International Civil Society Development

Since early 1997 I have been working in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, assisting in the development and start up of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and training and consulting with their leaders as former communist countries attempt to modernize, democratize and build a fair, open, ethically tolerant and productive society.

National Effectiveness Assessment

A nationwide, federally sponsored Sustaiable Agriculture Research and Education funding organization sought a consultant to assess its national and regional structures and operations. I was chosen among bidders to conduct this 9-month assessment, focusing especially on issues of efficiency, fairness, transparency and impact.

Working in partnership with a Chicago based colleague, he and I conducted the assessment using a mix of methods: focus groups, written surveys, face to face and phone interviews, conference calls, materials reviews, informal conversations and meeting observations.

This project resulted in draft and final reports and an oral presentation and large group discussion in Washington, DC about our findings and recommendations.

Statewide Environmental Coalition

A Minnesota 90+ organization member coalition needed a second brain to help conceptualize, design and facilitate its early structures, norms, processes and leadership development. I have been providing this second brain, coaching and facilitation for several years. I provide ongoing consultation to coalition staff and assists in its capacity building.

Local Congregational Church

I have provided strategic planning design, consultation and facilitation services to a large, progressive and social justice oriented congregation in the urban center of Minneapolis. Since the early 1990s I have helped the lay and professional leaders of the congregation go through two strategic planning processes.