On a pragmatic level, I offer 6.5 concrete ideas for interfaith solidarity in databases. On a conceptual level, I explore how databases built to promote religious tolerance can lead to behavioral change. What else is possible if we build systems that accommodate and celebrate the fabulous diversity of our communities? Thanks to colleague and mentor Andy Kirshner from IFYC for exploring these ideas with me over dumplings and bubble tea (the way to my heart!)
There’s something I’d like to address
Address management can have as many pitfalls as Philadelphia streets have potholes! In this post, I explore best practices for keeping track of addresses, thanks to many of YOU! for writing in with questions to Dear Spreadsheet Whisperer.
taking data seriously
Uncensored & unsolicited advice about why changemakers should take data seriously ASAP - so that we can reach the right people at the right time, save money and frustration, and WIN!
Dupes / dupes / dupes (Excel)
Part 3 in a mini-series exploring the great, big world of “de-duping” – or, how to handle repeated info in a spreadsheet or database. In this installment: using Microsoft Excel to highlight duplicates and summarize data.
Data cleaning is a “contact” sport
Like contact sports, "Contact Segmentation" has rules to learn and skills to develop... and sometimes it can make you feel sore/grumpy/bruised. In this post, I offer 4 "Rules of the Game" and 3 Skills that will help you make it to the clean data finish line.
Re-member-ships
Some ideas for "best practices" on managing memberships from The Spreadsheet Whisperer. If you structure your data properly, you won't have to remember when people re-member. Are you with me?
Duped, again!
Part 1 in a mini-series exploring the great, big world of “de-duping” - or, making sure that you don’t repeat the same information twice in a spreadsheet or database. This post includes "instant-gratification" links to tried and true de-duping resources.
Merge, baby, merge! (in Google Sheets!)
This is the third installment in a series called "The Mail Merges Are Alright" featuring the National Student Walkout and the mass-email sending tool, GMASS.
Mail Merge and the Office, Sweet!
Read on, for a tutorial and step-by-step instructions about how to Mail Merge a fundraising letter using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Next week, we'll cover merges using Google Drive - part of an on-going series dedicated to Mail Merge for Changemakers.
Thank a nerd
I hope that some readers will think, "Just like we don't accept the political status quo, we also don't have to accept the systems/technology status quo in our organizations/movement." Those systems are ours and it is up to us to keep them healthy!