The Common Good Data Podcast

On this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Dr. Victor Amaya, President and Executive Director of Data You Can Use in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Amaya shares how his organization flips the traditional research model on its head by starting with communities first. Instead of merely extracting data, his team listens, co-creates with residents, and keeps data in the hands of the people who know their neighborhoods best.Together, they explore what it means to truly democratize data—turning raw statistics into clarity, trust, and actionable change. The conversation highlights practical tools like neighborhood dashboards and indicators, and digs into big initiatives such as addressing life expectancy gaps and developing a localized wealth index. Dr. Amaya emphasizes that data isn’t about proving, it’s about improving, and that lasting impact comes from relationships, accessibility, and genuine community voice.In this episode, we’ll discuss:Why democratizing data starts with listening to neighborhoods and residents.How trust and relationships transform research into community-driven impact.Practical tools like neighborhood dashboards and indicators that make data accessible.Tackling big challenges such as life expectancy gaps and wealth disparities with data.The power of co-creation: moving from numbers to narratives to action.Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, social sector professional, or simply passionate about equitable community outcomes, this episode offers fresh insights on how to use data to build stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods.

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and Drew are joined by Sydney Idzikowski, Associate Director of the Charlotte Regional Data Trust, for a deep dive into how integrated data systems can “move at the speed of trust.” Together, they unpack what administrative data is, why it so often remains siloed across agencies, and how the Data Trust works to securely connect information from sectors like housing, education, and public health. Sydney shares how building trust—amid privacy concerns and data surveillance fears—is central to effective data sharing, and explains the governance, legal, and technical frameworks that make it possible. Sydney has been at the helm of turning fragmented agency data into a single, trusted resource for research, planning, and evaluation. From linking school records to shelter stays, to mapping out the pathways of people who’ve experienced homelessness – she’ll share real‑world stories that show how data can drive policy changes that actually help people.In this episode we’ll cover:The biggest challenges with administrative data at the local levelHow a “data trust” works and why it matters for privacy, ethics, and impactSuccess metrics for an integrated data system (think 35 % of a county’s population!)A compelling case study on homelessness services that led to a full‑time social worker in a shelterPractical tips for researchers, practitioners, and anyone curious about using linked data responsiblyCheck out the Charlotte Regional Data Trust and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy.

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, we’re joined by Carolyn Allison, CEO of Charlotte Community Health Clinic, to explore what it really means to care for the health of a community. Together with co-host Roger Suclupe, we discuss:How more than 100,000 Mecklenburg County adults live without health insuranceThe innovative ways Charlotte Community Health Clinic expands access to care, including integrated behavioral health, dental services, and partnerships with reentry programs and immigrant-serving organizationsHow data and needs assessments guide service expansion and decision-makingThe vital role of community health workers and health literacy in advancing equityA moving story about how dental care changed one patient’s confidence and futureWhether you work in healthcare, the nonprofit sector, or simply care about building healthier communities, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Mastering Focus Groups and Interviews with Expert Evaluator Melissa Siegel Barrios - In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of conducting effective focus groups and interviews with Melissa Siegel Barrios of MSB Consulting. As an expert evaluator with extensive experience in violence prevention and collaboration with various organizations, Melissa shares actionable insights on crafting compelling interview questions, creating a welcoming space, and dealing with unexpected dynamics during focus groups. We also explore best practices for analyzing qualitative data to inform strategy and program design. Additionally, Melissa offers valuable advice on building trust within communities, ensuring accessibility, and the importance of genuine representation. 00:00 Introduction & Best Practices for Conducting Focus Groups01:24 Real-Life Examples and Challenges in Focus Groups03:40 Key Recommendations for Quality Interviews08:43 Differences Between Interviews and Focus Groups14:20 Analyzing Qualitative Data: Coding and Themes18:14 Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility in Research24:53 Conclusion and Contact Information--P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of The Common Good Data Podcast, we continue our three-part series exploring the “The Storyteller” as leader. Listen in to learn why storytelling isn’t just a communications strategy — it’s a leadership practice.Every nonprofit and prevention organization is full of powerful stories. But too often, those stories live in hallway conversations, side comments, or moments that never get shared. Great leaders know how to create a culture where stories are noticed, collected, and told well.We’ll break down three core practices of a storytelling leader:Listening for stories and finding meaning in everyday momentsBuilding simple systems for gathering themSharing stories with integrity, respect, and carePlus, we’ll talk about how stories and data work best together — creating a fuller, more human picture of your impact.If you want to build the storytelling muscle of your organization — not just for marketing, but for learning, trust, and connection — this episode is for you.

