A social change agency, like any other strategic planning organization, is a planning powerhouse. It can help nonprofits understand how to move from where they currently are to where they desire to go. magazine can then be developed and executed, and funds available to move forward. But it takes a lot more than good strategy and planning to make an organization successful, especially nonprofit organizations that are set up to work on issues that affect the public. They have to be organized and have good people in place to pull it off.

In the nonprofit world, there are two sorts of individuals that most people would consider to be "social change agents." One is the trusted advisor, who is highly experienced in all matters that deal with issues most likely to affect the public. The second person is the "trusted friend." magazine is the focus on public issues.

magazine is very likely to choose its own trusted advisor, who is a part of its organizational structure. Trustees are usually chosen through strategic planning committees, which include the members of the board of directors and key staff members. In many cases, nonprofit organizations also have boards that select and recommend trustworthy individuals. The board is then responsible for making hiring decisions, such as whom to hire as a trusted advisor, making decisions concerning grant awards, and evaluating performance by those same individuals.

There are several ways that a social change agency might choose an effective trusted advisor. Some focus on community development, others on fundraising, while some work on special projects that benefit the public, such as on AIDS education or on combating poverty. The organization might prefer an ally that specializes in one or two areas. A strategic planning committee might provide the recommendations.

Trustworthy nonprofits need more than one trusted advisor, however. Effective social change agencies rely on more than one person, especially those with extensive backgrounds and experience in the nonprofit world. They need to be able to rely upon each and every one of them for sound advice. The nonprofit world is filled with complicated problems and complex actors and they cannot afford to make mistakes by hiring someone whose only experience is working with nonprofit groups.

Effective nonprofits need thought leadership, strategic planning and other planning tools. A thought leadership consultant, for example, is someone who is trained and can offer credible strategic planning. He will listen carefully to what the nonprofit organization is doing and think through the most logical and effective course of action. He can also assist in formulating strategic plans and ensuring that all the necessary plans are being made. A non-profit might consider hiring a social change agency that provides training in leadership development and thought leadership. Again, the organization needs to be able to rely upon this person for sound and informed advice.

Effective social change agencies should provide a whole array of services besides strategic planning and training. They also need to understand the importance of constituent feedback. magazine make it a point to listen to what their client's representatives and members have to say. The goal of constituent feedback is to build strong relationships with key people in the nonprofit sector so that they will actively engage the organization in future endeavor.

Effective nonprofits make it their priority to work in partnership with and support their constituents. In doing so, they not only build strong relationships within their sector, they also learn how best to advocate for the membership and provide them with opportunities to be heard. A good nonprofit should never forget its original purpose, which was and continues to be to help people achieve their most basic goals. magazine will work diligently to ensure its members and other stakeholders realize their mission.