I haven't met a problem that I can't assemble a team to resolve

Comprehensive, custom tailored solutions for your company’s unique needs...here's what that looks like:

Complex problems can benefit from a
30,000 foot perspective 

 An employer contracted with me to resolve their daily 18% absenteeism rate related to child care issues. As the project leader of the team which I assembled to resolve this crisis, we were able to reduce the daily absenteeism rate related to child care to zero within 7 months. That problem remains non-existent several years later. The employer’s problem was also a community problem and I brought together resources to match needs, developed a common vision and shared language around the issue and influenced changes to statewide policy and legislation to create a solution for all involved. The project has received state and national acclaim and is considered a model of community responsiveness, a promising practice for working with urgent employer needs and was presented numerous awards for working with diverse populations.

Get Focused and Make an Impact

This relevant, timely and thought-provoking class offered me an opportunity to relate social impact investing to much of the work I am engaged in. My classmates were innovative and passionate about alleviating poverty and our project focused on articulating the model of poverty alleviation we have developed and measuring the impact of our work.

No small task, but this group is up to the challenge. Seven years later, it is important for us to stay focused and select the variables for the matrix carefully and intentionally otherwise we will overwhelm and be overwhelmed with data and outcomes. I am pretty excited at being this close to being able to tell the story and begin replicating the model.


Want to know more? Contact me via e-mail at kastutzm@smig.net, via Twitter @KathyStutzman or visit me on Facebook or LinkedIn and we will set up a time to connect. I am available to come to your organization or conference and present or conduct workshops. Get focused today and see what kind of impact you can be making in the world.

The Power and Responsibility of One

Here's my TEDx HoracePark talk - enjoy!
To View The Power and Responsibility of One at TEDxHoracePark Click Here

TEDx HoracePark, March 1, 2014

The Power and Responsibility of One.

Why patience is the most critical component in successful, sustainable poverty eradication efforts.

By Kathy Stutzman

Before I share with you a new paradigm for eradicating poverty I have a few questions for you…

I’d like you to take a moment to think of a pivotal time in your life, think about the person involved and the essence of what that person said or did that made it a pivotal moment…most people remember a time when someone believed in you more than you believed in yourself…Now I am going to ask you to think about the last time you were that person for someone else…

This new paradigm which was informed and inspired by a think tank I am part of…this new paradigm…gives us plenty of opportunities to believe in someone before they yet believe in themselves.

Now I know we all like to get big returns on our investments, so I am wondering why when we invest in poverty eradication efforts we are so willing to invest in projects instead of people? Why are we so willing to invest in building buildings instead of building skills? This new paradigm offers a sustainable method of investing our capital, our abundant wealth that will yield immeasurable returns.

Lest you think I am not talking to you, let me be clear…I am…the wealth wherever you are, is abundant. When investing our capital, I am talking about more than money; I am talking about developing and maintaining relationships while sharing resources – that’s our social capital. So how do we leverage that social capital, that abundant wealth that you have, that I have…to make a difference in the world?

I was in Ghana, West Africa recently helping to build the capacity of Street Girls Aid, an organization working with the 61,000 street children living, working and sleeping in the streets of Accra. 61,000 street children. That could be pretty overwhelming and instead we leveraged social capital in a way that is making a sustainable difference in the world, making a difference for those children…

I’m also working on a poverty eradication effort in Nicaragua, inspired by economist Jeffrey Sachs who in 2006 challenged us with this - “We are the first generation that not only has the capacity but the responsibility to end extreme poverty”.  Now that’s a challenge that I can get into especially knowing that 43% of the population in Nicaragua lives on less than $2/day. Of course I want to invest in eradicating poverty, but only if I know that my investment will make a meaningful difference…

And that’s where this gets tricky…of course I want to make a difference…but this new model of investing social capital in poverty eradication requires us to be bold and be patient – kind of like hurry up and wait…

I work with a lot of type A people…I might even be one myself…fixers, kind do-gooders who haven’t seen a problem that we can’t fix or solve, and we can McGyver our way out of any situation, sometimes even creating new problems to match our solutions…

And when faced with overwhelming challenges like 61,000 children living in the streets, or half of a country in poverty…it feels much better to be able to see immediate results - we dig wells, we build roads and homes because we can quickly see and measure the outcome of our actions…but to what end our investment?

