas, and Last Mile Health—earning recognition from The Webby Awards, Entrepreneur, AWWWARDS, Net Magazine, and SiteInspire.

In this episode, Jon + Becky dive into a story-filled conversation about what it takes to build real movements—not just run campaigns. You’ll learn why community should be your co-creator (not just your audience), how to navigate the tension between self, others, and mission, and why choosing belief over cynicism can transform the way you lead.

Eric’s sharing behind-the-scenes moments, fresh perspective, and one simple, actionable step you can take this week to move your mission forward. It’s uplifting, practical, and a powerful reminder that the best change happens when we lead together.

 Learn:

• The difference between running a campaign and building a movement—and why movements spark deeper, lasting impact.
• How to invite your community to be true co-creators of your mission.
• Simple ways to balance self, others, mission, and mastery to avoid burnout and lead well.
• The power of storytelling and creative assets to inspire donors and rally supporters.
• Why choosing belief over cynicism can transform your leadership and your impact.

Episode Highlights: 

• Eric Brown’s Early Life and Influences (05:30)
• Founding Whiteboard and the Visionary (12:00)
• Community as a Carrier of Mission (18:45)
• The Power of Storytelling in Philanthropy (25:15)
• Navigating Tension and Agency in Leadership (32:00)
• Building Movements with Visionary Organizations (38:30)
• Eric’s One Good Thing (45:00)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/637

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Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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We’ve reached the final chapter of our Making a Movement series, and we’re leaning all in on what it truly means to empower action. 

This episode is a celebration of the heartbeat behind every movement: community. You’ll hear the inspiring story of Hannah Lowe, a fearless mom on a mission who rallied her village to raise $2 million for her son’s life-changing treatment. It’s a powerful reminder that when a call to action is clear and authentic, it has the power to ignite a movement.

We’re also featuring insights from previous episodes with Celeste Flores, who pulls back the curtain on the global generosity of Giving Tuesday and the community-powered magic that drives it. Plus, Amanda Liaw shares why going deep, not just broad, is the key to building engagement that lasts. Together, we’ll explore how to make participation joyful, how to sustain momentum, and why prioritizing your own well-being is essential for staying in the work.

If you’re ready to activate your community and believe in the ripple effect of good, this conversation is for you. Let’s keep building this movement together.

Episode Highlights: 

• Empowering Action: making movements (02:15)
• Hannah Lowe’s Story: Clear Messaging Mobilizes a Community (08:40)
• Giving Tuesday: Building Community Beyond Fundraising (15:30)
• Secret Sauce: Go Deep, Not Broad (22:05)
• Personalization at Scale: Partnerships and Human Stories (28:50)
• Gratitude First: Transforming Board Buy-In (34:10)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/536

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Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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Every movement starts with a message—but how do you make yours truly stick?

In this reflective episode of Making a Movement: Voice + Vision, Jon and Becky revisit some of the most powerful voices from past conversations to explore the heart of messaging that moves people. It’s not just about what you say—it’s how you say it, who hears it, and whether it invites people to see themselves as part of something bigger.

Featuring powerful moments and lessons from:

✨Rick Shadyac, former President and CEO of ALSAC / St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, on earning trust through clear, consistent messaging
 🎙️ Stephen Hackett, podcaster and proud St. Jude dad, whose personal story shows how vulnerability can unite a community
🌍 Dr. Bertrhude Albert, co-founder of P4H Global, on leading with dignity and crafting messages that honor people’s lived experience
🎤 Gloria Umanah, founder of Hope Booth, on using creativity and authenticity to spark hope

This episode is a field guide for anyone trying to bring their mission to life through message. Whether you’re just starting to shape your story or refining a message you’ve been carrying for years, you’ll find inspiration, encouragement, and next steps you can take today.

Tune in and learn how to bring your voice and vision together in a way that inspires action—and builds something that lasts.

Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Clear Messaging (02:01)
• St. Jude’s Impact and Vision with Rick Shadyac (05:31)
• Stephen Hackett’s Story (10:01)
• Dr. Bertrude Albert and P4H Global (15:01)
• The Role of Community in Movement Building (20:01)
• Gloria Umanah and the Hope Booth Initiative (22:30)
• Empowering Through Education (24:00)
• Conclusion and Call to Action (25:01)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/635

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Movements don’t just happen—they’re built with intention, structure, and a whole lot of heart.

In this episode of Making a Movement, Becky Endicott and Jon McCoy dive deep into what it really takes to turn mission into momentum. From designing systems that fuel impact to creating space for people to show up and thrive, this conversation is all about building movements that matter.

You’ll hear the powerful stories of:

• Adam Garone, who helped launch Movember into a $1.5B global force for men’s health
• Katelynn Whitaker, the brilliant mind behind the community toolkit that helped scale Movember
• Nancy Brinker, whose promise to her sister ignited the Susan G. Komen movement
• Kelly Lyndgaard, founder of Unshattered, creating jobs and dignity for women in recovery

We’re breaking down the barriers that hold people back and unpacking how to build systems that invite more people in—without losing the soul of your mission.

Whether you’re launching something new or leveling up your impact, this episode will leave you fired up, filled up, and ready to lead the kind of movement that changes everything. 💥

Episode Highlights

• Organizing Principle: “An Uprising is Organized” (01:27)
• Movember: From Mustaches to a Global Health Movement (02:56)
• Movember's Toolkit: Branding, Community, and Storytelling (06:52)
• Susan G. Komen: A Sister’s Promise Turned Global Force (09:56)
• Unshattered: Empowering Women Through Recovery and Work (16:20)
• Optimization Through Pattern Recognition (20:30)
• Leaning Into Friction: Why Tension Drives Growth (23:31)
• Tactical Tips: Organizing and Optimizing for Impact (26:14)
• Next Up: Voice, Vision, and the Power of Storytelling (27:29)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/634

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Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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What turns a good idea into a movement? In this episode, Jon and Becky explore how purpose—when it’s clear, actionable, and rooted in emotion—becomes the driving force behind real change.

You’ll hear how Scott Harrison rebuilt trust in giving through Charity: Water, how Sara Cunningham sparked a nationwide movement with Free Mom Hugs, and how Aidan Reilly and Ben Collier launched The Farmlink Project by picking up the phone.

Through these stories, Jon and Becky share how to clarify your “why,” invite others in, and take that first meaningful step. Because movements don’t need perfection—they need purpose that moves people.

Tune in for a practical, heartfelt roadmap to turning belief into bold, inclusive action.

 Learn:

• How to transform personal passion into collective action
• How to remove barriers preventing people from participating
• Strategies for decentralizing decision-making
• Embracing creativity in addressing social challenges
• Using personal experiences to inspire collective action
• Understand how to build trust and transparency
• Gaining confidence in taking initial steps towards creating change
• Recognizing the power of community-driven initiatives.

Episode Highlights

• Defining Movement Fundamentals (03:44)
• How to Build Community Engagement (05:45)
• Learning to Overcome Trust Barriers (12:36)
• Personal Storytelling as Motivation (17:19)
• Innovative Problem-Solving (20:11)
• Practical Movement-Building Strategies (24:11)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/633

Episodes Mentioned: 

Scott Harrison: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/369

Sara Cunningham: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/8

Aidan and Ben Collier: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/300

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Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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