We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 685 Summary

Begin Again: Reclaiming the Nonprofit Sector as Essential, Not Supplemental

Guest: Analía Weber, Development Director at La Familia
Hosts: Jon McCoy & Becky Endicott
Date: February 23, 2026

Overview

In this inspiring episode, Jon and Becky sit down with Analía Weber from La Familia, a family resource center based in Fort Collins, Colorado. The conversation centers on the urgent paradigm shift needed in the nonprofit sector—from being seen as "supplemental" to being regarded as "essential" community experts. Analía shares her journey from dancer to nonprofit leader, her philosophy of holistic community engagement, and practical strategies for reframing how nonprofits understand and present their value.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Analía's Unconventional Path to Nonprofit Leadership

• Background: Analía transitioned from a career in dance education to nonprofit fundraising at age 39, propelled by a desire for deeper community connection and cultural authenticity ([03:21], [04:40]).
• Perspective: Felt imposter syndrome but recognized her skills—organization, people management, empathy—were valuable in the nonprofit sector ([04:40]).
• Advice: Resume writing support helped translate her skills for the new field ([06:10]).

Notable Quote

“Who would hire somebody with a bachelor’s and a master’s in dance that only knew how to teach people how to kick higher, turn more, jump higher? ...But they trusted me and had faith in me that I could carry out the job.”
— Analía Weber ([03:21]–[07:47])

2. Mission & Impact of La Familia

• Mission: To "work alongside families to provide high-quality childcare and family support services," with a deep emphasis on cultural responsiveness, especially for the Latinx community ([08:24]).
• Approach: La Familia embraces a holistic and community-driven philosophy, listening first and tailoring services to actual, evolving community needs ([09:18], [10:49]).

Notable Quote

“We don’t tell them what they need. We really listen—not just to the family, but to the community as a whole.”
— Analía Weber ([10:49])

3. Raising the Bar for Sector Perception & Fundraising

• Language Matters: Analía advocates for shifting sector language from "donation" to "contribution" or "gift" and finding alternatives to "donor" that communicate partnership—not power imbalance ([12:55], [16:35]).
• Building Relationships: Genuine connections with a spectrum of supporters—from $5 monthly donors to major givers—anchor La Familia’s fundraising ([12:55], [14:54]).
• Sector-wide Vision: As chair of the Larimer County sector partnership, Analía’s 10-year vision is to reposition nonprofits as "essential" experts, not "supplemental" services ([16:35]).

Notable Quotes

“Should we even call ourselves nonprofit anymore? ...It gives a power dynamic of you have and I don’t... instead of making it an equal partnership.”
— Analía Weber ([12:55]–[16:35])

“Our hope is to really not just be seen as supplemental, but as essential to the community... trusted as experts in certain issues.”
— Analía Weber ([16:35])

4. Embracing the “Begin Again” Mindset

• Dance-Inspired Resilience: Analía relates a dance improvisation exercise to nonprofit work—no matter the setbacks, always 'begin again' ([20:00]).
• Sector Application: Encourages nonprofit professionals to experiment, iterate, and approach each challenge as a fresh opportunity.
• “What If?” Thinking: Questions the status quo and urges continued innovation ([22:09], [23:23]).

Notable Quotes

“Every day we get to begin again. We tried something, it didn’t work. We get to wake up tomorrow and just tweak it, try it again... That’s all we got. We have to begin again.”
— Analía Weber ([20:00])

“What if we speak about ourselves this way? ...What if we shift this program just slightly? ...The community might be needing something different... What if we just shift?”
— Analía Weber ([22:09]–[23:23])

5. Practical Tools for Nonprofit Leaders

• Compositional Improvisation: A life/dance practice that guides Analía’s approach:
  • Show up
  • Pay attention
  • Notice what you notice
  • Tell the truth
  • Don’t get attached to results ([27:10])
• Rippling Impact: Every action—even small, personal ones—shapes organizational culture and community ([28:04]).

Notable Quotes

“Your choices have a rippling effect whether you acknowledge them... Every day you’re making choices and those choices have a rippling effect.”
— Analía Weber ([27:10]–[28:04])

“If you’re feeling small, you just illustrated how your footprint on earth can make significant shifts in the world by just having a presence.”
— Becky Endicott ([28:59])

6. The Power of Modeling Generosity at Home

• Personal Story: Analía shares how raising generous, empathetic children is now her most meaningful act of philanthropy ([24:24]).
• Enduring Legacy: How family culture and simple acts of kindness can seed lifelong giving and social impact ([24:24]–[26:06]).

Notable Quote

“The responsibility... of raising caring, kind future philanthropists is really important to me.”
— Analía Weber ([24:24])

7. A Call to Action for Childcare Advocacy

• Urgency: Changes in state funding jeopardize childcare for thousands in Colorado ([30:37]).
• How to Help:
  • Donate to organizations like La Familia and local resource centers
  • Advocate to elected officials
  • Sponsor/volunteer/share on social media
  • Support sliding scale scholarships for families in need ([30:37]–[32:52])

Notable Quote

“Child care is not just important for people that have children. Child care is really also important for the health and the economy of a place.”
— Analía Weber ([30:37])

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Resilience and Reinvention:
  “We don’t know what we’re doing, really, is what we’re all trying to do—trying to figure it out as we go.” ([19:16]–[19:27], Becky & Analía)
• Paradigm Shift Vision:
  “If there’s issues with housing, ...bring the organizations that provide housing. Those are the experts.” ([16:35], Analía)
• Begin Again & What If:
  “Begin again. And then, what if? ...because the worst thing you can tell me is, ‘we’ve always done it like this.’ That makes me run for the door—or actually, I would stay and change everybody’s minds.” ([22:09]–[23:23], Analía)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | Paradigm shift: nonprofit as essential | | 03:21 | Analía’s career transition and story | | 08:24 | La Familia’s mission and holistic model | | 10:49 | Listening to community needs | | 12:55 | Fundraising language & sector identity | | 16:35 | Leading the sector paradigm shift | | 20:00 | Dance principle: “Begin again” in practice | | 24:24 | Philanthropy as parenting and modeling giving| | 27:10 | “One Good Thing”: compositional improvisation| | 30:37 | Childcare funding emergency & advocacy ask |

How to Connect & Support La Familia

• Website: familycenterfc.org
• LinkedIn: Connect with Analía Weber
• Instagram: @familycenterFCO (messages go directly to Analía)

How you can help right now:

• Donations (especially supporting scholarships/family resource centers)
• Sponsorships (for gala/spring events)
• Advocacy (contact elected officials about funding)
• Volunteerism and spreading awareness on social media

Final Thoughts

This episode is an anthem for nonprofit professionals and changemakers. Analía Weber exemplifies bold leadership, the courage to "begin again" every day, and the transformative impact of seeing nonprofit work as essential—rooted in community, dignity, and genuine human connection.