At the beginning of our work with a client, we often bring together a team of staff including executives and managers to construct a framework which describes the mission of the organization and the priority intermediate outcomes which combine to producing that impact.  It's an interesting process as a wide range of interests, needs, and responsibilities perspectives come together to form a cohesive whole.  It not only provides a context for ongoing strategic conversations, but it also helps each person see the value of their worth in the context of the organization.

A recent op-ed in the New York Times describes the use (or misuse), of the GDP as the primary, and often sole, measure of how well a country is doing.  As Eric Zensey describes it, the GDP is supposedly a measure of national wealth, a proxy for how well-off it is.  The more you make, the better off you are.  However, Zency argues that GDP is fundamentally flawed.  It fails to incorporate the value of resources already held, particularly natural resources, which are not easily monetized.  How much is clean air worth?  Where does happiness fit?  Where does life expectancy fit?  Is our economy better off if we have to constantly "produce" repairs for it?

In late April, President Obama signed the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which will provide a sweeping expansion of national service that will engage millions of Americans in addressing local needs through volunteer service. The National Corporation for Community Service through AmeriCorps, will facilitate this Act and provide opportunities for all Americans, of all ages and backgrounds, to serve one to two years with all kinds of nonprofits. Examples of AmeriCorps-funded programs include Teach for America, City Year, and Citizen Schools.