Podcast Summary: We Are For Good Podcast - "Gather At The Well: How to Create Human-Centered Systems + Policies" Featuring Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Host: We Are For Good
Guests: Lindsey Fuller, CFRE and Marisol Pineda Conde
Introduction
In the episode titled "Gather At The Well: How to Create Human-Centered Systems + Policies," hosts Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde delve into the intricacies of developing policies that prioritize human needs within nonprofit organizations. The conversation underscores the importance of moving beyond traditional policy frameworks to embrace a more empathetic and people-first approach.
Defining Human-Centered Policies
Lindsey opens the dialogue by emphasizing the often-overlooked significance of policies in shaping organizational culture. She likens policies to the skeletal system, providing structure and support to protect the organization's most vital components—its people.
Marisol elaborates on the concept, stating:
"When we think about human centered, it's almost exactly what the words say. It's really thinking about the humans first... reflecting on the impact that this may have on the humans first." [02:25]
She highlights that while it may seem straightforward, prioritizing humans often contrasts with traditional approaches that focus on legal risks or financial implications. The key is to integrate a human-first perspective before layering in other pragmatic considerations.
Identifying Policy Gaps in Organizations
The hosts discuss the tangible signs of policy deficiencies within organizations. Lindsey points out that the absence of clear policies can lead to recurring questions from staff, confusion about benefits, and a general lack of clarity in expectations.
Marisol adds:
"In practice we had a Google Doc that had the policies that folks most often had questions about... But nobody was actually looking at our handbook and actually our handbook policies did not match this document. And so we had a gap in both practice and policy." [07:29]
This mismatch between formal policies and actual practices creates inconsistencies that can foster inequities, burnout, and even legal complications within the organization.
The Impact of Policy Void on Organizational Well-being
The conversation shifts to the consequences of operating without robust, human-centered policies. Lindsey shares insights from their experience with wellness cabinets in education districts, revealing:
"We were finding a gross underutilization of benefits... if you are observing teammates regularly having mental health challenges... they are not accessing the benefits we've already invested in as an organization." [04:28]
This underutilization signals a disconnect between available resources and staff awareness or willingness to use them, often stemming from poorly communicated or non-human-centered policies.
Roadmap to Creating Human-Centered Policies
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to outlining a five-step process developed by Lindsey and Marisol to create and implement human-centered policies effectively.
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Visioning the Policy
- Begin by envisioning what the ideal policy would look like, whether it's an aspirational goal or a response to a current need.
- Examples include creating sabbatical options for all teammates or expanding bereavement leave to include a wider range of family relations.
Marisol emphasizes:
"These were the policies that folks most needed in that moment... and creating space with intention to think about what could be in the future." [10:52]
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Engaging in Conversations
- Collaborate with team members to gather insights and understand their needs.
- Draft initial policy ideas based on these discussions, ensuring they align with both aspirations and operational feasibility.
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Vetting and Reviewing
- Share drafted policies with stakeholders, including directors, board members, and, critically, employment attorneys.
- Lindsey notes the importance of legal vetting to balance human-centered aspirations with organizational safety:
"When she gives us feedback and says this actually puts the organization at risk, we adhere to it." [25:53]
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Considering Operational Impact
- Assess how new policies will affect the operations team and existing workflows.
- Marisol shares an example:
"We created a mileage reimbursement policy... but it required a lot of verification and auditing processes that increased the load on our operations team." [27:30]
This step ensures that policies are not only people-friendly but also operationally sustainable.
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Implementing and Socializing the Policy
- Introduce the policy to the team, providing clear communication and training for supervisors.
- Utilize ongoing feedback mechanisms, such as monthly meetings (Soup Sync), to monitor and refine policy implementation.
Lindsey provides practical tips for this phase:
"You keep a 'later list' where you jot down policy ideas and revisit them during designated policy work bursts." [31:58]
Overcoming Challenges in Policy Creation
The hosts acknowledge the emotional and psychological resistance leaders may face when addressing policy shortcomings. Lindsey encourages listeners to embrace these feelings and use grounding techniques to navigate overwhelm and anxiety.
They also discuss the delicate balance of accountability within policies:
"Policies do hold you accountable as a leader. They should hold you accountable." [16:55]
Marisol reinforces the need for accountability by highlighting the role of formal and informal audits in maintaining policy integrity:
"We have audits that we would run internally... saying, how did we do on this practice or this policy." [16:55]
Practical Examples and Case Studies
Throughout the episode, Lindsey and Marisol reference their experiences at The Teaching Well, a nonprofit organization they lead. They share specific instances where lacking human-centered policies led to operational inefficiencies and staff dissatisfaction. By implementing their five-step process, they were able to bridge gaps, enhance staff well-being, and foster a more supportive organizational culture.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In wrapping up, Lindsey reiterates the importance of intentional policy creation:
"These policies will make our time inside the org more expansive, more joyful, more sustainable and more healthy." [35:41]
She encourages listeners to:
- Identify existing policies that need revision or creation.
- Apply the five-step process to ensure policies are human-centered.
- Embrace the challenging yet rewarding journey of policy development as a means to embody organizational values daily.
Marisol expresses gratitude for the collaborative effort, emphasizing the mutual learning and growth experienced through their partnership.
Lindsey closes with affirmations to support listeners:
"I am an attuned listener and a responsive leader... I'm not alone. I don't have to do this on my own." [32:26]
Key Takeaways
- Human-Centered Policies: Prioritizing people in policy development leads to more equitable and supportive organizational environments.
- Policy Gaps: Recognizing and addressing inconsistencies between formal policies and actual practices is crucial for organizational health.
- Collaborative Process: Engaging team members and stakeholders ensures policies meet real needs and are operationally feasible.
- Accountability and Sustainability: Regular audits and feedback loops maintain policy integrity and adapt to evolving organizational dynamics.
- Practical Implementation: Utilizing structured processes and phased approaches can simplify the complex task of policy creation and revision.
Resources Mentioned
- We Are For Good: www.weareforgood.com
- Teaching Well: www.theteachingwell.org
Engage with the Community
Listeners are encouraged to visit the We Are For Good website, engage on social media platforms, and download useful tools from the podcast page to support their nonprofit's policy development journey.
This summary encapsulates the rich discussions between Lindsey and Marisol, offering valuable insights and actionable steps for nonprofit leaders aiming to foster human-centered environments through thoughtful policy creation.