The Front Porch
​Blue Ridgers know the front porch to be more than a place. It’s an experience where ideas are shared, people are challenged, questions are answered, and stories are shared. This “Front Porch” blog is a virtual place to gather.Â
Feel free to leave comments on the articles of interest to you.
Featured
Specializing in the Wholly Impossible
When I started my work with nonprofit organizations over two decades ago, I was introduced to a phenomenon—Nannie Helen Burroughs. Born in 1879, the granddaughter of former slaves, Ms. Burroughs desired to be a school teacher; however, without a proper college degree...
What’s Going On?
Prior to BRI week, listen to the tracks of Marvin Gaye’s album “What’s Going On.” Then read the lyrics. Apart from being great music, the themes are timeless and it seems as though Mr. Gaye is reaching across the years to speak to you as a social sector leader. From...
Power Family
I am pretty certain that my lineage does not include links to royalty or political power. I do not believe any of my ancestors have run for, been born into or held any type of political office. We are the opposite of the Kennedys, the Bushes, the Carters, and the...
Feeling HOT! HOT! HOT!
Living the American dream is taking a toll on our body and minds. I don’t mean to generalize, but most Americans have exhausted themselves-- mentally and physically. This constant pushing ourselves in every direction: at work, at home, with family obligations, we are...
Unintentional Bridge Burning
repost from www.artsinactionllc.com Are you burning bridges without even knowing it? Are you confused sometimes when you get a less than enthusiastic reply from a donor, grant funder, supervisor, colleague, direct report or a vendor? Have projects that you thought...
The Light at the End of the Tunnel — An Oncoming Train, or Sweet Freedom
In 1992, I became single for good. That was a good decision for me, but it came at a price. One cannot live as cheaply as two. That is just a cold, hard economic fact. One of the implications of my singlehood and single-income has been that putting off retirement...