09/14/2026
Thank you for spending the day with us and helping us learn new ways to grow and connect with our WHY! 💚
One of my favorite parts of this work is getting to spend time with nonprofit Boards who are genuinely willing to learn, stretch, and get better together.
I had the opportunity to facilitate a Board retreat with the Board of Youth First, Inc. in Evansville, Indiana, and it was a really meaningful day.
We spent time talking about the habits and practices of healthy governance, but we also tackled something that can be uncomfortable for many Board members: fundraising and advocacy.
And rather than simply talking about fundraising, we practiced it.
We worked through some real-world Board fundraising scenarios through facilitated role play—giving Board members a chance to try, stumble, laugh, learn, and build confidence in having conversations that can sometimes feel awkward.
That’s the kind of learning I love: practical, honest, and immediately useful.
Youth First’s mission makes this work especially meaningful. They are transforming and strengthening the lives of young people and their families by bringing Youth First Mental Health Professionals into area schools and providing prevention and behavioral health programs—free of charge and right where kids and families need them.
I left the retreat reminded once again that healthy Boards don’t happen by accident. They are built through intentional conversations, shared expectations, trust, practice, and a willingness to keep getting better.
Thank you to the Youth First Board for the energy, openness, and good humor you brought to the day. It was a privilege to spend time with you!