Think back to when you were young. Can you remember a moment when an adult truly listened to you, took your opinion seriously, and made you feel like your voice mattered? Many of us don’t have those memories—at least, not until much later in life. But for a child who hears, “You are an expert in your own life. Your voice matters,” the impact can be profound. That’s exactly what UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative is working toward. And just recently, Decatur, GA, became one of the first cities in the U.S. to receive this designation. But what does it actually mean for a city to be ‘child-friendly’? And how do we ensure that youth participation isn’t just symbolic, but truly embedded in governance, policy, and community life?Today, we’re joined by  Danielle Goldberg, Managing Director of the Community Alliance for Child Rights, and Anne Day, who is the Senior Director of Research, Evaluation, and Research Partnerships at UNICEF USA.Skip Ahead:(01:31) Why children’s voices are often missing in governance, and how this impacts policymaking and funding decisions.(7:56) How the “Child-Friendly Cities Initiative” helps local governments adopt child-centered governance strategies.(13:10) How are cities selected.(15:25) How did Decatur, GA achieve Child-Friendly City status, and what unique steps did they take to become more child-friendly?(18:19) What are the challenges in evaluating large-scale, systems-level initiatives like CFCI, and what indicators define success?Connect with Danielle and Anne and learn more about the Child Friendly Cities Initiative.Read the full show notes HERE.P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

In the nonprofit and social sector, data is everywhere—whether it’s survey responses, attendance records, financial data, or program outcomes. But numbers alone don’t drive change.It’s how you interpret and apply them that makes the difference.As part of a three-part series, we previously discussed the strategist, and now we’re focusing on the analyst—the person who turns data into clear insights that inform decisions. While many people take on this role in an organization, it’s not always just the “data person.” Anyone who interacts with data needs to embody the characteristics of an analyst to become a strong, data-driven leader. Skip Ahead: (02:06) Why it is worth analyzing your data well.(03:47) Effective analysis always starts with this.(04:59) How to understand key metrics and trends with a high school math background.(06:38) Methods for those who’ve taken a statistics course.(07:43) Communicate your findings effectively.(11:18) Balance accuracy with action and avoid ‘analysis paralysis.’P.S. Enjoying the podcast? I’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review. Your support helps me reach more nonprofit and social sector leaders like you who are working to make a difference. Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

We often focus on addressing problems after they’ve occurred in the nonprofit and social sector, but what if we could intervene earlier?After 30 years of research in prevention science, the evidence is clear: many behavioral health issues and related challenges can be prevented.I’m joined by Mitchell Moore, an advanced certified prevention specialist, to discuss the power of early intervention in preventing behavioral health problems—specifically in the context of youth and families.(01:02) Why Mitchell believes funding should shift from reactive solutions like treatment and incarceration to proactive prevention.Skip Ahead:(04:44)  The role of data in helping Prevention Training Services reach out and train so many people.(07:57) What a 9-month community assessment revealed and how it shifted their prevention strategy.(16:45) How media literacy, a key aspect of prevention work, has made him hyper-aware of product placement in movies and commercials.Connect with Mitchell Moore and learn more about Prevention Training Services.Read the full show notes HERE.

Federal funding for nonprofits is in flux. A recent White House memo led to a freeze on funding, only for a federal judge to put it on hold. Meanwhile, key public health datasets disappeared, with some now being reinstated. What does this mean for nonprofits relying on federal support? In this episode, we break down the latest legal battles, agency shifts, and what nonprofits can do to stay ahead.Skip Ahead: (01:15) The funding freeze—where things stand now(02:13) The datasets that were removed (and partially restored)(03:21) What these changes mean for federal grants and contracts(05:10) How nonprofits can advocate and prepare for more uncertainty

Building strong university-community partnerships isn’t easy. Power imbalances, competing goals, and trust issues can get in the way, turning good intentions into missed opportunities. So how can nonprofits and universities work together more effectively? In this episode, Roger and I sit down with Toye Watson, Director of Community Impact at UNC Charlotte, to unpack the common challenges and share how to create partnerships that truly work. Skip Ahead: (00:52) Why communities are looking beyond government solutions and what that means for partnerships. (05:10) What UNC Charlotte’s urbanCORE is trying to accomplish. (11:23) The reason some collaboration efforts don’t work out. (16:37) The first thing nonprofits should do if they want to build university partnerships (24:32)  What’s different about a partnership with local nonprofit versus a city government and how you might approach those differently (29:01) How urbanCORE supported the Three Sisters Market, a food collaborative in West Charlotte Connect with Toye Watson and learn more about urbanCORE. Learn more about the Data-Driven Leadership Series (The Strategist, The Analyst, The Storyteller) Read the full show notes HERE.

