I've just returned from almost two weeks in Skopje, Macedonia, where I have been working on the Macedonian Civil Society Strengthening Project.

Common Ground is providing strategic capacity building help through training and technical assistance to a selected cohort of experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working across the country.

This core group of Leader NGOs will develop their own capacity and, in turn, act as mentors and resource providers to other Macedonian NGOs.

This project includes a special emphasis on developing sustainability and diversified fund development strategies; as well as building the skills and expertise of the staff and boards managing the programs.

This was the first of several trips I'll have there over the next couple of years; and it was an incredible experience! I hope you'll take a few minutes to check out the blog site for lots of great stories about our work while we were there.

Exciting News!

One of my mentors, George Lakey, is the lead of a team of activists who authored Grassroots and Nonprofit Leadership: A Guide for Organizations in Changing Times?a primer on management issues related to our social profit sector. Though now out of print, with his permission the book is available on our website as a downloadable PDF file.

Next month, we'll be making a trip to The Netherlands to lead a strategic planning weekend with an outstanding NGO, CHOICE, who is working on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues.

We will also be traveling to Sophia, Bulgaria to conduct strategic planning with YouAct, a coalition of young people from 17 European countries working on health issues. Watch the blog to learn more!

If you haven't visited our website yet, I hope you'll take a look. When you get to our site, go to the login area under "Members" on the left, and enter the email address where you are receiving this; and create a password.

After that simple step, you'll have access to dozens of fully downloadable resources (more just added) to help you in your work. You'll also be able to view our snapshots gallery; and I'll be able to involve you more directly in our cutting-edge work around the world!

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If they are interested, they'll be able to sign-up, otherwise, we'll leave them alone. You have my word!

I can't wait for you to get involved in our online community! For almost two decades, Common Ground Consulting LLC has been providing mission-critical consulting services to social profit organizations. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with you. See you on the web!

In Community, Craig

	Quick Tips Newsletter One of the resources we offer to our friends and colleagues is our Quick Tips Newsletter. In them, we offer simple strategies you can implement to improve your social profit experience. Each month, we focus on a specific area of interest to our social sector community; offering tips, tools, and techniques to make your life just a little easier. This month, we talk all about Writing an Effective Speech, Establishing Credibility, Understanding Why Audiences Listen, and Using PREPO. Check it out now...