Sean Kershaw's Weblog
December 29, 2009
Citizens League Three-Year Goals Proposed
In 2012 the Citizens League will turn 60 years old! In recognition of what we've accomplished, and what is needed -- and possible -- in Minnesota, the Board recently approved a set of three-year goals.
We're building a 2010 workplan based on these goals -- but we'd love your feedback, input, and support.
(NOTE: See Extended Entry for replies to comments.)
Thanks - Sean
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In 2012 the Citizens League turns 60 years old! This is both a reminder of our historic achievements and a rallying point for our future efforts.
In these next three years, the Citizens League will use its mission of "building civic imagination and capacity" in order to achieve the following goals:
1) Impact public policy in Minnesota. The Citizens League will lead current approaches to policy making on the issues that matter most to Minnesota's economic health and quality of life. We will use our unique civic model of policy development and civic engagement to:
* Reframe critical policy issues so they are easier to understand, and position us to drive the collective public conversation;
* Develop policy solutions, based on our mission/principles and values, that provide effective, systemic, and long-term policy strategies to address these issues;
* Convene stakeholders in order design solution strategies to implement existing policy proposals;
* Influence policy decisions, turning these recommendations into reality; and
* Identify and build the partnerships necessary to achieve this goal.
2) Build and connect civic leaders. The Citizens League will develop a long-term base of civic leaders in all generations and institutions that can govern for the common good and sustain this impact on public policy outcomes. We will leverage our current base of members and partners to:
* Grow membership to at least 3200 individual and institutional members that represent Minnesota's diverse population;
* Implement a civic leadership training program in a wide range of institutions and settings;
* Increase and sustain opportunities for member engagement that don't depend on proportional increases in staffing; and
* Broaden and deepen our cross-sector institutional base for this work.
3) Achieve organizational sustainability. The Citizens League will become a national model for civic nonprofits. We will use our recent success to:
* Continue to design and implement a new business model with a sustainable base of funding;
* Use new technologies to advance our workplan and increase member involvement;
* Demonstrate new models for effective policy solutions and civic engagement strategies;
* Become debt-free, with sufficient operating reserves; and
* Develop internal governing policies based on our operating principles and organizing disciplines.
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Continue reading Citizens League Three-Year Goals Proposed ...
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 9:14 AM | Comments (1)
Thanks for 2009 -- and thinking ahead to 2010 and 2012!
I'm not sure what to say about 2009 that already hasn't been said by me here (our message to members for "Give to the Max Day"), and here (a video to lapsed individual donors).
...or that is articulated SO well by somebody else here.
(Thanks Janna! This is what every membership organization dreams of -- or should dream of in terms of impact -- certainly if it has "capacity-building" in its mission.)
In 2009 we've had impact on public policy. We've grown in membership and engagement. And we've become more sustainable as an organization. Not bad for a really tough year for all of us.
Thanks! It still feels like it's only the beginning of what is possible -- and necessary.
On the eve of 2010, we're already thinking ahead not just to the year ahead, but the next three years. We turn 60 years old in 2012, and the Board recently approved a draft set of three-year goals. (See link here).
We'd love your feedback. We'd love your continued support. And all new memberships and increases in financial support (up to $500) will be matched one-for-one through a generous grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation!)
Thanks for making this a great year. Thanks for your membership, your time, your wisdom and good ideas, your financial support, your feedback and criticism, and your support in the community.
Happy New Year! Here's to 2010 -- and 2012!
Sean
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 6:31 AM | Comments (0)
November 12, 2009
Evaluating our Annual Meeting
We take evaluation very seriously at the Citizens League. Evaluation is a critical skill in our leadership and organizing work. If you don't ask how you are doing, how will you ever get to where you are going?
Evaluation has always been used to help improve our events and our policy work, and this year's Annual Meeting is no different. From the venue to the new "keynote speaker" format to our efforts to explain to participants our policy and engagement opportunities, we're using ALL of the feedback (both the good and the constructively-critical) to help improve our work and our meeting next year.
Aside from avoiding a rainstorm and a major concert at the Target Center, the comments are extremely helpful for us in thinking the unique purpose that each Annual Meeting must serve, the logistics of location and activities before and afterwards, and how we mix our message and workplan with opportunities to meet and socialize.
