In this episode, Dan Cardinali speaks with Kevin Washington, president and CEO of the Y, about the importance of volunteerism and community-led change work in American civil society. Kevin and Dan reflect on “Aspirin and Democracy,” an article written by Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits, who argues that nonprofits need to step away from paid experts and professionals to get back to grassroots, volunteer-led movements that strengthen civil society. The YMCA of the USA offers an excellent example of how both professionalism and volunteerism are necessary to create positive, community-led change.
Learn more about the Independent Sector/SSIR Civil Society Series.
Additional Resources:
- Aspirin and Democracy by Jan Masaoka in SSIR
- More than a gym and a swim: The Y’s impact on our community, NewsOK
Civil Renewal is available today for download on Apple Podcasts and Google Play. Let us know what you think in the comments below, using #civilrenewal on social media, or sending us an email. Learn more about the podcast and the upcoming schedule.
