12-04-18 Radical Transformational Leadership: What does this imply? Guest Speaker: Shebreh Kalantari
Transforming philanthropy- generating enduring results
We invite you to a discussion with Shebreh Kalantari to explore how professional grant writing can be a leverage point for transformative action and results. Using transformative templates and tools in strategic planning with agencies working in different areas, fosters multi-sector partnerships to address complex social justice issues such as substance use, mental health, homelessness and more. We discuss how we can engage in social action to generate equitable and enduring results.
Grant writing provides an entry point to change philanthropy–both among those seeking grants and those providing grants. Many of these grant proposals are prescripted with specific criteria and formulas. So we assume that we can’t think big in our design and in the proposal. Using transformative templates and tools, agencies are shifting their approach to designing programs –from output focused results to outcomes and impact focused results that are based on universal values.
Having universal values as the driving force and fuel for designing a program is key. When I can connect with what I care deeply about, I am able to envision the largest change I wish to see. And working from that space is much different than thinking only about the tactical responses which are important, but not enough to generate the results that are needed. And when I can facilitate the design of a program in this way, then I can articulate that in a grant proposal. Three templates are particularly useful –the Conscious Full Spectrum Response framework, Synergistic Operational Strategies and the Transformational Results Chain.
And so essential to the transformative planning process are the systems and norms shifts that are identified and the universal values that underlie the work— shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance; and from a charity only mindset to a conscious reciprocity mindset. For example, in the program to end youth homelessness, both community and service providers shifted from viewing youth and young adults (YYA) as nuisance in the community to YYA as ‘experts’ who are valued in the community.
We also see systemic shifts in organizations. Typically, organizations work in their silos and address the issue by completing activities and tasks in their separate corners. But now organizations are partnering to ensure alignment in reaching impacts and measurable outcomes. So we have shifted from working in silos and fragmented systems to working in alignment to create synergistic results.
Let’s share what works and see the power of working with transformative planning templates to transform philanthropy and community engagement!
Fifteenth Episode: Guest in the 2nd segment: Shebreh Kalantari
Bio: Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson
Contact: Shebrehkj@gmail.com (831) 227-8228
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson is a native of Iran and has lived in Santa Cruz County for the past 20 years. Shebreh currently provides professional grant writing; program coordination/management; strategic planning; and facilitation services to agencies working in the area of public health, education and social services and has been in the field for the last two decades. Her work has brought multi-sector partnerships together to address complex social justice issues such as substance use, mental health, homelessness and more. Shebreh’s work has generated increased investment and funding in Santa Cruz County, innovative projects, and health focused local policies. Shebreh currently serves in leadership roles including Central California Alliance for Health Board, the Pajaro Valley Health Trust Board (serving as Board Chair), and Dignity Health Community Advisory Board’s Community Giving Body. Each of these entities focuses on health equity and health access. Shebreh has been practicing the Conscious Full Spectrum Response framework for the last five years. She has supported the training of hundreds of other leaders through the Leadership for Community Transformation Santa Cruz County and Leadership for Equity and Opportunity Bay Area. Shebreh is a co-founder and Senior Practitioner for Impact Launch, a collective of social impact practitioners working to support game changing social change initiatives. Shebreh received her B.A. in Psychology and French/Francophonie Studies from University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) and a Masters in Social Work from San Jose State University. She is a mother of two boys, is married and lives in Santa Cruz California. Shebreh strives for equity and compassion in her work and in her every day.
