Yearly Archives: 2025

Designing Stakeholder Alignment in Nonprofits with Liberating Structures

In today’s complex nonprofit landscape, achieving alignment among diverse stakeholders—executive directors, board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and the people served—is both essential and elusive. Traditional planning methods often reinforce hierarchy and silence key voices. At Civic Reinventions, Inc., we champion a different approach: Liberating Structures, a suite of participatory methods that unlock collective wisdom, foster deep alignment, and transform strategic planning into a shared experience.

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The Art of Interpersonal Mediation

In an era marked by polarized discourse and strained relationships—whether in workplaces, communities, or families—the art of interpersonal mediation has never been more essential. At its core, mediation is not simply about resolving conflict; it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and creating pathways for understanding. The skilled mediator serves not as an arbiter of truth, but as a catalyst for connection.

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The Psychology of Cruelty: Why Some Are Drawn to Leaders Who Harm Others

Cruelty is not merely an individual failing—it is often a systemic force that leaders can manipulate for power. Across history, authoritarian figures have risen by dehumanizing certain groups, reinforcing divisions, and exploiting fear. But why are some people drawn to such leaders? And what psychological forces lead individuals to exhibit cruelty and abuse toward others who are different?

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Inclusive and Engaging Transportation Planning in Rural Yakima County: A Human-Centered Approach

Access to reliable transportation is a fundamental necessity for individuals and families striving to rebuild their lives. In rural Yakima County, WA and across Yakama Nation lands, approximately 200 households face significant transportation barriers. These families, deeply engaged in the child welfare system and dependency courts, need reliable transportation to attend hearings, meet with judges and attorneys, access social workers, mental health providers, and support groups. Additionally, stable transportation is critical for maintaining employment and ensuring family reunification efforts proceed smoothly. However, because these individuals have been convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), they lack driver's licenses and struggle to navigate the sprawling rural landscape where traditional transportation options fall short. Conventional transportation planning often prioritizes efficiency over lived experiences. To develop meaningful solutions, we must embrace human-centered design principles—listening directly to these families to craft transportation options that genuinely meet their needs.

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Achieving Strategic Alignment in Nonprofits Through Liberating Structures

Nonprofit organizations navigate complex environments where diverse stakeholders—including executive leadership, board members, frontline employees, funders, and community representatives—must work together toward a shared vision. Strategic alignment is critical for mission success, yet achieving it often proves elusive due to competing priorities, hierarchical barriers, and entrenched ways of thinking. Liberating Structures offer a transformative approach to breaking these barriers by fostering inclusion, engagement, and clarity. These structured yet flexible facilitation techniques empower organizations to harness the collective wisdom of all stakeholders, unlocking innovative solutions while forging deep alignment.

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The Anatomy of Apology: How Sincere Repentance Restores Relationships

Authentic relationships, whether personal or professional, require trust, vulnerability, and the capacity to navigate conflict. At the heart of reconciliation lies the art of apology—an act that, when done well, mends wounds and fosters healing. As Aaron Lazare eloquently describes in On Apology, an effective apology is more than just an expression of regret; it is a multifaceted process that conveys responsibility, genuine remorse, and an earnest commitment to change.A

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