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When people hear the word ‘data’ they often think of numbers, facts, statistics, and information. That’s accurate, to a degree, but it’s only a piece. There’s another essential piece that, typically, isn’t the first thing people think of when they hear data, which is qualitative data that comes through meaningful connections, community, and perspective.
I’ve had the delightful opportunity to visit some of our current and past clients to refresh my perspective and introduce one of our new leadership team members. (Thank you Warren Village, Growing Home, Girl’s Inc., Florence Crittenton Services, Mi Cases Resource Center and Struggle of Love! So appreciate you opening your doors and having conversation with us.)
These visits gave me the opportunity to see the ways these organizations are leading their teams and data practice with meaningful connections and community.
They didn’t just create solutions with numbers and facts, they centered their solutions based on community need and with community input.
Struggle of Love coordinated community events and engaged participants to help inform current and new programming. Their approach to and provision of mental health services is impressive.
Girl’s Inc. hosted listening sessions with girls to inform its programming. The girls’ perspectives on social media exposure and what is needed to manage that impact was enlightening and, frankly, deeply concerning.
- Florence Crittenton Services held focus groups and surveyed the young women they serve to better understand where to set priorities. It has given them some things to think about as it relates to housing.
These visits also reminded me that the right solution isn’t always obvious, and less so when you look at it from a singular perspective, or from a perspective lacking context and understanding.
In one of the visits, an idea for a new program was shared with us which, initially, was counter-intuitive to me. As these leaders explained their approach, based on their understanding of those they serve and their own lived experiences, my mind opened and I began to understand. Designing with and for those who will be impacted gets us to the right solutions.
I left our visits feeling energized and inspired by these leaders who are doing a lot to address challenges in their communities. Yes, it should be obvious this work is happening because that is the work nonprofits do, but this was a welcome reminder to prioritize connecting with our community to maintain perspective.
I encourage you to do the same - get out there, take a look, and have a conversation.
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