2007 SLC Blog

Here are some photos from the conference...

2007-05-25T06:40:00.001-05:00

Pittsburgh skyline
Brian's opening remarks
Knowledge Cafe Winners
Brian with Nashville team
Poker Icebreaker
John Havron
Terry Worthington

Photos anyone?

2007-05-24T06:48:00.000-05:00

PHOTOJOURNAL OF SLC 2007

Well, that was a whirlwind tour! Before I knew it, I was back on the Magic Bus back to Alexandria, VA. I did however manage to take a few pictures (thanks to those who did say cheese for me) while caught up in the SLC Tornado. I pulled some of the better shots to give you a taste for what the week was like. See the link above for more pics!

Some thoughts: I really thought the choice of speakers has improved in the past few years of national conferences. This year was no different � very thought-provoking or inspiring or both (ok, one of the speakers left me hanging for his remedy, but still had some interesting points). Also, I think the whole best practices concept � with one-page blurbs on successful efforts � was a real hit. I kept hearing that these one-pagers had to be recopied because they were flying out of their holders. That�s good news for sure.

Others have done a great job chronicling the events, so I won�t do more. Let me take a �how to improve tack� on this post. A small, but not insignificant challenge for us in the future � are Powerpoint presentations always the best way to deliver content?

Many of the sessions were admirably varied in approach. And hopefully, most sessions used powerpoint as a supporting tool and not as the centerpiece (and definitely not the sole type of media/interaction used), but where we over-rely on it, perhaps we could do better. I remember a Great Rivers conference I went to a couple years back where I attended a session in the little free time I had and was refreshed and relieved to see that the speaker was going to spend the whole time milling around us in front of the TABLE (you know, the big long one that looks like a barrier island). I realized how accustomed we all are to a single style/format/seating layout of presentation.

A couple of trainings recently encouraged experimentation � the big message of the first was �step away from the powerpoint� and make sure the speaker is the center of the show, not the technology. Move around, don�t be glued to the podium.

The second had a lot of points, but I�ll pick a few � 1) bring in physical objects to show people (adults still like show n tell) 2) if you do present info on a projected screen, try not to be limited by the graphics included in powerpoint 3) also, try to make sure as much ink as possible is devoted to delivering content (so,for example, what are the boxes for on an org chart? It�s clutter � get rid of it, they say. The trainer also made light of powerpoint templates with logos on every page. Perhaps we only need it on the first page and last page? )

Lastly, here�s a limerick collectively created by some especially deranged UWA staff on the LONNNGG ride home (thanks to a seemingly needless merge on the GW Parkway):

There once was jam that delayed us,
The info on Google betrayed us,
The wait was so long,
It drove us to song,
Next time, we won�t take the bus if you paid us. (ok, Baltimore in �08 perhaps!)

Actually, it was a fun ride home. Started to take me back to some Spring Break trips (!)

Until next time!

A week in Pittsburgh, PA!

2007-05-22T11:34:00.000-05:00

Ok! I was unable to write a blog daily while at the Forum and the SLC. But, here are some comments/thoughts per day on a five day journey to Pittsburgh!

Day one, it is 1:00 AM and I can't go to sleep! I need to be up at 5:30 AM because my team will be ready to go north at 6:30 AM, so I'm planning to be at UWA building by 6:00 AM. Well I was able to accomplish getting to the office by 6:10 AM. I needed to stop at Starbucks to buy some gifts we are going to exchange/raffle with the Financial Management and Human Resources Planning Committee and Forum members. Mission accomplished, I arrived at the office on time for our group departure. Ken was driving one of the minivans and Evelyn (VP HR) was driving the second minivan with UWA staff members. We stopped only once, in PA, for some breakfast, and then Chantel and I took a nap on our way to Pittsburgh.
We were in the city of bridges by 11:40 AM. Arrived at the Omni hotel and then went directly to the convention center. Immediately started working with the FM & HR Forum bags and presentations! All done in record time because of the team effort by the UWA staff and planning committee members.

