Connecting with Your Valentine

Appreciative Inquiry, the methodology that Paradigm Shift Studio uses in working with its clients, is based on identifying strengths or what is already working well.  It helps organizations, and individuals, connect to those times (and core values) when things were at their very best and then build a "toolkit" for success on which to draw future efforts.

Today we thought we should share with you some "appreciative" questions you might consider sharing with your Valentine -- to help you reconnect and strengthen what is already working well.

• Reflect on your relationship -- when it is has been at its very best.  Share with your loved an example of this high point for you.  What was happening in your relationship?  What were you bringing to the relationship?  What was he/she contributing to make this a high point for you?
• Remember when ... What first attracted you to your loved one?  (qualities, actions, personality traits)
• What keeps you attracted today?
• Thinking back over your relationship ... if you could choose an object to represent your relationship - what would it be and why?
• Every relationship has its ups and downs.  Think about a time when you and your loved one managed to navigate some rough waters.  What allowed you to successfully emerge from these troubles?  What did you learn from that experience that can still help you today?
• If you were given a magic wand that could strengthen the health and vitality of your relationship - what is one thing you would wish for? 

Now, switch roles and have the other person share his/her own stories and answers to these questions.

Happy Valentines Day!

Children as Philanthropists - What is YOUR story?

Paradigm Shift Studio often asks donors to share what inspired them to make their first philanthropic gift and quite often the response is, "My parents were my role models.  They taught me this was part of my responsibility - to give back." 

For me, it was when I was in Kindergarten and my teacher talked about the children who were dying from a lack of food and medication throughout the world.  She talked about UNICEF and how we could make a difference by taking our UNICEF box out on Halloween night and collecting loose change.  Collectively, she assured us, this effort would help children around the world with the things they most desperately needed.  She helped us relate to these children - they were our age, they had brothers and sisters too, they needed our help. 

I remember the excitement as I diligently worked on my box.  Just as the box started to take shape, so did my expectations of how I was going to make a difference.  I felt empowered, I felt important!  Could this 5 year old really make a difference?  I could!    

Halloween morning I awoke with excitement and a body covered with little red spots (Chicken Pox).  I was quite upset, not only because of my love for chocolate, but also I felt as if these children were going to suffer because I could not fulfil my responsibility.  Now you must know that my Dad has always been my hero, but on this particular Halloween he saw my dilemma and knew he had an important decision to make ... he could fill my box with some change or he could serve as a role model, showing me the importance of making that effort to fulfil our commitments to others and to our community.  I'm happy to report he came home that night not only with a pillowcase full of candy, but also a box full of coins that inspired a lifetime of giving and giving back. 

How can you inspire a child today and start a lifetime of giving?  Remember, the impact of what you do today may still be inspiring someone almost half a century later. Thanks, Dad!

Paradigm Shift Studio Leadership Team

Paradigm Shift Studio offers its clients a unique combination of experience, education, and commitment.  Lisa Dinga, CFRE, President, has provided fundraising and organizational expertise to funders, nonprofit's and schools for almost 25 years.  The Paradigm Shift Studio Leadership Team is comprised of dedicated professionals with well over a hundred years of cumulative years of nonprofit and corporate experience.  Lisa and her team partner with you to build on today’s strengths for a successful tomorrow.  For a brief biography of each partner, click here:

Lisa J. Dinga, CFRE - President
Victoria Schmitt Babb - Vice President

Jenny Melenbrink - Project Manager
Mimi Nelson - Project Manager

Strategic Partners

Laura Fairbanks - Project Manager
W. Ashley Gray III - Fundraising 101
Patricia Heller - Grantwriter and Researcher
Maria Rodgers O'Rourke -Communications Specialist
Roberta Peirick –Organizational Development Specialist

Erin Weyerich - Grantwriter