The Latest

New Zealand’s Novel Idea: A Well-Being Budget

Societal well-being is as important as economic well-being. This was the key message from New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, at the 2019 World Economic Forum. This was a bold statement made even more poignant given the announcement that the New Zealand government will present a “well-being budget.” This signals a new decision-making focus, one that ensures impacts on the quality of life for citizens are considered, rather than the traditional focus on just the financial impacts. In practice it means that any decisions made, policies implemented, and money spent by the government will need to demonstrate how they benefit New Zealanders and how they work across ministries and party-lines to ensure ongoing positive impacts. 

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Outcome Harvesting: Principles, Steps, and Evaluation Applications

All throughout 2018 and into 2019, the Tamarack Institute has seen a large spike in interest in our Evaluation resources. This trend towards evaluating community change efforts is an encouraging one – it represents a move beyond programmatic interventions towards systems change, and how to evaluate the impact of our change efforts.

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Where Can Your Work Have the Most Impact?

Last year I began a series of papers focused on exploring current methods and approaches for Community Innovation - methods that can help changemakers discover and steward opportunities for positive change in communities.

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Community Adhesive: A Discussion on the Work of Aristotle and John McKnight

I love reading, unfortunately, I can’t commit to reading one book for an extended period, thus leaving many suspended mid-chapter. Outside of cluttering my nightstand, such a practice allows me to bring a variety of thinkers into unlikely conversation. A recent conversation featured Aristotle and John McKnight. Surprisingly, I found a strange affinity between their work, particularly, Aristotle’s discussion on friendship, and John McKnight’s emphasis on gifts.

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Future of Good Highlights the Ideas, Innovations, and Trends Shaping Canadian Communities

Future of Good launched a new digital media platform dedicated to illuminating stories, innovations, and trends shaping social impact in Canada. At this exciting time of massive growth and rapid change, the world of impact in Canada deserves smarter coverage and impact-focused people deserve smarter insights.

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Activate the Gifts of Your Community: A Webinar Series

How can we work together more peacefully, productively, and equitably in 2019? When working with others is challenging, what can we do to make it easier? 

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