Day two for me started at 5:00 AM, by 6:00 AM I was at the Convention Center and the Forum started sharp at 8:00 AM. I was happy to see many familiar faces and new staff attending the Forum! I was not able to attend Session one, but I was told that the update from FIC, NPC Issues Committee and the HR Human Capital project was of interest to all.
Then the day started to go faster than ever. I was part of the UWA Reviews and Research session, where Karen Brunn made an outstanding presentation on the just "off the press" results from the 2006 Public Opinion Poll! Did you know that from the 6 brand value propositions/promises the two with the highest response rate are, in my opinion, related to accountability? First with 96% favorable rate is �UW makes sure money is well spent� and second with 89% is �UW let�s people know what�s accomplished�. I was able to give an overview of the 990, Financial Statements and UWA Investment Form project, and Ken updated the audience on FASB, IRS Form 990 overhaul and other topics. The day went well and we finished all 17 session with great reviews. At the end of the day we were able to join the rest of the SLC participants on the convention center rooftop for a great welcome reception.

Day three, for me Mike Eskew�s speech was great, inspirational and full of energy! Mike is the CEO of UPS, a great UW partner in the USA and across the globe! If you have a chance, see the podcast of this session by visiting the following link: http://online.unitedway.org/site/vopenfile.cfm?fid=2913891

Day four, both of the Business Challenge Institutes; �Back Office�Debunking the Myths� and �Changing the Focus of Your Metrics� were great! I helped with the session on changing the metrics. WOW!!! What a session! I found a quote from Bill Kitson, CEO UW Greater Toledo that I�ll make a tagline in future conversations, "The real story of this campaign's success is not told in dollar figures alone, but in the lives changed."
In essence we need to get away from staking our value proposition on low overhead. It's not about how much money we spend. It's about the value we create and the lives we change!
Then in the afternoon we conducted 3 more sessions, I personally attended the �Risk Auditing Standards� and the BoardSource session!

Day five was all about ethics and how we can use the 7 pillars of an ethical workplace to better our organization(s). As the closing session from the SLC goes on, our team is working on gathering materials and equipment that will return with us to Alexandria, VA. Last member to join us for the trip back is Jenny Palazio. Jenny has been working behind the giant screen of the main stage for the past three days! All onboard the Membership Accountability and Human Resources team begin their journey back to VA!

Almost 5 hours later we are moving luggage into our personal vehicles heading home for a short weekend before we need to start another week! In general the Financial Management and Human Resources Forum was a great success and the unique experience for new staff to attend some of the SLC events was fulfilling!

We are working on uploading all PowerPoint presentation to United Way Online. Please check Breakfast with United Way for more details! We�ll see you next year at the 2008 Financial Management and Human Resources Forum!

2007-05-21T13:13:00.000-05:00

These are my girls -Marisa and Tai from UW Miami-Dade. There are two more friends who aren't in this picture - Vanessa and Nori. Reuniting with them at the SLC was one the highlights of the conference for me. I don't mean to belittle the importance of the sessions and conference content. The speakers were motivating and compelling. The sessions were filled with useful information. But when you boil it down, any organization is really a reflection of its people. And the people that I have had the privilege of working with at United Way I now call friends. Together we've gone through marriages and divorces, births and deaths, seemingly endless meetings and a few bottles of wine...we've been through the good, the bad and the ugly...and our friendship has helped support us along the way. So cheers to the people that make up United Way. To old and new friends alike.

Two great sessions earn their props!

2007-05-19T22:32:00.000-05:00

I attended two great sessions and I would be remiss not to mention them...as I reflect upon the conference.

First - Mega Gifts was Mega Cool. The reality of the work going forward is that we need to cultivate donors who can give at 'mega levels' - but to do that its only half the work of resource development staff - the reality is..there should have been a lot more Community Investment staff in the room - we need to also develop the products that people can give too!

Second - Just the Facts Ma'am was just want the doctor ordered. A warm, meaty, hearty and comforting "chicken soup for the research soul". Continued stories of how United Ways are using market research to focus in on the target and drive the business - the reality is..this is our business going forward. Using information to become smarter and nicer to our customer.

If this was a dinner...I would leave a big tip for both of them (25%)...If you were in these sessions...here is your chance to leave a tip for them...make a comment on this blog....

