Michael Baran, PhD

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy talks about the need for a "whole-of-society approach" to advancing social connection. We've tried to heed that call in our work at Einhorn Collaborative, supporting a broader range of efforts that engage actors across sectors. That includes: Projects like Team Up to enlist large national civic organizations with a presence in local communities to help people build connection across difference through service. Research groups like Building H to measure the impact of products on consumers’ health and urge companies to do better to improve social connection and other health outcomes. Initiatives like Human Connections AI to bring together social connection experts with technologists to puzzle through how AI companions can be designed to enhance and not degrade human relationships. Another project that has helped us explore a facet of the whole-of-society approach is the Connective Tissue Framework, which puts forward a range of recommendations for how government – especially at the local level – can create the structural conditions and everyday opportunities for people to experience healthy connection. I've learned a lot from Sam Pressler, lead author of Connective Tissue. In this piece, I asked Sam to share more about the story behind the framework and a few highlights. https://lnkd.in/esayJU3b

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This critical report begins with a solid example of the bias neurodivergent folks face in the neuro-typical career funnel. We have to study AI and ND to innovate in favor of NeuroX: "For example, many jobs use?automated employment decision tools?as part of their hiring process. These can include resume screeners and video interview tools that use algorithms to analyze things like vocal cadence or eye movements. These tools can unfairly screen disabled applicants from jobs by, for example, flagging the unusual eye movement of a blind or low-vision individual and removing them from the applicant pool as a result.?" **Or someone who avoids eye contact**. #neuroxnj

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This! Such crucial insight into how we can do better as we think about really embedding the values of inclusive and equal space, where diverse voices can be heard...Thank you Princess Bazley-Bethea for your insights.

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Based on my experience, here are five key aspects to focus on when developing impactful nonprofit programming: ??Needs Assessment: Understand the community's needs and identify gaps in services. ????Collaboration: Foster partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and stakeholders. ??Cultural Competence: Develop programs that are sensitive to the community's diverse backgrounds, values, and beliefs. ????Sustainability: Design programs that are financially viable, scalable, and have a lasting impact. ??Evaluation: Regularly assess program effectiveness, gather feedback, and make data-driven improvements. By focusing on these five aspects, nonprofits can create effective programs that truly make a difference in their communities and lead to real sustainable change. #Nonprofit #CommunityOutreach #ProgramDevelopment #Sociallmpact #NonprofitWork"

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WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!!! The Voter Empowerment Project (VEP) was set up to give people nonpartisan ways to help increase voter turnout by letting you use your existing skills to help really amazing, small POC led organizations that mobilize voters in low turnout areas. They need help with things like compiling key info from online searches and preparing it to be added to the website, or helping with social media posts, or doing basic data analysis, or creating graphics and videos for their outreach. We REALLY need volunteers with experience in: - fundraising/donor engagement - graphic design - writing and editing - research/googling info - web design - working with voter file data But anyone with ANY skills can have an impact! You can volunteer as much or as little as you can, based on your availability and interest, all from the comfort of your own home. Learn more and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eExQPQUh PS here are what some volunteers as well as the leaders of the groups we help have to say about participating in VEP: WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY: "I believe in VEP's philosophy that assisting community-based organizations is critical since they know best how to engage and act responsibly in their localities. It's often the small underfunded groups that get overlooked even though they are the most tuned into their communities' needs. That why I'm volunteering with VEP." X.R. (Atlanta, GA) ? “I’m frustrated with the current state of politics and the threats to democracy. I’m a volunteer with VEP because it’s helping me turn my concern for democracy into action.”?K.W. (Washington, DC) WHAT ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING VEP'S HELP SAY: “VEP has been a game-changer for us. VEP provided volunteers who could design our website, create videos to encourage people to vote, do social media marketing, phone banking, text banking, grant writing and creating our newsletter.” Rebeka Islam, Executive Director, APIAVote-MI "I was incredibly impressed by the professionalism of the VEP volunteers who were able to help us in our work.? VEP provided longer-term capacity building support - not just delivering on projects but also training our volunteers (and me) during that whole process.? It's an excellent model for creating pockets of strength that can then carry on themselves in the future." Reverend Joan VanBecelaere, former Executive Director, Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio ? “We are a small grassroots organization with limited capacity, but VEP volunteers helped us "up our game” in 2020 to get out the New American and Latinx vote in Western CO!? Volunteers helped us with our website, developed social media tools for us, and with their support, we created the only Spanish language video in the state to help people in our community register to vote.” Karen Sherman Perez, Community Relations & Development Director, Hispanic Affairs Project of Western Colorado ?

