Welcome to
Valley Commons
Helping community organizations and researchers involve the people they serve in shaping better solutions - from the big picture to the small (and essential) systems.
Community orgs are more important than ever - they build bridges and provide needed services. At the same time, the work keeps getting harder. Sometimes you need a thought partner and strategic thinker to clarify operations and help navigate change.
From focus groups to operational assessments, and many projects in between, I provide on-the-ground support and partnership to nonprofits and researchers.
Why "Valley Commons"?
I believe organizations and research projects are stronger when multiple stakeholders come together to exchange ideas, figure out how to address problems and transform them. I think of "the commons" as a space to gather and share resources for the greater good. For example, throughout my career I have benefited immensely from:
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Professional networks where I have found friends, colleagues, and consultants to help me think through ideas, build confidence in making tough decisions, and help spur my organizations into the next stage of effectiveness.
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Teams of research collaborators, made up of groups of teenagers as often as highly respected academics, who envision and implement projects that ask the difficult questions needed to advance equity and justice.
True to the commons, I often reach out to my personal network to tap into additional expertise outside of my own skillset. As such, I am happy to share ideas of who else may be helpful to you and to make direct connections, such as for marketing support, communications, or something else.