Thanks to everyone who has commented so far. Don't hesitate to contact me directly at skershaw[at]citizensleague[dot]org if you need to with other thoughts/comments.
And finally -- thanks to our sponsors who are listed on the Annual Meeting page above, for making this event possible.
- Sean
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 4:17 AM | Comments (0)
New Opportunities in Rochester!
As you may have noticed, we've officially launched our first "affiliate" chapter in Rochester.
On Tuesday the 3rd of November 120 people showed up to hear Nate Garvis give a reprise of his "Naked Civics: Uncovering the Path to the Common Good" speech -- and formally announce the new affiliate. It was a fantastic crowd.
I think this is something great -- and the beginning of something even better for us.
* Our mission of "building civic imagination and capacity" demands that we look for new relationships, new ideas and opportunities for input, and new members. Rochester's role in Minnesota's economy and their history of innovation and civic involvement make them a natural place to expand our work. We're not down there because we think they need us. We're there because they will make our work better.
* This wouldn't have happened without the leadership of Sheila Kiscaden, and the initial leadership team that includes Cathy French, Sharon Tennis and Karel Weigel.
* We are still looking to expand the local Steering Team, which includes 16 people from a wide range of experiences and generations. (I'm especially pleased that young people were brought in up front.)
* The group will use our existing membership structure, but add local events that are based on the success of the previous "Coffee and Conversations" meetings. We hope to do two "Policy and a Pint" events in 2010 as well.
* Our current work on water policy, poverty and long term care will be better because of input from the Rochester region and leadership.
I urge anyone with questions or comments to please contact me at skershaw[at]citizensleague [dot] org.
Oh yes -- and I urge you to become a member as well!
Thanks!
- Sean
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 4:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 10, 2009
Comparing US Health Stats to Other Countries: Presentation by Dr. Miles
I had the pleasure to listen to Dr. Steven Miles speak at an Ecolab employee Citizens League conversation. (They are the first company to set up an internal Citizens League employee group -- which is fantastic.)
Dr. Miles' presentation comparing US health stats to other countries is worth a look. Great information.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 3:50 PM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2009
Ted Kolderie's speech on reform and innovation
I can't underestimate how much of an intellectual impact Ted Kolderie has had on me.
Here's his latest speech (see link below) on the need for reform in how the state fiscal reform, which has gotten great reviews and which I hope helps frame the public and public-policy discussion in the next year.
Ted's speech on State Finances and Redesign
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 4:57 PM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2009
Why does healthcare cost so much? Here's one reason
In part, because private specialty clinics scare people with misinformation.
Letter from Amarillo Heart Group
This piece of fiction was sent to my mother-in-law in Amarillo Texas. Apparently they've also been calling her, essentially urging her to "buy-before-the-sale-ends". They are telling her she needs a procedure that her primary care physician says she doesn't need -- and that she should come in soon before healthcare reform happens and wrecks it all for her.
This is from a clinic in Texas. All the more interesting given Atul Gawande's fantastic piece in the New Yorker from June.
* Hospitals may be more expensive, I don't know, but our own report highlights how a proliferation of clinics can lead to increases in utilization -- and therefore cost.
* Notice the lack of any reference to the quality of their care, or the cost.
* Notice the number of clinics. I have to admit that I don't know the ratio of clinics/population for this area, but the Dartmouth Atlas is clear, I believe, that there's an inverse relationship between the number of heart clinics and the cost/quality of care. (Tell me if I'm wrong.)
I'm contemplating sending them an open letter. As they complain about job losses, they should publish the average salary of their lead physicians.
Finally -- just a note to the author: When you are trying to make it "convenient" to contact your legislator, don't require that people enter a url that is over 80 characters long.
Sean
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)
August 20, 2009
An interesting opportunity to contribute your thoughts on H1N1 vaccination process (from my friend Amy Becker LaFrance).
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Members of the public are invited to voice their opinions in a two-day WebDialogue on the H1N1 vaccination program. The goal is to give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) input on its voluntary fall vaccination program against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Two identical dialogues are scheduled: August 26-27 and August 31-September 1.
