Back to School Reading – Cause Communications

School is back in session and the buzz of learning is in the air. Even after those first book reports are turned in and pop quizzes are graded, here at Cause we like to keep learning at the center of the conversation all year round. From blogs and social media to research reports and the good old-fashioned newspaper, resources abound for those looking to learn and grow.

No doubt you’ve heard about the benefits of scanning the landscape: regularly carving out time to keep up with news, trends and best practices can inspire new ideas and improve your work. But where to turn for reliable sources of knowledge that won’t feel like a chore to read?

Here are just a few recommended sources we follow regularly that keep us updated on the latest news in Los Angeles and the nonprofit and communications fields:

LA Times Opinion Page – Always a reliable source for insightful or thought-provoking takes on local and national hot topics, the LA Times op-ed page features important voices and perspectives from across the city. We highly recommend a recent piece by Judy Belk, CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, about the social effects of drought and Belk’s own experiences with water poverty during her childhood.
The Goodman Center – Our friend and colleague, Andy Goodman, publishes a monthly newsletter that’s always chock-full of anecdotes and tips for effective storytelling practices. We love how “Free-Range Thinking” uses accessible, timely examples to break down the concepts and structure of strategic communications.
PhilanTopic – A blog of opinion and commentary by PND, a service of the Foundation Center, PhilanTopic features interviews with the movers and shakers of the social sector as well as a great “weekend round-up” of recommended reading from across the field.
Nonprofit With Balls – If you need encouragement to work for good, or just a good laugh, Nonprofit With Balls blog is a must-read. Vu Le shares useful insights for nonprofit leaders and funders, ranging from grant proposal tips to a healthy dose of sarcasm about the 990 process. What better way to start your Mondays?

Where do you go to get your “fix” of local, philanthropy and nonprofit news? Tweet us @causecomm and keep the circle of learning going strong!