Discovering Amistad uses the Amistad, a replica of an original slave ship whose captives forged their way to freedom in Connecticut, as a jumping-off point for engaging citizens in critical thinking as they explore the history of slavery and injustice in the United States to act and work to change systems that perpetuate racism, to ensure human rights for all.

As facilitator and researcher, BWB supported the Discovery Amistad board through its first strategic planning process to renew its mission and values and determine a five-year future around what would be its programs, care of the ship, staffing,  how it would sustain the organization financially, and governance.  BWB ensured that the resulting plan was data-informed and results-focused so that commitments could be measured and modified needed.

Over a year and a quarter long period, BWB facilitated Amnesty International USA’s strategic planning through a process that involved a centralized board committee, additional content-focused committees of members, regional member meetings and full board discussions.  As an organization with more than 6 million activist and donor members (currently) the planning process emphasized inclusiveness, data-driven decisions, and active engagement of members, staff, and board.  External facilitation and internal ownership fostered buy-in, guiding priorities on membership, programs, operations, and governance.  Challenges included leadership focus shifts and resource constraints, but the plan’s integration into daily work and ongoing monitoring aimed to sustain progress and accountability. 

Learn more about Amnesty International or read the published article on this plan.

Church World Service (CWS) is a faith-based organization comprised of Protestant and Orthodox Denominations “transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster.”  For over 15 years, BWB supported CWS through multiple strategic and organizational processes working with the paid and voluntary leadership to identify and address management, operational and program challenges and renew commitments to the principles that its members could achieve more together than individually.  Apart from a Denominational affiliation, BWB lent its knowledge and expertise in nonprofit management, operations, management and sustainability to identify strategic options and make commitments to ensure those cared about by the Denominations were served effectively and efficiently. Learn more about Church World Services.