Hear from smart nonprofit leader, Wendy Copeland from Goodwill Industries International.

In honor of those who have gone before us and in recognition of AfterSchool Professionals Appreciation Week, I wrote this poem.

This is a personal story highlighting how a make-do and muscle through culture harms young people’s perceptions of their own value. We are each charged to pause and recognize that we are worth the investment of money, time, love, attention, safety, support and each other.

Here are three simple innovations that youth-serving organizations can implement to save time and money and keep your staff happy.

Embrace various versions of yourself to be the whole leader you are. That’s how to start a new year.

Feeling like an outsider as a leader in your work? There is likely a reason for that. And also a solution.

These small shifts will transform your next meeting with community partners, funders and staff.

You’ve got this. Check out the list on how to make your next year awesome.

Part of our Smart Nonprofit Leaders interview series, I had a lovely conversation with Carlos Santini, an energetic colleague in the afterschool and youth development field. In his leadership, Carlos draws upon lessons from his mentor and is now embracing his role as a way to share his own experiences with the field.

Grab this printable poster that reminds you of a few of your very own superpowers.

In his leadership, Jason Whyte combines heartfelt commitment with a mindset toward innovation—always asking: how can we do this better? Jason is the Director of Partnership Strategy at the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership and has recently launched the National Reentry Workforce Collaborative the only national organization founded by workforce practitioners committed to advancing socio-economic mobility for people impacted by the justice system.

I had such an inspiring and enjoyable conversation with Karen Peterson from the National Girls Collaborative Project. As a smart nonprofit leader, Karen listens closely to her team and has taken flexibility to the next level. She finds ways to ensure each and every person has what they need to be successful with their work. And it pays off! The NGCP team supports networks of networks across the country with the same care and attention they experience at the national office.