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There's no one "look" to being trans, and depicting diverse gender expressions matters. It's more than just a matter of representation—it's about honouring the diversity in gender expression. At TransFocus Consulting, we specialize in helping organizations become a more inclusive workplace, and one of the great ways to do this is to expand your visuals to reflect a spectrum of identities, beyond traditional feminine and masculine norms. Let's make your visuals truly reflective of everyone in your community. ?? Discover How We Can Help Your Organization ? https://lnkd.in/gTXt8Vus #SafeWorkspaces #RepresentationMatters #TransInclusion #Workforcediversity #DiversityandInclusion #DEI #InclusiveWorkplace Transgender rights | Workplace culture | LGBTQ+ rights | Gender identity

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SING IT! Trust-based philanthropy needs grantee- and community-led measurement: "Too many foundations misinterpret trust-based philanthropy as a reason not to collect performance outcomes from grantees. That’s a missed opportunity. Collaborating on questions of measurement with grantees helps build trust. It shows that foundations are willing to learn from grantees and that we’re invested — more than just financially — in their work. If performance measurement is done well, it should demonstrate that foundations aren’t in the business of breathing over a grantee’s shoulder but that we are passionate about nonprofits that set our standards for what high achievement looks like." https://lnkd.in/eufiP3u5

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Listening to Patrick MacKenzie, Manjeet Dhiman, Steve Reynolds and Tonie Chaltas discussing the desire to focus on #outcomes, rather than outputs. I absolutely agree, *and* tracking real, long term social outcomes is a lot harder than nonprofits are given credit for, making a lot of outcome data...wrong, or little more than outputs. 1) As a former academic very familiar with #surveyfatigue, in gathering outcome data, we need to recognize misaligned incentives between what is in it for "us" (nonprofits, or funders incl. government) who want this data to create better data driven programs, vs. the incentives for our research subjects (in this case, newcomers). What do/can we offer to incentivise the gathering of qualitative data 6 months, 1 year, 3+ years down the road? A couple good examples were shared: Manjeet Dhiman mentioned the community created at ACCES Employment that clients want to return to that helps people stay involved. Patrick MacKenzie mentioned Immigrant Employment Council of BC's work with employers to understand and align value for their knowledge and hiring practices. Otherwise though, this needs more thought. 2) Then you add in the constraints of low #nonprofitfunding, short project timeframes, and the common pressure to #scale #impact ("what you're doing works? Great, now reach more people!"). The result is a version of the "good, fast, cheap: pick two" adage for social impact: "gather deep longitudinal outcome data (good); scale your impact (big); and stretch your budget (cheap)" For both ourselves and funders, it should be: pick two. All to say, YES we should be focusing on #outcomes, but there needs to be deeper understanding from nonprofits and funders of what it takes to realistically do so. Fortunately, smart minds in #MEL have been tackling this for a while, and I'm excited about the opportunities for tech to help with some (but not all) of the problem. #FutureofSettlementServices The Conference Board of Canada #ImmigrationSummit2024

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Shifting our focus to the incredible innovation and creativity within Black communities is essential for impactful philanthropy. ?? Black Funding Principle 8 advocates for a strength-based funding model that recognizes and amplifies Black innovation, creativity, and culture. This approach not only celebrates cultural expression but also fosters shared vision, resilience, and innovative solutions to both community and global challenges. ?? For donors looking to make a meaningful impact, this principle means actively seeking out and supporting Black innovators and creatives. It’s about acknowledging that Black creativity is a powerful catalyst for addressing complex issues and driving transformative change. By adopting a strength-based model, we empower individual talents and contribute to a collective future built on resilience and novel solutions. ? Supporting Black innovation isn't just a gesture—it's a commitment to reshaping the future of philanthropy.? ?? #EquitableFunding #blackfounders

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Analayzing data without an equity lens can reinforce harmful narratives and perpetuate systemic inequities. Equity traps—patterns of thought and behavior that undermine progress—are common pitfalls that PLCs and ILTs must actively address during their data analysis. These traps can manifest in ways such as deficit thinking, blaming students or families, or avoiding responsibility for systemic issues. Read more here ???? https://lnkd.in/gnSN56Z6

