Ronda Maurer’s Post

Wise words contained in this post. Check it out!

The Ripple Effect in Action This year, our donors’ generosity and commitment to freedom have created ripples of change that continue to grow and transform lives. We’re excited to share our 2024 Fall Impact Report—an update on the work we’ve accomplished so far this year thanks to their support. From entire villages freed from bonded labor to new partnerships amplifying our efforts, this report highlights the power of compassionate giving. 📊 Inside, you’ll find:  ✅ Impact Numbers from the year so far  ✅ Highlights from our core strategies  ✅ Quotes from our strategic partners We invite you to read the report and see how every gift drives meaningful change. Whether you’re already part of this movement or considering joining us, your involvement has the power to turn ripples into a river of justice. Together, we can continue to expand this ripple effect, reaching more lives and creating lasting freedom. #RippleEffect #EndHumanTrafficking

I so value and respect many of the voices included in this article. And, I deeply respect the Commons. It's providing an invaluable service for the field. But, I would love to see reflections from the field like this start to include community and place-based organizations. Of the 12+ organizations mentioned in here, many are investing in local work or have local chapters, but none are themselves place-based. A takeaway from this election (and from this article!) should be that we need to value local conversations about democracy as much as we value national-level ones. We need to hear about the work growing out of communities just as much as national organizations that are starting chapters. As Eric Liu says in the closing line of the article, “We have to reprioritize the local." Let's start by who we talk about and elevate in our internal conversations. And yes, the header image in the article is from the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange 😀

Public Administration Review (PAR) has published a new paper by National Academy of Public Administration Fellows Richard Callahan, Lauren Larson, and Steve Redburn, and staff member Brad Riley, Ed.M, MPPA. It presents communities’ collaborative efforts to address #homelessness. Recommended!

At CarePortal, we strive to embody a transformative approach to generosity, shifting from traditional methods like mailers and galas to a deeply personal connection. We call it Care Sharing. It's about direct engagement and honest connections, where communities of faith become pillars of support for the vulnerable, businesses invest in their neighborhoods, and kids and families are wrapped around in care by their local community members. Lifting one another up in action, prayer, and love. We see the power of collective action, where every contribution, big or small, directly meets urgent needs in real time. Together, through Care Sharing, we can make a meaningful difference where it counts the most. https://bit.ly/34aon41

Jennifer Harris’s reflections yesterday about what’s unfolding in Los Angeles got me thinking. In the midst of a crisis, we often see a familiar pattern: the unexpected disaster strikes, followed by an outpouring of responses and expressions of gratitude. And then, almost inevitably, someone—often many someones—asks, “Wait, did we forget to call the generosity police?” While armchair critiques are nothing new, it’s troubling to see how many of us have appointed ourselves the arbiters of who should give, who should receive, and under what conditions. This is the should doctrine, as I’ve called it, playing out in real-time. I suspect what fuels much of this critique is a deeper, unspoken fear: Who would show up for me if I were in need? We begin to wonder if someone might judge us unworthy of help for one reason or another. This fear feeds our critical spirit, preventing us from recognizing an important truth about generosity: it doesn’t show up because we planned for it. The gift is an emergent phenomenon, as unpredictable as the crises that often precipitate it. If you want to explore these thoughts further, feel free to check them out on Substack. #responsivefundraising #mappingproject #generositycrisis #substack #givenowcity #kingdomofshould #giversgulch

#humaninterest #strangerswithdifferentpoliticalviews #whoareweaspeople #uspoliticalcommentary #ussocialcommentary #learningfromeachother #storycorps #onesmallstep #onesmallstepconversations - StoryCorps - One Small Step Conversations One Small Step brings strangers with different political views together to record a 50-minute conversation—not to debate politics, but to learn who we are as people. Created by StoryCorps, One Small Step is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us—even those with whom we disagree. To date, nearly 6,000 people in 50 U.S. states have participated in a One Small Step conversation. And we’ve seen people embrace this experience and through the process, find connection with their conversation partner.

🗳️✨ Book Recommendation Alert! ✨🗳️ We’re entering a time when kids and adults alike will be processing a range of BIG feelings and conversations around the world of voting and civic responsibility. With that in mind, I can't recommend A Kids Book About Voting enough! This book, along with the whole A Kids Book About series, is an incredible teaching tool that tackles complex and often intimidating topics in ways that are approachable, honest, and empowering for young minds. Whether it’s about understanding how our democracy works or navigating those important but tough conversations, these books give both kids and adults a starting point to learn, reflect, and discuss together. As we head into this season of civic engagement, let’s equip our kids with the knowledge and curiosity they need to grow into thoughtful, informed citizens. 📚✨ Have you used any books from the A Kids Book About series with your kids or classrooms? Which topics sparked the best conversations for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s share resources for empowering the next generation! 💬 #AKidsBookAbout #CivicEngagement #EmpoweringKids #TeachingTools #VotingEducation https://lnkd.in/gDuBbwCa

Creating a safer world for everyone starts with understanding the power of community and collective action. The latest episode from Hidden Brain unravels how small, individual efforts can lead to significant societal change. Want to contribute? Here are some straightforward steps you can take: 1. Listen actively to diverse voices in your community; everyone's perspective matters. 2. Get involved in local initiatives promoting safety and well-being, be it volunteering, organizing, or just showing up. 3. Share resources and information to empower those around you; knowledge is a powerful tool for change. The benefit? By taking these actions, you not only enhance your community's safety but also foster a sense of belonging and mutual support. A unified effort can spark transformative change that ripples far beyond our immediate surroundings. I'd love to hear how you've contributed to creating a safer space in your community. What tips or experiences do you have to share? https://lnkd.in/eq8MtSZe