Current Issue: Issue 1 – 2011

How to Use Social Media Effectively
More than half of Alliance members are engaged in social media activities. By using these tools strategically, organizations are able to fill immediate in-kind needs, improve organizational visibility, and build awareness about key community issues.

Four Pillars of Growth
The Bridgespan Group put the 100 fastest-growing youth-serving nonprofits in the United States under a microscope and discovered striking consistency within four critical areas.

Investing in a Community’s Future
Three Alliance members share why they’ve prioritized work that helps youth develop the skills necessary to change their communities.

Alliance Positioned for Growth
While serving as a member of the Alliance Board of Directors, Stephen Mack helped the Alliance weather the economic recession. In his new role as chair of the board, he’s focusing on increasing membership and further strengthening the organization’s fiscal position.

Columns: Perspectives, Fund Development, Nonprofit Law, Capitol Connection

Cover Photo: Teagan, 6, enjoys the petting zoo at a centennial celebration for Alliance member Woodland Hills, Duluth, Minn., in June 2009. Past and current staff, board members, students, and their families turned out for a day of celebratory activities. Photo by Woodland Hills

»

Issue 4 – 2010

Tax-Exempt, But Not Fee-Exempt
Hard pressed to close budget gaps, state and local governments are looking for new ways to raise revenue. Increasingly, their solutions are impacting the pockets of tax-exempt organizations.

Eighteen and Homeless
Alliance members throughout the country have developed programs to address the perilous lack of housing, life skills, and parent-figure support for youth aging out of foster care.

One Hundred Years in the Making
A record-breaking 510 attendees gathered in Milwaukee Oct. 20-22 for the 2010 Alliance National Conference, which kicked off the Alliance's yearlong centennial celebration.

Lost in Implementation
Most organizations have a strategic plan; however, many struggle to fully implement it. A new research project looks to determine whether applying a chief strategy officer model to nonprofit human service organizations could help.

Columns: Perspectives, Fund Development, Nonprofit Law, Capitol Connection

Cover Photo: Youth from the Michigan and Ohio campuses of Alliance member Starr Commonwealth, Albion, Mich., show off their talents in the All Starr Choir. Youth must audition for the choir, which performs at special functions, community fairs, church gatherings, and other events. The choir is designed to harvest the curiosity, intellect, and talent of youth who may never have had the opportunity to express themselves through music. Video of the choir is available through Starr Commonwealth's YouTube channel. Photo by Starr Commonwealth

»

Issue 3 – 2010

Abandoned at ‘Adulthood’
Despite some victories in extending services to foster care youth beyond age 18, thousands are still forgotten.

Is Yours a Band-Aid Agency?
While sifting through the Alliance archives, staff uncovered a newsletter article—more than 40 years old—that continues to strike chords. With an unwavering voice, it calls on members to do more to solve community problems than apply a Band-Aid.

Aging in Poverty
Older adults—America’s fastest growing population—face a looming crisis. A soon-to-be-published supplement in the Alliance’s social work journal, Families in Society, calls for a national dialogue about older adults who live in poverty.

Neighbors are the Best Corporate Partners
A collaboration between ARAMARK and Families International, the parent organization of the Alliance and United Neighborhood Centers of America, is creating opportunities for members.

Columns: Perspectives, Nonprofit Law, Capitol Connection, Fund Development

Cover Photo: Kim Jackson is one of thousands of ARAMARK employees across the country who volunteer with Alliance and UNCA member organizations through the ARMARK Building Community program. The program is featured in the article "Neighbors Make the Best Corporate Partners." Photo by Neighborhood Centers Inc. 

»

Issue 2 – 2010

Don’t Just Look Away
“Shock marketing” campaigns don’t ask for attention—they demand it. Alliance members Pathfinders, Milwaukee, and Wellspring Family Services, Seattle, describe their own experiences and explain why this provocative approach to marketing is gaining ground in the human service sector.

Service. Advocacy. Innovation. Impact.
Attendees of the 2010 Alliance National Conference will hear from two of the most influential voices in the field when the Alliance kicks off a yearlong centennial celebration Oct. 20-22 in its hometown, Milwaukee.

Alliance COO Embraces New Role
Polina Makievsky sits down with the Alliance for Children & Families Magazine to talk about her background, as well as share her thoughts regarding the future of the Alliance.

Making Civic Engagement a Priority Pays Off
Alliance members Methodist Youth Services and Personal and Family Counseling Services share how they are helping community residents understand and exercise their civic rights. Given the volatility within politics today, this commitment is even more crucial.

Columns: Perspectives, Capitol Connection, Fund Development, Nonprofit Law

Cover Photo: To raise awareness about homelessness in King County, Wash., Alliance member Wellspring Family Services, Seattle, created hundreds of life-size cutouts to symbolize the many children and families who are affected. This “shock marketing” strategy is featured in the article, "Don't Just Look Away." Photo courtesy Getty Images

»