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??? Episode 4 Revisited: Laura C. Rudert - Partners for Reimagined Economies This conversation with Laura C. Rudert has been one of the most popular episodes on the podcast! Laura, formerly the Deputy Director of Strategy and Management at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, now leads Partners for Reimagined Economies, a boutique consulting firm driving innovation and impact. In this episode, she shares her experiences and practical insights on: ?? Building resilient economies ?? Aligning strategy with social impact ?? Lessons for leaders shaping the future If you haven’t had a chance to tune in yet, now’s the perfect time! ?? Catch the episode here: https://buff.ly/3ZCnnER I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s one takeaway that resonated with you? #PodcastEpisode #SocialImpact #Leadership #Innovation #livingwithpurpose

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Today, I’m speaking on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Gender-Based Violence Technical Expert Panel. I’ll be sharing my lived experience and focusing on a few issues including: (1) Fighting the “good victim” narrative - Ensuring that mental health and substance use challenges are not used to discount or blame survivors. (2) Providing access to comprehensive resources - Moving beyond just talk therapy and medication to include resources like economic support, spirituality, and somatic healing. (3) The importance of training providers and survivor voices - No matter the role, a lot of people get uncomfortable or unsure of what to say (or say and do extremely harmful things), everyone in mental health should be equipped with language and information to support survivors. (4) How GBV will continue to change with technology - This can include more access to information and support but also risks like deepfakes, sharing information, and constant monitoring. Grateful to SAMHSA for centering survivors and this under addressed issue in mental health.

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For many DEI practitioners, 2024 brought challenges that tested our mettle and personal commitment to fostering equity and inclusion in the spaces where we work and live. Some had to fight to maintain their jobs. Others have taken a step back, accepting exit packages, retiring, or pivoting away from the work altogether. And still, others chose to just pause, planning to re-engage when the dust settles. Having recently taken on the responsibility of caring for an ailing parent, which became a life-changing journey, I initially chose to pause. Becoming a primary caregiver required me to slow down and focus on their needs, ensuring they felt safe and comfortable in my home, managing their medical care, hiring caregivers, and overseeing prescriptions. This time of intense focus and care reshaped my priorities and reinforced the importance of being truly present for my family. After a few months, I felt the familiar pull to advance DEI once again. I was fortunate to engage with a few clients as a consultant/coach, while also attending lectures and conferences to stay connected. My commitment to health equity remained steadfast through my role as an American Heart Association board member. Additionally, I continued serving on the Oakland Symphony’s search committee, a meaningful two-year endeavor. A standout moment during this period was visiting my niece, who was studying abroad in Tokyo, where I also had the opportunity to support the Healthcare Businesswomen Association launch of their newest chapter. This truly inspiring experience reinvigorated my sense of purpose and passion for the work. During the year, I was reminded to take care of myself. I leaned into self-care by hiring a personal trainer and committing to a consistent 6:00 am weekly workout routine. Over the past year, I have challenged myself with new exercises (grumbling occasionally but powering through!). I also picked up Pilates twice a week, another fresh challenge, and like so many others, I caught Pickleball fever. Lessons turned into games, which turned into an injury (yes, there was blood!). But Pickleball is not for the weak, and I am not weak. With a sore nose, I came right back, racket in hand, ready for more. I nursed my soft tissue damage for a couple of months but did not let it deter my fitness activities. Now, as the year comes to a close, I am preparing to step fully back into the DEI arena. Whether as a consultant, coach, or internal leader, I am ready to get back in the game. For those who know me, sports analogies are not exactly my forte, but here’s one anyway: it’s like Michael Jordan's return to basketball in 1995—there are games to play and championships to win. Inclusion is our superpower, and equity is the game changer. Together let’s go for it! Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

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Join us in conversation with four ICF coaches as they share their experiences in creating inclusivity in their coaching engagements. They will share the role that cultural self-awareness, curiosity, and humility play in helping us recognize, appreciate, and support clients just as they are rather than by who we assume they are or how they should be. Learning objectives: Attendees will gain insights into how coaches can enhance their cultural self-awareness to improve their coaching effectiveness. They will explore strategies to recognize their own cultural biases and assumptions and understand their impact on coaching relationships. Attendees will learn about the significance of maintaining curiosity and humility in coaching engagements. They will discover techniques to approach coaching conversations with an open mind, valuing each client’s unique cultural context without preconceived notions. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on real-life examples and case studies shared by panelists, including challenges and successes in coaching across cultural differences. They will consider how these experiences can inform and improve their own coaching practices. ?Kai Stowers, MA, PCC Nancy Tylim, Psy.D., MCC Danielle Marshall, CDP, ACC (She/Her) Wendy Moomaw, MBA, MS, PCC https://lnkd.in/gr9Pnwaj #ICFLA #DEI #Coaching DEI