In the first weeks of the new administration, a series of executive orders have introduced significant policy changes affecting nonprofits. These cover areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender and LGBTQ+ rights, international aid, and immigration. It raises critical questions about compliance, funding stability, and long-term program sustainability. In this episode, Drew breaks down what these changes mean for nonprofit organizations connected to these areas and how they can adapt. Skip Ahead: (01:21) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. (04:03) Gender, sexual orientation, and LGBTQ+ services. (07:59) International aid, environmental initiatives, and immigration. (09:59) What can nonprofits do to adapt. Read the full show notes HERE.

Funders want proof that your programs are efficient and impactful.  But pulling together data to show your impact feels challenging when you don’t have the tools, systems, or extra staff to make it happen. Your team is likely piecing together metrics with limited capacity, resulting in reports that fall short and reinforce the cycle of underfunding.  Today’s episode is about breaking that cycle.  We’ll show you how to make the most of data  to create a roadmap that  communicates your value and drives sustainable growth for your organization.  And we'll also talk about the tools and concepts that we cover in our upcoming online course, The Strategist. Skip Ahead:  (04:26) Culture of data (6:06) Assessing needs (7:59) Impact plan (10:46) Implementation (12:20) Evaluation (14:20) Organizational buy-in Learn more about the upcoming courses at www.commongooddata.com/courses Read the full show notes HERE.

Trauma and resilience are being talked about more in helping professions, yet what’s often overlooked is how human service organizations can become more trauma-informed and resilient. Is another trauma training really the answer, or is there something deeper that needs to shift within organizations themselves? I’m joined by Brett Loftis, a human rights attorney and child advocate who has spent his career working with children in the court system, many of whom have experienced severe trauma. In 2018, Brett founded the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities, where he helps organizations across the country embed trauma recovery and community resilience into their systems and practices. If you’re in a leadership position or just want to understand more about how trauma shows up in organizations, I learned a lot from Brett’s wisdom, and I know you will too. Skip Ahead: (04:08) How Crossnore supports youth facing adversity. (06:52) What Brett believes new professionals need to know to effectively assist vulnerable youth. (11:20) What challenges organizations typically face around becoming trauma-informed. (13:45) Why addressing the personal experiences of helping professionals is essential to show up and do this work over a career. (16:08) What it looks like to measure an organization’s readiness for trauma-informed practices. (18:04) The surprises leaders uncover from doing organizational assessments. (27:28) What makes for a good partnership, according to Brett. Connect with Brett and learn more about Crossnore Communities for Children and Center for Trauma Resilient Communities.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a successful data-driven leader? In this episode, we’re diving into the three roles every data-driven leader must play and how mastering them can drive your organization forward. Drew explains the three essential roles of a data-driven leader: the strategist, the analyst, and the storyteller. He shares how these roles help leaders make informed decisions, communicate data effectively, and drive strategic initiatives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to break free from the cycle of reactive leadership and start building a sustainable, impact-driven organization. Skip Ahead: (01:47) Why long-term success lies not just in making decisions, but in understanding why you’re making them. (The Strategist) (09:23) How to uncover hidden patterns buried in data and turn them into a clear, actionable vision. (The Analyst) (15:57) How the best leaders use stories to shape their vision and inspire their teams. (The Storyteller)

Every day, millions of people in our communities face an impossible situation. They’re stuck in a gap—unable to afford health insurance but also not qualifying for federal assistance. It’s a harsh reality, leaving many with nowhere to turn when they need care the most. In Cabarrus County, North Carolina, the Community Free Clinic is stepping up to fill that gap. Led by Laura Lyerly, the clinic provides not only vital healthcare services but also a data-driven approach to understanding and meeting client needs. In today’s episode, Laura shares how her team supports those who fall through the cracks, tracks their impact with data, and builds meaningful partnerships to amplify their work. Skip Ahead: (00:37) What is a typical patient at the Community Free Clinic and how do the barriers they face reflect larger systemic issues in healthcare. (03:35) What are the less visible challenges—beyond cost—that prevent people from seeking care. (10:14) How does the Community Free Clinic use data to understand the health care needs of their community. (13:24) How does the clinic evaluate its success. (19:28) What successes has Laura found in building partnerships that create a continuum of care across all healthcare services. (21:50) What policy changes would Laura like to see to better support their patients.

