TrueNorth
Helping nonprofit leaders connect purpose to practice.
Organizations grow.
Priorities shift.
New programs are added.
Responsibilities change.
Data starts coming from more places.
Over time, it can become difficult to see how all the pieces connect.
TrueNorth helps you step back and map the connections.
TrueNorth is part of the Throughline Connective Framework
Use the tool to clarify what you're trying to accomplish, what needs to happen, who is responsible, how the work connects to larger priorities, and how you'll know whether it's moving in the right direction.
Start with one thing
You don't need to map your entire organization - choose one program, initiative, or committee and work through TrueNorth.
You will look at:
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Purpose: Why does this work exist?
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Functions: Identify the major areas of work required
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Structures: How is the work organized?
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Roles & Responsibilities: Who is responsible for what?
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Processes: How does the work actually happen?
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Measures: What information helps you understand if the work is accomplishing what it is supposed to?
The goal isn't to create a perfect plan, but to make the connections visible.
What you might discover
Sometimes TueNorth confirms that the pieces are working together clearly.
Sometimes it leads to discoveries:
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We aren't clear on what this initiative is responsible for.
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Several people are doing overlapping work.
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We have a process, but nobody owns it.
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Our activities don't clearly connect to the priority we're trying to advance.
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We're collecting data that doesn't help us make decisions.
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We have measures, but we're not sure what they tell us.
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The way the work happens today doesn't match how we think it happens.
Move your organization from: "Something isn't connecting."
To: "We understand what's happening, what needs attention, and what we're going to do about it."
Want another set of eyes?
You may work through TrueNorth and find that the bigger challenge isn't one missing piece.
Maybe you can see where the gaps are but aren't sure what's causing them.
Or maybe your organization has multiple programs, initiatives, and teams that need to be understood together.
That's where I can help!
Ready to map it out?
Request a copy of the TrueNorth Alignment tool and start connecting the dots within your organization!