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Creating Equity in America: Part 3 Systemic Inequities and Their Toll: Real-World Impacts and the Urgent Need for Reform Systemic inequities are deeply rooted in economic policies that disproportionately benefit the wealthy, creating barriers for those already struggling to make ends meet. These inequities don't exist in a vacuum—they manifest in the daily lives of millions of people, creating cycles of disadvantage that are difficult to break. Take, for example, tax cuts for the rich. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the U.S. slashed corporate tax rates and provided substantial tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans, all while offering only minimal, temporary relief for middle- and lower-income individuals. Over time, this has widened the income gap even further, with the richest 1% gaining disproportionate financial benefits while working-class families face higher costs of living, stagnant wages, and reduced access to essential services. Deregulation of industries compounds these issues. For instance, rollbacks in environmental protections often disproportionately harm lower-income communities, where factories and industrial plants are more likely to be located. Flint, Michigan is a tragic example: its predominantly Black and low-income residents have faced years of unsafe drinking water due to a combination of regulatory failures, underinvestment, and systemic neglect. The fallout is clear—poor health outcomes, economic strain, and an enduring sense of injustice. Read the whole story: https://lnkd.in/eZss-BFC

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We need to do things differently. "Achieving transformational change requires movement organizations to adapt to new ways of operating and funders to adjust the ways they fuel such long-term power-building work. Even when multiple crises have pushed the U.S. to an inflection point, this work is still possible, and even more necessary." Check out this piece featuring PowerSwitch Action in the Foundation Review. Movement partners and philanthropy: What's one thing you're doing differently today to prepare for a better tomorrow? https://lnkd.in/eRUeh5FU

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Over the past 25 years, the Communities Empowerment Network (CEN) has been a steadfast advocate for families navigating the often complex and inequitable landscape of school exclusions. By empowering parents to champion their children's rights and promoting educational equity, CEN has ensured that no child is left without a voice. As CEN commemorates this significant milestone, they are confronting an urgent funding challenge and need our support. Their #StandByMe crowdfunding campaign aims to secure essential funds to sustain their vital services. Without this support, many families who depend on CEN's guidance may find themselves without a crucial safety net. In collaboration with the Runnymede Trust, I have conducted research for CEN over the last 12 months, engaging with families affected by school exclusions. These discussions have underscored the indispensable nature of CEN's support and the profound challenges families face in its absence. Early findings from our research include: ?? The Toll on Mothers: Many mothers sacrifice personal and professional aspirations to support their children, postponing career and educational goals while shouldering the emotional burden of advocacy with limited support. ?? Racialised SEND Challenges: Black children, particularly boys, are often mislabelled as "disruptive" rather than having their unmet Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) recognised and addressed. ?? Systemic Gaps: Parents report that schools frequently fail to adhere to proper procedures, leaving families in legal and logistical uncertainty. There is an urgent need for clearer guidance, timely SEND assessments, and equitable treatment. Recent government statistics indicate an increase in school exclusions. In the autumn term of 2023/24, there were 346,300 suspensions, an increase of 98,900 compared to the previous autumn term. Permanent exclusions also rose to 4,200, up by 1,100 from the previous autumn term. This underscores the growing need for organisations like CEN to support affected families. The full report will be available in April 2025. Your engagement is crucial. Here are ways you can support: ?? Donate: Contribute to the #StandByMe campaign to help CEN continue their essential work. ?? Share: Spread the word within your networks to raise awareness about the campaign and the importance of CEN's services. ??? Advocate: Engage in conversations about educational equity and the challenges of school exclusions to foster broader understanding and support. ???? Please support this vital cause here: https://lnkd.in/efywtciY

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Tell your white led organizations to book their Black History speakers and facilitators NOW — with budgets ready!

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MAI Post 19 Diversity Bias Review Prompt: Analyze the scoring criteria in the attached RFP through the lens of diversity and inclusion. Identify any potential biases that may disadvantage diverse suppliers (e.g., minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, individual with disability) and suggest objective, measurable, and inclusive alternatives. Identify areas where the criteria can be revised to ensure equitable evaluation and provide a list of recommendations for revisions. Context: * Diversity: [Specify the diversity considerations, e.g., minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, etc.] Output: * List of potential biases:Detailed explanation of each identified bias * Recommendations for revisions: Specific, actionable steps to revise the scoring criteria

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