Be bold... let’s hurry up and make a difference!! Be patient...STOP let’s think about how to do this right…let’s take the time to build relationships and invest in people and that all takes time…why does it take so much time?

Investing in people and relationships is not easy, nor is it a quick fix…actively believing in someone who does not yet believe in themselves takes patience, creating confidence takes practice, and dreaming about the possible infinite opportunities is NOT about fixing,  or problem-solving, or telling, it is about patiently listening and connecting.

In “Bridging the Class Divide” author Linda Stout suggests that people born into generational poverty have limited exposure to options outside of their experience…so when we work to create a framework for visioning, we have to believe in the capacity of all, understanding that not all been exposed to the same opportunities to articulate their dreams, or think about the future…and that takes time…

Last year I was facilitating a focus group in the US with parents in poverty with young children and reached the final question “do you have anything else that you would like to add…” and a young mom in the back jumped up and said “I want everyone to know that just because I am poor does not mean I am stupid”

I keep that mom’s lesson in forefront of my mind at all times. When working to eradicate poverty, we need to humbly remember that the people with whom we are working are the experts, they know best…they are the experts of their realities and so who are we…who am I to impose my own strategic priorities on others???

All we are as investors of social capital are conduits, sharing resources, connecting people, providing opportunities to try and practice new skills and tools and then… we need to get out of the way and let the magic happen …without us.

This may well be the most difficult part for us in this new paradigm of eradicating poverty, yet until we are willing to be detached from the outcome, our efforts will not be sustainable.

It is a beautiful moment - when people gain confidence in their competence, are vested in their work and are realizing their dreams. I have seen it happen time and time again when it all comes together and a community says - we’ve got this, we can do this, we can make this happen…

People, relationships and dreams – that’s the new paradigm.

People, relationships, and dreams – that is where our sustainable investments lie.

As philanthropists with abundant wealth, with tons of social capital at our fingertips…we have within us the power to change the world.  We can invest in building relationships and capacity, we can create opportunities for others to dream and confidently move forward, or we can invest in others who will willingly put their sandals on the streets. The power and responsibility of changing the world lies in our hands…I know how I am investing my social capital…I invite you to consider investing your abundant wealth in people, relationships and dreams. Thank you.

Citations:

“The End of Poverty”, by Jeffrey Sachs

“Bridging the Class Divide”, by Linda Stout

“Census on Street Children in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana” Ghana 2011

“The Community Leadership Handbook” James Krile with Gordon Curphy and Duane R. Lund

The WHO data bank for Nicaragua

Random House Dictionary of the English Language (1981)

Resources:

www.KathyStutzman.blogspot.com

www.csksghana.blogspot.com

Kathy Stutzman TEDx HoraceAustin

BIO

Kathy Stutzman is a world citizen who is passionate about creatively connecting people around the globe. A consummate traveler, she has actively sought to build relationships and connect people around the world and within the United States.  After working in the non-profit sector for more than 25 years she now uses her experience in her consulting practice to build capacity within communities, organizations and businesses facilitating strategic planning and resource and skill development.  Her recent work in Nicaragua and Ghana informs much of her current practice.

An author, she has published 2 e-books; “One Hundred Days of Giving” and “From The Eye of The Hurricane”, publishes several blogs: www.MamaCarusoCooks.blogspot.com, a food and travel site, www.csksghana.blogspot.com, a site about her recent work in Ghana, www.onehundreddaysofgiving.blogspot.com and her professional site: www.KathyStutzman.blogspot.com.

Kathy recently hosted a series of public television shows for KSMQ TV, On Q Latitudes celebrating the cultures, tradition and heritage of people from other countries who live in our communities. Co-owner of Words Unlimited, a professional writing business, Kathy has authored countless articles, grants, and published works. Look for some of her more popular pieces at www.kathystutzman.blogspot.com.