Charles (B Log)

Gallagher: "Let's shut this puppy down!"

2007-05-18T13:35:00.000-05:00

In his typical, smooth way, Brian left us with some final thoughts, and reminded us we are leaders. The great closing to this conference was the performance at the end by an amazing group of young people! The dancers and musicians were unique and inspiring! What a great way to close the week with smiling kids full of hope. Reminds us all why we do what we do! See you in Baltimore!

Final Keynote

2007-05-18T13:15:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know I shouldn't be negative, but this is a blog, so real thoughts coming......The only response I honestly have after listening to Joel Kotkin is, "what?"

I'll have a final live posting as the session wraps up! Looking forward to the grand finale.

Leadership vs. Authority

2007-05-18T08:35:00.000-05:00

I really looked forward to hearing Ron today. Having read his latest book, I was not surprised to hear him focus on the theme of leadership as it relates to authority. "Leading from any chair" is a concept UW professionals are finding to be critical to master. Direction, protection, and order are the three things humans seek. Authority is given to those who people trust to provide these things. Technical leadership (know-how) is effective in delivering this kind of provision. But when things change in such a way that there are no known answers, then adaptive leadership is called for, which is not always related to authority. Since it's authority's job to have answers, the people in authority will provide answers even if they are wrong. It's much harder for leaders to admit they don't have the answers. Not only is it harder, but it is also more dangerous for a leader.

Heifetz's book "Leadership on the Line" focuses on this dynamic.

Heifetz delivery style took some time to get momentum this morning, but the substance built to a great revealing point of climax. Our challenge as community problem solvers is adaptive. We have to provide leadership without authority. When we realize this is the kind of work needed, we will make progress!

Leadership

2007-05-18T06:01:00.000-05:00

Am very curious to see how this morning's leadership general session will go. Have found that many books and lectures on leadership muse on the qualities, a little on the behaviours associated with, and much on the failure of leadership... but to what end?

What really affects our day-to-day actions? Helps us to express our shared values in every action? Makes us more likely to take the necessary risks? Stimulates us to mentor and coach joyfully, day after day? Rolls up our sleeves when it's time to just get something done? Pauses us... so we can think and dream when dreams are urgently needed? Takes our hand and helps us gently press another into limelight because their voice is important to the goal?

I will keep my ears open this morning for a mention of leaders in unexpected places. That embodying our shared values and goals, for example, means that every individual working and volunteering for United Way has participated in the process of community engagement.

Some day, I would love to know that everyone who calls themselves a part of their United Way has served on a Vision Council, been there when community leaders convened, educated themselves on a community investment goal important to them and talked to a neighbor about it, led an agency visit, offered a personal insight to the community investment folks on a program strategy, metric, implementation challenge. Everyone� the board chair, finance staff, fundraisers, audit committee members, office managers, marketing geniuses, campaign chair, program officers� you get the idea.

Ok. Off the soap box!

[What do you call the box you stand on when you�re listening instead of speechifying?]

Pittsburgh

2007-05-18T05:40:00.000-05:00

Today we will hear from Joel Kotkin from the New American Foundation. He is one of the countries experts on global, economic, political and social trends. In particular, he is a subject matter expert on how cities came to be.

As we wrap up this conference in Pittsburgh, one is struck by its historic strengths, immediate challenges and future opportunities. This is true of all of our cities. Some have more of a bent towards the historic, while others have a leaning towards the new.

Recently in Detroit there was an exhibit that is travelling to New York, Germany, and Tokyo. The exhibit, called Shrinking Cities, looked at communities across the world that share something in common. They are shrinking. As a matter of fact, there are over 350 cities in the world that are shrinking.

My own city of Detroit ---- once a population of 2 million. Today 700,000. Pittsburgh ---once one million strong now 300,000. This is a reality for not only many cities in the US, but across the world.

At dinner last night, I asked Joel "if you had the mayors, United Way execs, county execs, business leaders of these cities together, what advice would you give?"

