An issue I keep coming up against in trying to conceptualize our organization's processes within the context of the Ladder of Engagement is that it inherently implies that one rung is more important than the other. Like, are we trying to graduate volunteers to donors? The other way around?

I wonder what a better metaphor is. Maybe the tree of engagement? Like every person might branch out to be a volunteer, or a donor, or a volunteer and a donor?

Or maybe it's a garden of engagement? Everyone is a seed, but we want to water those seeds with knowledge and attention so they might grow into a necessary part of the ecosystem we are trying to create. Some people will want to grow tall and provide shade to everyone else. Those people we want to provide a trellis. (Board members, volunteer leaders) Some people will want to grow deep and mycelliate our soil. We want to water them deeply, show our gratitude, for though they might not be the most visible part of the equation, they help make our space fertile.

That might be it.

We want to know our garden so we know what it needs to feel taken care of. That's the importance of Organizing and Data.

Powerpoint Planning

Original framework:

The Ladder of Engagement

A visual tool for driving our asks. We want to ask our supporters to engage as activists, we want our activists to engage as volunteers, we want our volunteers to engage as donors, and we want our donors to engage as board members.

Or do we?

The issue with the ladder of engagement is that it is far too hierarchal. Not everyone who volunteers who has the means to donate, and we don't want to make them feel like they are just at a stepping stone to where we want them to be. Instead, we should cultivate and tend to that part of our ecosystem.

So, the garden of engagement

Every ecosystem benefits from diversity. The mycelial networks in the soil strengthen it so the plants can grow even stronger. The trees provide necessary shade and protection from the hot sun. The low to the ground vining plants provide a similar service as living mulch. Even when plants leave the garden, they have the potential to leave behind valuable nutrients (knowledge) for the following season.

How Does This Work for IOYS?

A seed is planted
This might be from a conversation at a fest, a website click, signing up for our newsletter

How do we tend to the seed?

• Welcome email that includes info on how to get involved in all possible ways with IOYS
• Data-collection for opt-ins and understanding of how this seed wants to grow
  • Where can you include creating room for growth in your data processes?
    • Examples:
      • Donation forms ask if donors would like to join the activist network
      • Constant Contact form asks about volunteer and PPSASC interest
• Certain responses lead to contacts being placed in segments, which then necessitate further action.
• If they say yes to PPSASC, they get added to that list and Jaxon gets their info. If they express volunteer interest, Alina is notified. If they express interest in the activist network and they're not vetted, they get added to this specific list so we can vet them, and then they'll receive activist network notifications.
• Donors get sent to Nico to get added to CTCT