Sean Kershaw's Weblog
August 27, 2010
Resources for learning about our budget crisis
I will try to keep an updated page with resources for understanding our budget crisis. To get things started, here are a few:
* State Budget Trends Study Commission Report
* Governor's 21st Century Tax Reform Commission
* Our past work -- for ideas on how to address the problem. Look especially at the work from August of 1995 and July of 1993.
* Minnesota's Bottom Line report, from 2009. Full report. Executive Summary.
* Recent presentation on revenue/budget trends that I'm giving with Mark Haveman from Minnesota Taxpayers Association.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 4:27 AM | Comments (0)
August 1, 2010
A great job opportunity: Civic Education Manager
This is a great job opportunity. Brian Bell, Citizens League Boardmember, is leaving this position and they are looking for a new person.
Sean
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 3:19 PM | Comments (0)
July 25, 2010
David Brooks and a "civic policy agenda"
David Brooks' speech at the Aspen Ideas Festival is fantastic. Many people have probably listened to it.
But listen especially starting at minute 44:00.
When we talk about a "civic policy agenda" -- Brooks is getting at what we mean. Policy has to speak to, and from, what motivates people. And we have to remember that this happens in the context of other people, institutions, and social/cultural/political systems.
P.S. I invited him to talk with us, but was politely declined. We'll keep trying.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 9:26 PM | Comments (1)
May 17, 2010
Update (Good) on Citizens League Finances
As many of you know, in 2008 the Citizens League encountered significant financial difficulties. See posts here and here that described what happened.
The Board, staff, community partners, members, and our contract partners put a tremendous amount of effort into contributing the resources and changing how we do business to help us begin to overcome these difficulties. We cut staff and expenses, increased our fundraising efforts and capacity, and were fortunate to get a working capital loan from the Nonprofits Assistance Fund.
When we discovered the problems in 2008, our net unrestricted operating balance had dropped to negative $169,000. By the end of 2008, we had made up $22,000 of this loss. So in January of 2009 we started the year with a net unrestricted balance (net worth) of negative $147,000.
Our 2009 audit is complete, and has some great news. We completely eliminated the net operating deficit, and ended the year with a net worth of $454! You can read the full audit here.
The Nonprofits Assistance Fund even featured us as an organization that has been "transformed" through a financial crisis (link here).
This does NOT mean we're out of the woods, and we still have to pay back the full working capital loan, but we are financially stronger and smarter than we were two years ago. This was one of those great "learning experiences" that really did help to transform the Citizens League.
As members you have been incredibly supportive, and we have benefitted from trying to be as transparent as possible with you. Many of you have responded to our requests to increase your annual donations, and you are helping to recruit new members to join us. Even the small increases matter -- our net worth is equivalent to just nine (9) fifty-dollar donations!
Most importantly, this increased financial stability gives us additional capacity to achieve our mission of building civic imagination and capacity, and our three-year strategic goals of impacting public policy, and building and connecting civic leaders in all generations.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this.
Thanks again for your investment of time and confidence in the Citizens League. We couldn't have made this progress without you.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 9:03 AM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2010
The Business of Sports and Stadiums: Upcoming Collaborative Event
The Collaborative has annually sponsored a "Changemakers" dinner that has always been a great conversation and a great group of business leaders and entrepreneurs of all types. It's covered important policy issues with a range of insightful perspectives.
They have also been generous in offering discounts to Citizens League members.
This year's topic is "What's Next, What's Real: Land of 10,000 Sports", and features a very knowledgeable panel of people from within the industry.
Whether you are supportive, neutral or opposed to the current conversations about a stadium and funding, this is meant to be an open and interactive conversation, and a great networking opportunity.
The conversation will focus on the business impacts of sports to Minnesota's economy.
You can sign up on the link above, or here.
Posted by Sean Kershaw at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
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)
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