You will discuss, deliberate, and offer input as the CDC helps state and local health organizations develop the vaccination program. Participants are expected to review background materials about H1N1, thoughtfully discuss values and priorities, and provide input through a survey, poll, and evaluation.
If you are willing to participate fully, we invite you to make your voice heard. Please visit the following website: www.webdialogues.net/H1N1 and register for the dialogue that works best for you. Please share this announcement with others who might be interested in this important dialogue.
Space is limited.
H1N1 Community Engagement Meetings: The Keystone Center is also holding meetings in ten communities on weekends during August. Information is available at the URL listed above.
We encourage you to join this important dialogue concerning a decision facing Americans about the H1N1 vaccine.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 5:21 AM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2009
The Irony, and Reality, of Uncivil Discourse
It amazes me -- but not really -- that in the middle of a fantasic update of Nate Garvis' "Uncivil Discourse" speech at last week's National Civic Summit -- where he talked about the dangers of ideology, dogma and bad politics -- we see a perfect example of a very uncivil discourse, dogma, and bad politics.
This has nothing to do with party identity -- both the DFL and Republican parties are equally guilty in my book. But if this is a preview of next years' election, we're in trouble.
This is not the conversation or the focus that will help us deal with the financial and policy challenges we face -- or the civic opportunities people want. We've got to both vocally resist this type of politics, and practice a better politics ourselves.
For starters, I think people should consider thanking Target for their support, (click on link or call 1-800-440-0680), I don't want the loudest partisan voices in the room to drown out other civic conversations.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 6:17 AM | Comments (1)
July 19, 2009
Press from the National Civic Summit
I'm still buzzing from the whole experience from the National Civic Summit -- but here are some links to media we received.
* Pioneer Press editorial on the Summit.
* Commentary by me on the (Next?) "Greatest Generation"
* Commentary by Lori Sturdevant
* Jay Weiner: Part I. The Summit is Coming
* Jay Weiner: Part II. The Summit (and proof of its need) is here
* Jay Weiner: Part III. Our new federal CTO. (Forthcoming)
I'll update them as I find them.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 10:04 PM | Comments (0)
July 8, 2009
An invitation to the National Civic Summit
As you know, the Citizens League is co-sponsoring the National Civic Summit July 15-17 at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis along with Target and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. I hope you will check out the information on the program and the events and seriously consider joining us during this exciting time.
Why is this important to our work at the Citizens League, important to Minnesota, and something worth attending?
* Because we're at an amazing moment in time to learn about best-practices from civic organizations and leaders from throughout the country. The list of presentations on Thursday and Friday is posted here is fantastic, and covers a wide spectrum of civic topics. This conference is free and open to the public.
* Because the common good deserves a good time, join us for the Target-sponsored kick-off party on Wednesday the 15th in the evening. Have a great time and contribute your voice to the conversation. Yes -- this event will be a national "Tweet-up", and will demonstrate the ability of new social media to amplify and connect the work and conversations on this topic. NO, you don't have to know anything about Twitter or blogging to attend. In fact, we are especially hoping to reach out and attract people who want to learn more about these new tools.
You can all about how to use social media like Twitter in the privacy of your home or cubicle by going to www.civictraining.com. This evening is the beginning of a conversation, and a demonstration of how to expand civic conversations we all have. We take seriously the notion of "building civic capacity" when it means learning how new technologies can be a part of our civic "tool kit".
* Because the Citizens League intends to be at the forefront of civic innovation and relevance. Our work, including our new online civic collaboration utility (CitiZing), will be featured throughout the conference. You have contributed to this success, and we look forward to sharing, expanding and further-defining our civic policy agenda with others from Minnesota and throughout the country.
Thanks for your consideration! I hope to see you there.
Sean
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 3:57 PM | Comments (0)
June 5, 2009
The best article on healthcare in a long time?
Everywhere I go people are talking about this article. I agree. It's a great narrative.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 3:59 AM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2009
Contribute to Communications at the Citizens League's
This post comes to us from guest blogger Tom Horner, Citizens League Board member and co-chair of the Communications Committee.
These are times of great opportunity for the Citizens League to be an active participant in designing the future of Minnesota. Our policy work is highly regarded and is influencing discussions that are occurring in city councils, corporate board rooms, places of worship, the State Legislature -- in short, wherever Minnesotans are meeting to talk about the issues facing our state, the Citizens League often is involved.
We want to take advantage of this environment by having a more aggressive communications outreach. To do that, we need your help. Our communications staff is you -- our members and the resources they bring to the table. We are asking for pro-bono assistance from communications experts in agencies and businesses. We want to tap into this tremendous pool of talent, but we also want to be respectful of people's time and willingness to contribute.
So here is our plan. When we have a communications need that would benefit from the expertise of professionals, we would like to "auction" the assignment. We will send a message to our list of communications professionals outlining the task and the anticipated time commitment and invite people to sign up for the job.
We need your help to make this plan successful. Here's what we are asking you to do:
- If you are interested in receiving our requests for (pro-bono) help, email Sean at skershaw[at]citizensleague.org with your contact information.
- If you think others in your business might be interested, share this message with them and invite them to let us know.
- And, if you know communications professionals outside of your business who might be interested -- whether they are Citizens League members or not -- please share this message with them and encourage them to volunteer.
In return for contributing their professional expertise, volunteers receive the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to forge the common ground on issues and policies that will continue to make Minnesota a great state in which to live and work.
Posted by Annie Levenson-Falk at 1:28 PM | Comments (1)
May 15, 2009
Update on Citizens League Finances
As many of you know, the Citizens League encountered a significant financial hurdle last year. At that time, we tried to be as transparent as possible about what had happened and what we intended to do about it.
I'm pleased to let you know that we’ve made great progress since then.
Our 2008 fiscal year audit was just completed by Larson Allen. We'll be posting it here, but it showed that we ended the year "in the black" by $22,000. (This is significant, because it wasn’t until mid-year that we realized we had financial challenges.) The audit didn't identify any major concerns or issues to resolve, other than the need to continue to rebuild our balance sheet. Our net assets were still at ($147,000) at the end of 2008, so we have a ways to go.
* We're not taking anything for granted this year, but so far in 2009 we're running ahead of budget and ended the first quarter with a net income of $22,000.
* We have been approved to maintain our working capital line of credit for an additional 12 months from the Nonprofits Assistance Fund.
* We continue to improve our financial practices and policies, and have a very talented and active Finance Committee on our Board of Directors.
* We are hard at work on development activities this year, with a reinvigorated Board Development Committee, a new part-time Development Manager (Dani Fisher), and a great list of donors and prospects.
This success to date is due to the hard work of our board, and the generosity of you and community institutions. As I said, we're not taking anything for granted and have a lot of work to do, but it's encouraging to know that your and our work so far has seen results in these difficult times.
Please let me know if you have any questions about this.
Thanks so much for your support! - Sean
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 5:12 AM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2009
The Meaning of "Lifework": Thanks Pastor Johnson
One of the ministers who had the greatest influence on me growing up in Nebraska also lived on my paper route. One summer day Rev. Norbert Johnson stopped me to talk, as he often would, while I was delivering the Omaha World-Herald. This time he asked me if I would ever consider going into the ministry.
I don't remember if I answered him or not, but I remember him spending more time talking about finding your "calling" -- whatever it is -- than I do talking about seminary. His description of what moved him to go into the ministry was really a description of finding your lifework and calling in any field.
From then on, my interest in policy and politics and public life, which began in elementary school, took on new meaning and new clarity.
By an amazing coincidence, Rev. Johnson was from the St. Paul and actually served on the very first Metropolitan Council. We have a picture of him in our office with a group of community and Citizens League leaders as Governor Lavander signed this legislation in 1967 (the year I was born).
I didn't know about this connection until I started this job -- which is certainly as close to a "calling" for me as anything I've imagined.
Rev. Johnson passed away last weekend. He lived an incredible full life, and impacted thousands of people more than he did me. His funeral tonight at First Covenant Church in St, Paul will be a nice -- and strange -- homecoming. There will be people there from my childhood in Omaha, my new home in St. Paul, and maybe even from the Citizen League's past.
He was an amazing teacher -- a true "sheppard" in every sense of the word -- and I owe a great deal to his intelligence, insight, patience and faith. I hope I can pass on the wisdom he gave me to others.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 5:44 AM | Comments (0)
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