A Rotarian for 23 years and an active community volunteer Kathy has a legacy of making connections, listening and helping make magic as she demonstrates the practice of her talk today. Be bold, be patient and believe in the capacity of others.

Ms. Stutzman received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, she has a Master’s Degree in Health and Human Services Administration from St. Mary’s University and a second Master’s degree in Management also from St. Mary’s.

Kathy currently resides in rural Minnesota and is proud of the contributions of her family within the world, her husband, Stan, daughters Alison and Shannon, son-in-law Ben and grandchildren Trillian and Harkr. You can learn more about Kathy’s passions, or to contact her to work with your group or organization visit www.kathystutzman.blogspot.com, on Twitter at @KathyStutzman, e-mail kastutzm@smig.net or find her on Facebook or LinkedIN - she’d love to hear from you.

Celebrating cultures, traditions and hopes & dreams

Yesenia, Laura and Kathy on the set of
On Q Latitudes

 On Q Latitudes airs on Friday nights in January at 8:00 pm Central time. Join me, your host as we explore and celebrate cultures, traditions and stories from people who are from other countries and are now living in our communities. Learn about their hope and dreams, their struggles and opportunities, and what brought their families to the United States. Each show is 30 minutes and features my guests, my guest co-hosts along with photos, factoids, music, food and even questions asked by our viewing audience. Come and celebrate the culture and traditions and heritage of our neighbors, friends and families on On Q Latitudes beginning Friday January 3rd at 8:00 pm Central time. For those of you out of our viewing range, the series will be available on-line, for more viewing onformation go to: http://www.ksmq.org/ or join the conversation at:   KSMQ Public TV Facebook

Luke, Ernie and Kathy on the set of On Q Latitudes

January 31, 2014 Join me, your host on Friday night for On Q Latitudes on KSMQ Public Television and we explore the incredible journey that our featured guest, Ernesto Rodriguez Ruiz, faced as he left his native country of Cuba to find a new home with hopes and dreams here in the United States. It is a fascinating story. Luke Sperduto joins me as guest co-host as we learn about some of the heritage, traditions and taking a leap of faith from Cuba. This Friday night at 8:00 central time on KSMQ Public Television.

Tim, Alisa and Kathy on the set of On Q Latitudes

January 24, 2014 Join me on Friday night January 24th at 8:00 pm Central time on KSMQ Public Television with my guest co-host Tim Ruzek and featured guest Alisa Rudiger as we learn about the culture, heritage and traditions of Germany on On Q Latitudes. Learn about health care, food and family and what it is like to grow up in Germany several generations after World War II - the answers to these questions and more during this week's episode of On Q Latitudes.Tim, Alisa and I share stories and talk about what it is like to be a Rotary Youth Exchange student. Join us on Friday night at 8:00 central time, join the conversation on Facebook, or check back for a link to the show if you are out of the viewing region.

Yesenia and Laura

January 17, 2014 features Laura Lee who shares with us the deep and rich traditions of the Hmong Culture. Join me and my guest co-host Yesenia Mendoza as we learn about how the Hmong people relocated to the United States, the importance of stories, family and traditions. How does a first generation Hmong woman honor the culture of her family and find a place for her family? What sacrifices were made by the Hmong people as they sought communities in which to raise their children? Why did the Hmong people relocate to Minnesota? Learn about the answers to these questions and more during this week's episode of On Q Latitudes.Yesenia and Laura share some great stories and connections in this episode of On Q Latitudes. Join us on Friday night at 8:00 central time, join the conversation on Facebook, or check back for a link to the show if you are out of the viewing region.

