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Good work done better
improving the impact of community-based non-profits
By Sam Watts
Is it possible that the organizations that serve the most vulnerable people in our communities are merely applying temporary patches? Why are most North American cities unable to deal with the root causes of the social challenges they are addressing? Why are most funding models for community-based non-profits built around sustaining programs rather than creating measurable social impact? Sam Watts, the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal, asks some hard questions in this book, and challenges everyone—both community-based non-profit organizations (CBNPs) and donors (the rest of us)—to think seriously about the outcomes we want to see, and whether we are serious about finding permanent solutions to the societal tragedies that plague us. Do we want to feed the hungry people in our neighbourhood every day for the rest of their lives, or do we want to get to the root of the problem and allow every person the dignity of feeding themselves? Do we want to keep rescuing and sheltering women and children fleeing abusive situations, or can we work on solving the root causes of discrimination and violence? Do we want to continue supporting the never-ending stream of people experiencing homelessness, or can we solve the problem of isolation and disconnection that cause people to end up living on the street?
Good Work Done Better: Improving the Impact of Community-Based Non-Profits makes the case that a number of critical shifts need to occur in the community-based non-profit sector. These include our perception of the problems, developing a results-oriented approach, ensuring that our activities are linked to improved outcomes, and adopting a new approach to leadership and governance of CBNPs.
Good Work Done Better: Improving the Impact of Community-Based Non-Profits makes the case that a number of critical shifts need to occur in the community-based non-profit sector. These include our perception of the problems, developing a results-oriented approach, ensuring that our activities are linked to improved outcomes, and adopting a new approach to leadership and governance of CBNPs.
REVIEWS
“I truly believe that Sam has a great impact on people because of his values, his altruism and his humanity... Sam has taken a further step by encouraging us to change the way we think about the community-based non-profit sector. Good Work Done Better is a must read.”
--The Honourable Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal from 2013-2017, Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2013
"In this profound reflection on the non-profit sector and its impact on social issues, Sam challenges us to change. He asks the tough questions in a way that can be heard. Are good intentions enough? Can they cause more harm than good? Why don't we measure impact in the sector?... This book is a guide to rethinking our practices, not only on the ground but in the boardroom too. Enjoy this thought-provoking read!"
--Michèle Chappaz, Executive Director of the Montreal Movement to End Homelessness
“As the leader of a community organization, my experience is that putting the principles in place that Sam Watts has outlined in Good Work Done Better guarantees significant, positive and measureable impacts and outcomes.”
--Deirdre Freiheit, President & CEO Shepherds of Good Hope and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation
--The Honourable Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal from 2013-2017, Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2013
"In this profound reflection on the non-profit sector and its impact on social issues, Sam challenges us to change. He asks the tough questions in a way that can be heard. Are good intentions enough? Can they cause more harm than good? Why don't we measure impact in the sector?... This book is a guide to rethinking our practices, not only on the ground but in the boardroom too. Enjoy this thought-provoking read!"
--Michèle Chappaz, Executive Director of the Montreal Movement to End Homelessness
“As the leader of a community organization, my experience is that putting the principles in place that Sam Watts has outlined in Good Work Done Better guarantees significant, positive and measureable impacts and outcomes.”
--Deirdre Freiheit, President & CEO Shepherds of Good Hope and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation
From the Introduction
"The dominant voices in our world are the voices of the privileged. The disenfranchised do not control the public discourse. We have learned to expect that those on the margins will be ignored. However, for the past few years, I have had the awesome privilege of working closely with an incredible team of people who serve those who are living precariously. As a result, I am learning to listen to an alternative narrative. I have heard voices that speak from a place of disconnectedness and pain. At the same time, I have observed an inadequate response to those voices from the dedicated people who are trying to help them. This inadequacy is not due to an absence of compassion. It is due to deficiencies in the model of service. It is a model that emerged in the late 19th century but is not designed to resolve the evolving social challenges of the 21st century. The aim of this book is to ask questions, raise issues, and propose fresh ways to think about how we should all respond to vulnerable people in our communities."
-Sam Watts
-Sam Watts