In community-based work, data is an essential component for making informed decisions. But too often, we end up telling ourselves that we don’t have enough data, or the right data, or we might even be overwhelmed with too much data, and all of these situations lead us to decision paralysis. That’s the focus of a new white paper we co-authored with the Behavioral Science Research Institute.

Sixty days ago or so I wrote an open letter to our clients titled, “What a long, strange trip it’s been…” If the days and weeks since have taught us anything, it’s that disruption (and chaos and confusion) in the nonprofit and social service sectors isn’t going anywhere any time soon. The ground beneath us is constantly shifting, and we must sharpen every tool in our tool box—preparing ourselves, our organizations, and the communities we serve to navigate the uncertainty ahead.

In this edition of Meet the Minds, we’re excited to introduce Melissa Strompolis, our Director of Research at 1000 Feathers. With a passion for data, curiosity, and a deep commitment to equity, Melissa brings a unique perspective to our work. Whether she’s designing research strategies or digging into data to uncover insights that inform real change, Melissa helps ensure our work is grounded in evidence and impact.

Across the nation, organizations focused on reducing teen birth rates have made significant progress in providing access to reproductive education and teen health services over the last two decades. For states in the South, however, progress traditionally has not kept up with national averages. Recently, 1000 Feathers Co-Founder and President Forrest Alton checked in with two former clients to hear how they have progressed with their goal of reducing their community’s rate.

In July 2024, the 1000 Feathers team began a substantial, long-term partnership with three local funders in Beaufort and Jasper counties in South Carolina. The partnership and overall effort will address one of the most significant challenges facing residents and neighbors: barriers to self-sufficiency.

We’re launching a new blog series, Meet the Minds, where you’ll get to know the talented team behind 1000 Feathers. First up: Sedric Warren, our Community Engagement Specialist. Sedric is passionate about shaping communities across South Carolina and the southeast, using his experience to help organizations create lasting change. Keep reading to learn more about Sedric and his journey.

“What a long, strange trip it’s been…” and it has only been two weeks since the now infamous memo from the Office of Management and Budget muddied the waters for organizations that depend on federal dollars to serve their clients and communities. The memo and subsequent communications from the White House caused a great deal of panic and confusion, and it still feels very raw.

Recently, our Melissa Strompolis presented at an international conference. The work she presented, in partnership with researchers at Texas A&M University, highlighted findings at the intersection of what it takes to move innovations to evidence and working in and with communities. Click to learn more.

We are thrilled to welcome Sedric Warren to the 1000 Feathers team as our new Community Engagement Specialist. Sedric brings a wealth of experience from his impressive career in public health, with over a decade of service dedicated to advancing community well-being through innovative strategies and impactful programs.

For nonprofits, understanding and effectively managing a digital footprint is no longer a choice but a necessity. As someone who has worked in communications for over 20 years, I recognize the pivotal role that a nonprofit's online presence plays in shaping its impact. Here are a few things to be learned from your digital footprint, which includes everything from your website to your e-newsletter to your social media properties.

Our CEO, Forrest Alton, was a recent guest on the popular podcast, I Was Told There'd Be Snacks. Hosted by Kevin Dean and the Nonprofit Network (Memphis, TN), this episode, titled "Quitting with Dignity," explores the delicate process of leaving a job.

At 1000 Feathers, we are proud to be the catalyst for bringing together nonprofits, government entities, and communities. In this instance, a unique partnership has come to life. We've had the pleasure of connecting Family Solutions (a SCORH program), Children's Trust, and the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Recently, Forrest joined fellow leaders for a webinar, ‘Unlocking Potential: The Key to Successful Cross-Organizational Collaboration.’ This event, hosted by our friends at Wholespire, included insightful discussions and valuable learnings on how statewide organizations overcome challenges to lead partnerships with limited capacity and resources

We’re excited to announce a project that 1000 Feathers, in partnership with Seth Media, has developed for Healthy Palmetto. Together, we have produced a series of five videos, each highlighting the critical priority areas Healthy Palmetto is focusing on to enhance the health and well-being of South Carolinians.

Through our firm’s work with Grow Outdoors SC, I have learned that the childhood I experienced isn’t the childhood many are experiencing today. We have replaced chasing butterflies for racing cars on an X Box. We have replaced getting messy in the dirt with increased time in front of the television.

On National Rural Health Day, we honor our commitment to rural communities. In honor of today, we’d like to share an article written by our co-founder, Dr. Heather Brandt. In her article, Dr. Brandt addresses the critical issue of lower HPV vaccination rates in rural communities compared to urban areas. Drawing on her personal connections to rural Iowa, she explores potential reasons for this disparity, including misinformation and access challenges.

At 1000 Feathers, we often find ourselves saying that we are issue agnostic, meaning that we partner with organizations, coalitions, and systems across the southern United States on a range of issues. We know that our words and what we say matter, and that is why we have made a conscious decision to change our narrative away from “being issue agnostic” and towards transformation. Providing clearer words about who we are and how we work has helped us see not only that we are passionate about many issues but we also care deeply that our partners know where we stand. 

Recently, Forrest had the opportunity to sit down with Patrick Jinks, president of The Leader's Perspective, on his popular podcast, The Leadership Window. We discuss our journey and the seven invaluable lessons we've learned during our incredible seven-year tenure here at 1000 Feathers.

Just as a survey is not right for every data gathering situation, an incentive is not right for every data gathering situation either, and if you’re in the partnership space like me, it’s a thoughtful conversation and decision to use both a survey and an incentive. So, my question is, when it comes to your incentive, was it worth it?

On October 4, 2023, Forrest moderated a forum hosted by One80 Place for the City of Charleston Mayoral candidates to discuss their proposed solutions to address homelessness and affordable housing.