Yesenia, Vandana and Kathy on the set
On Q Latitudes, KSMQ TV

Vandana and her family 

January 10, 2014 features the country of India, with my guest Vandana Tripathi. Join me and my guest co-host, Yesenia Mendoza as we learn about the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of India. I first met Vandana at a cooking class that she was teaching and have since enjoyed her cooking several times. She makes her own paneer and I am looking forward to having her as a guest cook on my Mama Caruso Cooks You-tube channel - stay posted for an announcement about that, along with some great Indian recipes and cooking tips for successful spicy meals. Yesenia and Vandana share some great stories and connections in this episode of On Q Latitudes. Join us on Friday night at 8:00 central time, join the conversation on Facebook, or check back for a link to the show if you are out of the viewing region.  

Luke, Sabrina and Eddie on the set of
 On Q Latitudes

Luke, Sabrina, Eddie and Kathy
on the set at On Q Latitudes

January 3, 2014 features the country of Togo with my guests Eddie and Sabrina Devine. Join me and my guest co-host, Luke Sperduto as we learn about the cultures and traditions of this exotic West African country. I have been to Togo twice and think fondly of the people and the hospitality. I have enjoyed some of the best food ever in the capital city of Lome and some of the more adventuresome food in Apatakme, located in the central part of the country. I hope you enjoy learning more about this country from our guests and the stories that they share.

Let me introduce you to just a few of my mentors...

This word buffet is helping to inform several of my latest projects: a book proposal, a keynote speech, a workshop, implementation of a major international project and a few articles about sustainable community/international development...stay tuned for information and locations near you.

Until then...to whom do you turn when you need advice, a sounding board, a new and or challenging idea?

Currently Accepting New Projects - How Can I Help Your Organization?

Kathy Stutzman, M.A., M.A.

Kathy Stutzman, M.A., M.A. Consulting                             

301 12^th Place NW, Austin, MN 55912                                    

(507) 219-0912, kastutzm@smig.net

 

Kathy and her team of professionals work together with you to move a concept forward. Using a variety of methodologies and processes a plan is individualized to meet the unique needs of each situation.  This menu of options includes some of the tools that may be used in the process:

  Strategic planning (planning)

·         Vision and Mission Statement Development

·         SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis

·         Establishing Goals and Objectives with Measurable Outcomes

·         Action Plans

·         Timelines

·         Budgeting

·         Evaluation

 Facilitation (making things happen)

·         Designing and Conducting Effective Small and Large Group Meetings

·         Focus Groups

·         Listening Circles

·         Forums and Panel Discussions

·         Interviews

·         Roundtables

 Research and Evaluation (information gathering)

·         Evaluation Design

·         Survey Design

·         Methodology

·         Instrument Administration

·         Data Analysis

·         Reports

·         Executive Summaries

 Training (equipping people, building individual, and group capacity)

·         Team Building

·         Training Trainers

·         Developing and Conducting Workshops

·         Leadership

 Collaboration (bringing people together)

·         Identifying Key Stakeholders

·         Inviting and Retaining Participants

·         Agendas

·         Conducting Efficient and Effective Meetings

·         Using Small Group Processes Within the Larger Group Setting

·         Conflict Resolution

·         Developing Resources

·         Identifying Inhibitors and Working with Challenges

·         Establishing Measurable Outcomes

·         Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

 Communications (information sharing)

·         Information Dissemination

·         Key Findings and Recommendations

·         Press Releases

·         Community Forums

·         Press Conferences

 Workshops (targeted topics)

·         Keys to Effective Collaboration – Practical Applications;

·         Partnering with Business, Private and Non-Profit Organizations, and the Community;
·         Building a Strong Board of Directors;

·         Fund Development and Grant Writing;

·         Partnering with Community Organizations;

·         Developing Engaged Collaborations;

·         Identifying and Working with Inhibitors;

·         Creating Common Bonds by Developing Relationships; Internationally and Locally;

·         Child Care – Gaining the Edge;

·         How to Conduct an Effective Meeting;

·         Business and Development Applications for Rural Economics;

·         Small Group Facilitator Training;

·         Working with Cultures in Developing Countries to Achieve  Economic Sustainability;

·         Customized Workshops.

Working together; Moving forward; Building the future…

For a consultation about how we can work together to build the future of your organization contact 

Kathy Stutzman at kastutzm@smig.net or 507-219-0912