The following case is about a real nonprofit in South Los Angeles, named Community Coalition (CoCo) who is hiring for a new CEO. You will find the case and all the supporting material you need attached.
Prompt:
Write a detailed memo (6-8 pages) to me about CoCo. I’ve heard of CoCo, but I lack detailed knowledge about the organization. Your memo should inform in me, addressing the following points:
Organization Overview
Summarize CoCo: Provide a concise overview of CoCo. Note its mission, vision, and overarching purpose.
To Advocate and Serve
Definition and Differentiation: Explain what is means to both advocate and serve. How does this dual approach differentiate from traditional nonprofits that focus solely one?
Advocacy Tactics and Tools
Clarify what constitutes an advocacy tool or tactic. Discuss the variety of advocacy tactics and tools employed by CoCo. Provide specific examples to illustrate these methods.
Effectiveness of CoCo’s Advocacy
Campaigns: Select and describe two advocacy campaigns CoCo has been involved in over the last ten years—one focusing on a funding outcome and another on a policy outcome.
Assessment of Effectiveness: Discuss the challenges in measuring “effectiveness” in advocacy as outlined by Ahmed (2022), including the specific difficulties in proving advocacy work’s impact. Evaluate the success of these campaigns.
Measurement Framework: Refer to Box 10.6 “Broad Outcome Categories for Advocacy and Policy Work” (Ahmed, p. 289). Explain how CoCo could use this framework to assess the success of their campaigns.
Direct Service Component
CoCo offers a few direct service programs. Describe one of these programs, detailing its purpose and activities.
Outcomes and Impacts: Using the distinction made by Ebrahim & Rangan (2014) between ‘outcomes’ (lasting changes in individuals) and ‘impacts’ (lasting results at a community or societal level), identify and discuss the outcomes and impacts of the selected service.
New Leadership Succession
Discuss bench strength and the specific strategies, actions taken by CoCo to develop its bench strength.
Finally, there are three finalists in the running for CoCo’s next Chief Executive Officer. Based on your knowledge of CoCo and your own personal criteria for a leader, who would you hire and why. (This is a reflection. This is no right answer).
Candidate 1, Carmen: mid-50s African American woman, extensive leadership experience in community organizing in Chicago, master’s degree in social justice, served one term as alderman (one of 50) on the Chicago City Council.
Candidate 2, Terrell: 35-year-old Black man, active in SCYEA in high school, majored in social work in college, worked successfully in nonprofits in South LA including fundraising and campaigning roles although hasn’t led an organization, spent time in juvenile hall, became an active youth mentor at the Watts Empowerment Center.
Candidate 3, Elena: early-30s Latina woman, has held several mid-management roles within CoCo, has organized successful community events, her 5-year plan includes leading CoCo, needs to improve public speaking, lacks fundraising experience.
