strategic
planning

Groups interested in creating a one to five year organizational guide are led through a multi-step process culminating in an actionable framework that steers and engages the organization's leadership. 

The process reflects on the group’s past work, impact, influence and partnerships, and creates a portrait of its current strengths, assets, areas for growth, and community needs. You will identify systems or infrastructure that will need to be built to better carry out a mission in sustainable and equitable ways. Ultimately, you will forge a path forward built on clear and achievable internal and external goals, priorities and actions. A plan will emerge that although challenging is achievable and fits the culture of the organization, its people and the communities with whom it  partners.

Development of this plan takes approximately four to six months but can be customized to be appropriate for an organization and its unique set of needs, challenges and strengths. Additionally, RLO Works can create a visually appealing version of the document for public sharing.

To see a sample strategic plan click here.

organizational
evolution

Organizations are living, breathing entities that are often in a state of growth or evolution. RLO Works offers them a fresh perspective when in a moment of flux. Whether it is:

• Experiencing a significant moment of growth

• Reshaping aspects of the organization to chart a path towards the implementation of a strategic plan

• Adopting initiatives to improve staff experiences and performance (policies, hiring processes, pipelines)

• Interweaving the real-life engagement of equity/cultural relevance in all aspects of an organization

Whatever the focus, RLO Works helps an organization and its leadership reflect on the group’s culture, what informs it, and how it may need to adjust or change to best prepare and accept shifts and growth.

program &
Project design

Engage RLO Works to assist in creating new or revamped programming and projects. This support may include project management, framework development, and initial stages of implementation. The process emphasizes the guidance and voices of those most affected by the issues being tackled and opportunities are embedded for those leading, participating or feeling the impact of the project to build solidarity across roles and identities.

Areas of focus:

• Community-engaged philanthropy

• Community development, particularly with a grassroots equity lens

• Public and community-based arts

• Educational engagement for children and youth ages 2- 19 (including multilingual and multicultural focuses)

• Professional leadership development

• Cross-organizational collaborations

leadership
coaching

Often it is helpful for emerging and entrepreneurial leaders to work independently with someone outside of their organization to help them identify and address their own needs, strengths, drive and strategies to bring about transformational change. As a past founder and Executive Director for over fifteen years, Rebecca has intimate knowledge of the rewards and challenges that come with carrying the responsibility of an organization and its people.

Coaching with RLO Works is designed to support various leadership styles, particularly those impacted, enriched and informed by the experience of marginalized identities. Hour-long sessions can be designed as a series to work with an Executive Director on a specific issue, as professional development opportunities to strengthen overall leadership skills or as a periodic check-in to help a leader reflect on the course they are setting for themselves and their teams.

board
development

A board is one of the biggest sources of support and resources an organization and its Executive Director can have at their disposal. Still at times this group of passionate and driven volunteers may not be able to align or reach their full potential due to issues like a lack of:

• clear direction,

• diversity within the team,

• customs and culture or,

• strategies to best benefit from each members “super powers”

RLO Works can partner with board members and organizational leadership to assess current goals and instabilities and charter a customized path towards building a brain trust that supports, checks and balances the organization’s major decisions and direction. We also emphasize helping existing boards create a welcoming environment that celebrates all members, their identities and skill sets.

succession
planning

Leadership transitions can be one of the most complex periods an organization can experience. But, often transitions can also be a time to celebrate achievements, and look towards shifts that can bring an organization into its next stage of growth. However, when an organization does not have a clear and thoughtful succession plan, the experience can become one full of apprehension, misunderstandings and stress. RLO Works offers support to founders, executive director, boards and the organization to create an actionable plan. 

The process and plan are created in a manner consistent with the cultural context and values of an organization, and takes under consideration the roles and impact for all members of the organization’s community from participants and staff, to funders.

This process also includes coaching with current leadership to help them begin to envision their own personal transition process.

Engagements start no later than six months before the planned transition and the length of time is dependent on the organization’s needs.

trainings &
public speaking

Rebecca is available as a public speaker, panelist and facilitator, and has enjoyed presenting over a hundred times to crowds of various ages and sizes. She brings her energy and a bit of humor and color to a variety of subjects including: Youth Leadership, Thoughtfully Crafting NonProfit Organizational Culture, BIPOC Leadership Care, Burn Out and Transition, Starting a Grassroots Organization from Scratch, Fundraising to Align with Values, and most things Urban Gardening or Community Art related.

Email any inquiries via the contact us page