He had a few thoughts:

First, figure out who you are as a city. Don't try to be someplace else. Be who you are. "If you have a cool or hip campaign about your region, then your not cool or hip."
A competitive advantage that many have is they can offer an affordable life. A middle class can actually grow and thrive. Unlike many of the cities on the coast where it has become virtually impossible. This is a huge opportunity he feels.
Too often 'shrinking cities' get focused on stadiums and festivals, not neighborhoods and schools. Sustainable growth comes when you can return a middle class to the city. And a middle class want strong neighborhoods and good schools.

I like that we have a conference in a city that is working on the struggle of how to change and evolve. I like that I can see how our mission plays a role to this change effort.

To the Pittsburgh team, you did good. We appreciate all your hard work. Thanks for making the SLC a winner.

Beautiful Pittsburgh

2007-05-17T22:30:00.000-05:00

Had to post this panoramic shot I took tonight from the famous incline. I wish we had a few more nights here!

Oh yeah...and FUN!

2007-05-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

Let's not forget that conferences are no fun if there's no fun! I am thrilled that next year's CLC is in Baltimore, because once again, our entire staff can go in a car together. Here's a shot of two of our leaders, Joy Stone (left) and Debbie Flinn in the Pittsburgh Steelers' locker room shower!

This has been a great team experience for the 4 of us (me, Joy, Debbie, and Jean Walker) in Danville. Thanks to UWA and UW in Pittsburgh for a great conference!

Sustained Leadership

2007-05-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

When you look at communities that have made progress, they often have had stellar leadership at the helm for a sustained period of time. We often overlook the importance of that.

Take Leslie Ann Howard --- the CEO of the United Way in Dane County -Madison,Wisconsin. Leslie came up through the organization and has held the CEO role for a decade. No other United Way can claim what Madison can. Real measurable work at a community level that has changed the way the community believes it can get things done. Eliminate the racial achievement gap. Done. Work to end homelessness. Underway.

Leadership matters and it matters over the long haul.

Seeing today the 50 plus individuals on stage who have put over 30 years into United Way reminds us not only is this a potential career, but it is through those leaders that success at a community level takes place.

Thanks to each of you for teaching us.

Hope in Action = Leadership

2007-05-17T15:02:00.000-05:00

Dr. Robert Ross of the California Endowment addressed the SLC at lunch. He defined leadership as 'hope in action.' Our work, our mission and our future is dependent on our ability to move our aspiration into action that creates results. Period.

I read the other day that vision absent of implementation is a hallucination.

As Dr. Ross spoke today I thought of that simple idea. So often we get caught up in our process or our vision that we miss the key ingredient of action. United Way ought to have a bias towards action. We ought to be known for our unique ability to get things done at a community, regional, national and global level. We can take vision ---our hope --- and put it into action.

Earlier today we saw how communities have done just that ---- recognition for outstanding leadership ----awards given through UWA's knowledge cafe. If one wants to see leadership in our system, just visit the highlighted communities in the knowledge cafe. They each demonstrate a core competency for moving 'hope into action.'

Or as Dr. Ross would say, the ability to LEAD.

General Session, Thursday, May 17th

2007-05-17T14:03:00.000-05:00

Today's Webinar was a great success. To view a replay of the webcast, please visit:

Morning General Session: Keynote Speak: Milton Little, Joe Haggerty, and the Knowledge Cafe Contest Winners

Afternoon General Session, Part 1: Alternative Spring Break and 30-year awards

Afternoon General Session, Part 2: Keynote Speaker, Dr. Robert Ross, Spirit of America and Summit Award Winners.

Is it Possible?

2007-05-17T13:50:00.000-05:00

This SLC just keeps getting better! Dr. Robert Ross just gave a superb keynote. Again, this is a mobile blog, so I'll keep it short:

1. Changing the world is possible.

2. Leadership = Hope in Action.

3. Chairty is good. Change is better!

4. Grassroots to Treetops - getting the grassroots issues and workable solutions to the treetop policy makers.

A most entertaining and authentic leader and speaker!

Fundametals of Major and Planned Giving!!

2007-05-17T10:51:00.001-05:00

Learning made easy - Jacqui Hall! You are inspiring a lot of us with the "romancing" techniques and "closing the deal" on Major Gifts. Your colleagues at United Way International, and our members from Russia are learning, learning and absorbing all that is being taught and exchanged. Thanks all United Way colleagues for sharing your experiences and comments. There's more to go........can't wait to be back in class after this break...

