Lighting the candle of democracy at both ends

by blagravetrustadmin | May 16, 2019 | Listening

When it comes to solving societal problems democratically, we need to make sure we’re putting as much focus on listening as we are on speaking up. It’s time to burn both ends of the candle, says Jim Macnamara, Distinguished Professor of Public Communication at the...

Rolling with the punches

by blagravetrustadmin | May 15, 2019 | Listening

Small social sector organisations tackle constant challenges, like financial insecurity and lack of resources, and the onus is often on them to be resilient in the face of adversity. Jessica Prendergrast, Director of Onion Collective, a community interest company,...

Power and vulnerability in the charity-funder relationship

by blagravetrustadmin | May 9, 2019 | Listening

A CEO, who wants to remain anonymous, challenges social sector funders to own their power and use it to improve the system. Well this is rather nice. Being anonymous means that I can speak my mind. I don’t have to tiptoe around, terrified of saying the wrong thing and...

The paralysis of power: How outdated structures are stifling foundations

by blagravetrustadmin | May 8, 2019 | Listening

Is the benefactor-beneficiary relationship stuck in the past? And why aren’t foundations shifting their approach to power sharing? Fozia Irfan, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation, explores the obstacles and challenges standing in the way...

Does business listen better than the social sector?

by blagravetrustadmin | May 8, 2019 | Listening

David Bonbright, Co-founder and Chief Executive of Keystone Accountability, says that when it comes to listening to the people that count, businesses are doing better than social change organisations. Here’s what we can do about it. I want to tell you a story that...