April 29, 2025
Topic
I was recently strategizing with a colleague, and we were discussing how to balance responding to urgent issues while remaining focused on long-term goals. This is no small task. Regardless of industry, every day there seems to be a new existential threat, whether it is from technology, the economy, or the environment.
On the policy side, we are wrapping up the first 100 days of this new federal administration, we are at the start of a new two-year legislative cycle in California, and gubernatorial campaigns are in full swing with that election only a year and a half away. When we are constantly being asked to do more wi100 less, with tighter deadlines and shorter runways, how can we accomplish what we are called to do – individually, organizationally, and within our respective fields?
Here are some approaches that we are taking:
Remember your North Star.
During challenging times, it is all too easy for nonprofits to suffer from mission creep. During busy times, we often think that we don’t have time for strategic planning. Another nonprofit executive shared with me that they are going through a strategic planning exercise this year. Their sentiment was that it was never a good time to do strategic planning, but these chaotic times might actually be the best time to plan.
Earlier this year, I solicited input from Board Members and staff on what our policy priorities should be for the coming year. In May, CivicWell staff are engaging in a mini-retreat. Grounding ourselves in what is most important helps us avoid distractions and remain committed to what we do best.
Leverage your partnerships.
CivicWell has a rich network of partners working at the vanguard of important policies and programs. As a way to avoid mission creep, we can leverage these partnerships to streamline efficiencies and maximize impact.
A great example of this is our work on regional collaborations, in which we work with state agencies and other nonprofits to convene leaders and practitioners for candid dialogue and innovative problem-solving. For more than three decades, CivicWell has been a trusted partner for holding space for partnerships to grow and develop through educational forums and convenings.
Mobilize.
This month we celebrated the 55th anniversary of the first Earth Day. 35 years ago, the celebration went global. Mobilizing a movement is nothing new, but the tactics evolve. We must examine how we communicate—which channels we use and which words we say.
A few years ago, CivicWell emerged with a new identity. We have evolved since our founding more than 40 years ago as the Local Government Commission, and this new name reflects our “North Star” and is a broad enough umbrella to include local government and the civic and community partners that bring vision to fruition. Today, we are grappling with how we communicate topics like climate change and equity with an evolving audience. We are also figuring out new ways to dialogue, such as leveraging webinars in a more interactive way to allow panelists to hear from audience members, and attendees to learn from each other.
I believe that CivicWell’s greatest strength is our network of pragmatic idealists—people like you—who work together to make incredible things happen. As we face the challenges and opportunities ahead, we invite you to join us at upcoming regional convenings, conferences like the California Climate and Energy Forum (CCEC Forum), and educational forums like our upcoming fall webinar series. There truly is power in numbers, and our partnerships make us all stronger.
Save the Date
We are excited to announce that the 34th annual CivicWell Policymakers Conference will be held March 12-15, 2026 in Yosemite National Park. This intimate gathering is designed to support local elected officials with tools and partnership opportunities to implement innovative solutions locally. Registration will launch in November. More information is forthcoming.
Oscar Ortiz Joins the CivicWell Board of Directors
We are thrilled to welcome Indio City Councilmember Oscar Ortiz as the newest member of the CivicWell Board of Directors!
Oscar Ortiz is an immigrant from Mexicali, Baja California. He grew up in Indio, CA and graduated from Indio High School in 2008. He went on to study at Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry in 2012. He has served on the Indio City Council since 2018.
California Community Choice Association (CalCCA) Conference
Lucas Frerichs, Board Co-Chair for CivicWell and Board Member of Valley Clean Energy; Beth Vaughn, CEO of CalCCA; Bernadette Austin, CEO of CivicWell; Susan Sonne, Board Treasurer for CivicWell and Board Chair for OCPA
On April 29, CivicWell leadership participated in the annual conference for the California Community Choice Association (CalCCA). The VIP luncheon for CCA Board Members and Executives from across the state was preceded by a fireside chat titled, “CivicWell and CCA Legacy: Looking Back, Powering Forward.” This panel featured Buena Park Councilmember Susan Sonne, (who serves as Board Treasurer for CivicWell and Board Chair for Orange County Power Authority), and Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, (who serves as Board Co-Chair for CivicWell and Board Member of Valley Clean Energy). Speakers shared the history of CivicWell’s role in catalyzing CCAs in California and shared insights on the opportunity for civic leadership during dynamic times. Learn more about the history of CCA formation through this video.
Early Bird Registration Now Open for the 2025 CCEC Forum
We hope you will join us July 9-10, 2025 in San Jose, CA for the 16th Annual California Climate & Energy Forum!
This forum – organized by CivicWell through the California Climate and Energy Collaborative – brings together hundreds of local government staff, elected officials, and climate practitioners to learn from each other and advance equitable climate change and energy practices.
Early Bird Registration is now open!
Sign Up Now
CivicWell Thanks Our Strategic Partners:
