A Social Change Agency is based in Olympia, WA, and is a non-profit, nonprofit organization. They are a division of the National Technical Education Center (NTCA). Registered nonprofit status is determined by section 8 US tax code. They receive their tax identification number from the IRS. EIN: 85 3085632. Donations are tax deductible.

The National Technical Education Center was established to promote excellence in the use of technical education and other skills that are required in today's marketplace. This also includes training for business people in strategic thinking and problem solving, as well as the development of community development, technology transfer and community business development. It is the United States Federal Government's bench-marked provider of federal financial assistance to nonprofits and voluntary organizations. A portion of this funding, which covers the cost of administering programs is provided to state and local government agencies and colleges under the block grant program. The center has a history of developing programs and policies that will benefit all citizens, and particularly those whose lives are touched or affected by social change and issues, such as people of color, women, people with disabilities, farmers, single mothers, and workers.

There are many ways in which a business or think tank could become involved in social change initiatives. Perhaps it is an informal co-ops that they start out together. The co-op may end up being an informal Think Tank. The objective is to engage in dialogue and to produce policy alternatives based on the point of view that majority of the members have a common viewpoint, but disagree on some specifics. This can help develop consensus amongst a wide array of people who do not necessarily have a common viewpoint on every issue, but who can identify problems that need to be addressed.

A social change agency is also an informal think tank where many members attend and participate in discussions. The purpose is to build an understanding among members about the issues, so as to identify solutions that work best. magazine is similar to what happens in a brainstorming session that occurs outside of the formal work of an agency.

Another way in which a think tank might be used is to help develop strategies that are needed to win political battles. For instance, a social change agency might help draft legislation to address poverty. However, before the legislation is passed, members of the committee need to be able to explain why it is needed. By listening to the differing points of view from various people who have different experiences, a broad strategy can be developed that addresses the issues and will meet the desires of citizens who have been affected by poverty. Policy victories such as this can help a community pull together and feel connected.

Another way in which a think tank might be employed is to assist researchers in getting their stories to the public. There are magazine of social change stories. Some are related to poverty. Others deal with human rights abuses. Still others are from business issues, such as how increasing the opportunities for women has affected business owners.

When social change agency professionals are asked what they think are their most effective skills, there are some suggestions. Being an organizer is one thing. Being able to pick up on different threads of a conversation and putting them together is another. Being able to use technology in new and creative ways is yet another skill.

As you can see, there are many ways in which a think tank might be utilized. The use of this type of group is intended to provide information, solutions, and ideas that are relevant to the member(s) involved. It is not a substitute for other forms of organization. It should not be seen as a way to replace the faculty of thought that a group that is self-governing will bring to the process. However, it can be viewed as an enhancement to be used to complement those other methods.