Fundametals of Major and Planned Giving!!

2007-05-17T10:51:00.000-05:00

Wow! Excellent Metrics Session

2007-05-17T10:45:00.000-05:00

I attended one of the best breakout sessions in a long time. Changing the focus of our metrics was the topic with Bill Kitson in Toledo, Lauren Segal in Minneapolis, and John Ross in Boston.

The discussion was around changing the conversation about overhead. Bottom line, we have to get away from staking our value proposition on low overhead. It's not about how much money we spend. It's about the value we create. Since this is a mobile posting from my Treo, my thumbs don't feel like going into any more detail! But this was an excellent session on analyzing how UWs are spending, investing, creating, leveraging, and reporting.

Knowledge Cafe Awards

2007-05-17T08:44:00.000-05:00

I hope UWA continues this contest! This is the best "best practices" session ever. Congrats to United Ways in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Palm Beach, and Dane County. The video presentations followed by caf� conversations with the winners was very inspirational. One thing I noticed in dismay: No small UW's won. Danville, VA intends to change that, so look out!

Business Challenges

2007-05-17T08:25:00.000-05:00

Joe Haggerty and Milton Little's conversation around business challenges brought several things out:

1. We are still challenged by operating in the new model when the old model is a die hard!
2. We are differentiated by the fact that we don't just do one thing, or focus on just one issue. The space is open in our communities for such an organization, but we have to lead with excellence.
3. We cannot continue to be obsessed with operating as cheaply as possible. We must effectively leverage investments in our capacity. Talent is a must. We have to be very intentional about the talent we recruit and develop. We must be stewards, but not just by focusing on low "overhead."

Early Morning?

2007-05-17T07:04:00.000-05:00

Usually it's tough for me to get up early at conferences. This one's different. Thursday's line-up actually has much more in it for me...too much to choose from in fact! We're walking over to the center now, and I'm looking forward to another productive day. If there was one main taleaway from yesterday for me, it was the reminder that this impact work is iterative.

Those wild and crazy United Way of America staff people...

2007-05-17T06:15:00.000-05:00

I'd like to share a little personal insight about my colleagues at United Way of America. Many of you know them as miracle workers who can move mountains with a single bound or elves who work through the middle of the night to make things absolutely perfect. But there is a human side to United Way of America staff as well:

- Many of us took a bus to Pittsburgh for the conference (yep, that's Jim Yu and Joe Haggerty with me at the back of said bus);

- There were a number of us who joined you for the official walk/run this morning; and

- We got chills going through the Steelers' locker room last night, too.

So while we don't often call attention to ourselves, know that we share your hopes, thoughts, and dreams for a better nation and better world.

Be The Revolution....(Jars of Clay)

2007-05-17T00:12:00.000-05:00

The morning sessions were very inspirational and empowering...to the point that it reminded of a song I love..."Be the Revolution" - the message is very simple _ don't wait for someone else to lead the change.

The opening ceremony was very impactful...listening to Brain talk about his first days of work brought me back to memories of my first days (as an intern) my whole staff was off to Birmingham, Al for the SLC while I sat leafing thru the Internet and reading HR manuals. I believe that Brian's point was that one person can create a chain of events by a simple point of contact where someone of authority took the time to make a difference. I have to share this...I had a an experience as a young staff where someone took a little time with me and it created a chain of events, that i would like to believe made a huge difference. This person doesn't know it..but now they will...it was Meg Plantz with UWA.

I am more conscious now than ever...take the time to make a difference in a young professionals' life and it will pay you back 10 fold.

Ok - I gotta go..I think Burger King is still open. Charles (B Log)

Oh, yeah...

2007-05-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

... and a shout out to my girlz of United Way International... blogging fools! They're here to soak up everything you have to offer, so if you see one of us say hey: Wamite, Lauren, Ying, Kyong Suk, Tomoko, Kendra, Agnieszka, Juanita, Joyce, Mila, Roma...

... and mos def the boss lady Teresa.

(yeah, foreign chick trying out american slang... try not to cringe too hard!)