In a quiet Irish town in 1985, coal merchant Bill Furlong faces a life-altering choice: maintain the status quo or risk everything to do what’s right. This is the heart of Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These, a novella that feels like it was written for anyone who’s ever faced an ethical dilemma in their work or life. In this holiday episode, you’ll hear the quiet but powerful lessons this story holds for nonprofit leaders like you. Whether you’re fighting for funding, advocating for change, or simply trying to show up every day for your community, you’ve likely felt the tension between doing what’s easy and doing what’s necessary. Skip Ahead: (02:01) What a coal merchant in 1980s Ireland has to teach us about courage, compassion, and standing up to injustice (04:19) How do the quiet, often overlooked moments in nonprofit and public sector work mirror acts of bravery in Small Things Like These (06:28) What ripple effects could your smallest, most courageous actions have in the year ahead Resources Mentioned: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Housing has become a silent crisis that's reshaping lives across America, with each rising rent bill and rejected application chipping away at people's sense of stability and hope. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Jeffrey Smythe, executive director of the Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI), to explore a different approach to rental assistance. Jeff explains his innovative technology solution that's changing how people access housing support, the critical connection between housing and health, and how nonprofits can build strong partnerships to tackle this challenge. Getting housing right is fundamental to improving health outcomes and supporting community well-being. You’ll Hear: (02:35)  How housing instability traps families in cycles of poverty and hardship (05:30) What is unique about housing instability in the Atlanta metro area (08:39) What is ARCHI and how it supports rent, mortgage, and utility relief (13:05) What was the process like for creating ARCHI, and what did it take to build the necessary partnerships across organizations to share data (16:59) How ARCHI tracks whether someone has been served after a referral is made (18:36) What led 18 members to say ‘yes’ to joining ARCHI (21:43) How housing instability and homelessness are connected to negative health outcomes (25:20) Some examples in Atlanta where the conversation around housing is integrated into the client-provider relationship, using terms like a “prescription” for housing assistance Connect with Jeff Smythe and learn more about ARCHI.

What if the key to improving educational outcomes was already in front of us, hidden in the data schools collect every day? Attendance records, test scores, and family surveys offer insight into equity gaps, systemic barriers, and opportunities for intervention—but too often, this data isn’t used effectively. In this episode, we’ll discuss how nonprofit professionals can collaborate with schools to analyze and apply data in ways that close gaps in access and achievement. You’ll learn how to identify disparities, interpret data within the community context, and use it to inform programs that directly support students and families. This episode highlights ways nonprofits can use data to advocate for resources, measure impact, and drive equitable education initiatives. You’ll hear: (02:30) How achievement data like standardized test scores and graduation rates can help organizations identify trends and support curriculum improvements. (08:57) The importance of using behavior data such as suspensions and discipline referrals to understand and address classroom disruptions and bullying patterns. (15:19) How attendance data—like chronic absenteeism rates and daily attendance records—can be used to develop targeted intervention plans and support student engagement. (20:11) Where to find publicly available school data and how organizations can use it to demonstrate their impact effectively.

Finding accurate, localized demographic data can be a daunting task, especially when working on grant proposals, community assessments, or strategic plans. Publicly available data often falls short—either it’s outdated, too broad, or not specific enough to capture the unique characteristics of a particular community. Fortunately, the Social Explorer is a user-friendly platform that transforms complex U.S. Census data into accessible maps, visualizations, and reports for nonprofits, researchers, and community organizations. In this episode, we’ll explore how to use the Social Explorer to quickly and effectively access the data you need. You’ll hear: (00:47) What is the Social Explorer and what types of census data does it use (03:30) A demonstration on how to access the Social Explorer. (08:26) How to look at community demographics, such as race/ethnicity at the census-tract level (12:34) How to track changes over time, like the percentage of foreign-born residents. (15:15) Three elements that make for a good map Resources Mentioned Visit the Social Explorer Read the blog post - Standards for Collecting Race and Ethnicity Data Are Changing. Are You Prepared? Download the free Data & Evaluation Made Simple Toolkit

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Common Good Data! As we take a break this week to relax and enjoy time with family and friends, we’re excited to share one of our favorite interviews from 2024. In this episode, we speak with Sil Ganzó, founder of Our Bridge for Kids in Charlotte, North Carolina, an organization that supports immigrant and refugee families through culturally responsive educational programs. You'll hear Sil talk about the importance of community-centered practices such as organizing focus groups in the languages of the participants, and how the program fosters cultural pride and identity in students. Read the original show notes HERE.