The Just Be Cause Podcast

From Crisis to Prevention: Working Together To Build Safer Communities for All

Hey, wonderful changemakers! Tune in to this powerful episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast as we journey into the challenging yet hopeful world of peacebuilding with Rachel Locke and Jai-Ayla Sutherland. We’re unpacking the realities of identity-based mass violence in urban contexts—and more importantly, the courageous work being done to prevent it. Can we move beyond a constant state of global despair? What role do cities play in creating safer, more inclusive communities? And how do personal stories and collective strategies spark real change? With inspiring insights from the groundbreaking book "Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts [https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-98068-8]," you'll discover why focusing on solutions (not just problems) matters, how collaboration across causes is key, and the crucial role of both grassroots and global action. Expect honest dialogue, thoughtful analogies (even a few involving super weeds and cat videos!), and practical hope for anyone passionate about a more peaceful world. Ready for a fresh perspective on violence, hope, and systems change? Don’t miss this engaging, thought-provoking episode! Learn more about their work here: 1. ⁠Stanley Center for Peace and Security⁠ [https://stanleycenter.org/] 2. ⁠Peace in our Cities⁠ [https://peaceinourcities.org/] 3. The Book: ⁠Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts⁠ [https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-98068-8] Resources mentioned in the episode: * Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman [https://rutgerbregman.com/books/humankind] * Just Be Cause Podcast episode with Faunalytics [https://open.spotify.com/episode/17Vqmg495opfFjiNmCNpRA?si=9ZdOKXyQTyeFN1QBSflVLQ]

Surviving Foreign Aid Cuts: Fundraising Lessons and Models for International Nonprofits

Hey, lovely listeners! This episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast features an insightful conversation with Clifford Brown, former USAID mission director. We're taking you behind the scenes of America’s foreign aid legacy—unpacking exactly what USAID did and why its work was so critical for global development, humanitarian solutions, and international cooperation. We dive deep into real-life stories of economic empowerment, disaster recovery, and innovative funding models like endowments and investment guarantees—programs that have lived on for decades and transformed communities around the world. We also dive into questions that many of us are asking: * Are we missing the bigger picture when we think of foreign aid simply as charity? * What happens to global nonprofit work when government funding dries up? * Could more creative approaches to funding and collaboration build a more resilient, sustainable future for nonprofits everywhere—even in turbulent times? Join us for a thought-provoking and inspiring journey as we explore the ripple effects of USAID’s closure, the invaluable skills lost in the sector, and actionable advice for diversifying your organization’s funding. This episode is packed with stories, strategies, and hope for anyone passionate about conscious philanthropy and making a lasting difference—just because it’s the right thing to do. Don’t miss it! Episode Resources: Clifford Brown's Substack: cliffordbrown.substack.com [https://cliffordbrown.substack.com] Clifford Brown's Book: Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance [https://www.amazon.com/Inside-USAID-Odyssey-Foreign-Assistance/dp/196745891X]

Digital Design for Nonprofits: Building Trust, Authority, and Long-Term Impact With Abb-D Taiyo

Hey, changemakers! Ready to rethink everything you know about design, marketing, and impact? On this episode of the Just Be Cause Podcast, host Katherine Lacefield welcomes digital design powerhouse Abb-D Taiyo of Drift Time, a B Corp agency at the intersection of purpose and intention. Together, they unpack how ethical digital marketing and intentional design can transform nonprofit campaigns—and the world. * Is good design really exclusive? * How do short-term sales tactics hurt long-term donor relationships and the planet? * Can storytelling drive real change—without burnout or guilt trips? From navigating frustration in creative careers, to actionable insights on transparency, donor stewardship, and building authentic community, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone seeking more meaningful, sustainable impact. If you’re craving bold ideas, practical examples, and a fresh take on how technology can serve social and environmental good, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Ready to design for change? Tune in for a fun, illuminating, and game-changing discussion! Resources Find Abb-D on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbdtaiyo/] Driftime [https://driftime.com/]: Abb-D's design and impact firm Only.One⁠ [https://only.one/]: People-powered campaigns that shape ocean and climate policy worldwide.

Making Nonprofits Accessible Online with Maxwell Ivey, The Blind Blogger

Hey, lovely listeners! This episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast features an eye-opening conversation with Maxwell Ivey, aka The Blind Blogger, diving deep into the transformative power of digital accessibility for nonprofits. Join your host, Katherine Lacefield, and Maxwell Ivey as they challenge the scarcity mindset and reveal how improving online accessibility benefits not only those with disabilities, but EVERYONE interacting with your campaigns, websites, and communications. Are your fundraising pages overwhelming and confusing potential donors? Could a few small tweaks truly boost retention, loyalty, and inclusion—while setting your nonprofit apart? Discover actionable strategies for creating emails and websites that are welcoming, easy to navigate, and inclusive. From leveraging alt text and audio descriptions to the hidden advantages of minimalist design, this episode will inspire you to think bigger about stewardship, donor engagement, and building a truly conscious community. Tune in for practical tips, myth-busting insights, and an uplifting reminder that accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a catalyst for impact and connection. Are you ready to make your nonprofit a place where everyone feels seen and empowered? Don’t miss this inspiring, fun, and insightful episode! Want in on Maxwell's offer for a free homepage accessibility assessment? Email him at: maxwell@accessibilityadvantage.com Maxwell's website: The Accessibility Advantage [https://theaccessibilityadvantage.com/] Accessibility Resources ⁠Less Annoying CRM⁠ [https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/] ⁠Wave Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool⁠ [https://wave.webaim.org/] Resources mentioned in the show Podmatch [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/jbc]: Get booked on more podcasts

Level Up Donor Retention with Handwritten Direct Mail with Robert Nieves

Hey, lovely listeners! Ready for a fresh take on donor stewardship in the age of automation? In this episode of The Just Be Cause Podcast, host Katherine Lacefield sits down with Robert Nieves of LettrLabs [https://www.lettrlabs.com/] to explore the power of authentic handwritten mail and its surprising impact on nonprofit fundraising. Can real connection still break through the sea of AI-generated messages and endless email noise? Why do “old school” touches, like a letter on the fridge, matter more than ever for donor loyalty and engagement? Tune in for practical strategies, industry secrets, and joyful anecdotes—like puppy-powered conference booths and personalized gratitude notes—that challenge conventional fundraising wisdom. Discover how purposeful automation, creative campaigns, and real human authenticity can help nonprofits stand out, deepen donor relationships, and multiply their impact. This episode will inspire you to rethink how you communicate and connect—because sometimes, doing things “just because it’s the right thing to do” is the secret to lasting success! Connect with Robert on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-nieves/]