At the Water Table: Conversations with River Network
"At the Water Table" from River Network showcases inspiring stories and experiences from water advocates across the US. We explore diverse perspectives on building a just water future, featuring educators, scientists, and community leaders. We'll also be sharing stories from the Urban Waters Learning Network, a partnership between River Network and Groundwork USA. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and find transcripts at rivernetwork.org.
River Network is a nonprofit organization that grows and strengthens a transformational national network of water, justice, and river advocates. We envision a powerful and inclusive movement that ensures abundant clean water for all people and nature to thrive.
Join the nationwide network at https://www.rivernetwork.org/stay-informed/.
At the Water Table: Conversations with River Network
A Joyful and Collaborative Evaluation Tool with RENEE MAZUREK
How can we tell the story of program funding in a way that maps long-term, interconnected impacts in a community? River Network staff member Renée Mazurek came upon one potential answer in Ripple Effects Mapping (REM), a storytelling and evaluation tool that traces the outward ripples of community initiatives via interactive story-sharing from community members. In this bonus episode, Renée narrates her experiences with REM, from speaking with Scott Chazdon, an original author of the tool, to putting REM to work during a listening session with recipients of flow funds in Orange, New Jersey. REM is an especially powerful way to visualize the rippling impacts of Flow Funding, a trust-based philanthropy approach that moves away from traditional, quantitative impact reporting in favor of impact stories.
Links:
- River Network’s Flow Fund Circle
- Flow Funding
- A Field Guide to Ripple Effects Mapping (Purchase a printable version here for $10.88)
- UMN Extension REM Resources
- Ripple Effects Mapping Studio
- Appreciative Inquiry: Conversations Worth Having
- Community Capitals Framework
- Philanthropy Together Conference Session: Ripple Effect Mapping: Amplifying Our Collective Impact & Story
Keywords: flowfunding, Ripple Effects Mapping, trust-based philanthropy, participatory evaluation, impact storytelling, social impact, nonprofit, evaluation tools
Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.