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?
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.
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.
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
In the nonprofit world, workshops and retreats serve as vital spaces for learning, collaboration, and renewal. However, not all workshops are created equal. The book Designing and Leading Life-Changing Workshops outlines three distinct models of training: the Traditional Expert Model, the Experiential Model, and the Transformational Model. Each serves a different purpose, and understanding their nuances can help facilitators craft meaningful experiences that align with their participants’ needs.
In a just society, leadership should embody integrity, wisdom, and compassion. However, history reminds us that power often attracts those who wield it with cruelty—leaders who belittle the vulnerable, mock the disadvantaged, and foster division rather than unity. Such cruelty is not merely a failure of character but a deliberate strategy of control, designed to instill fear and silence opposition.