008. Continuous improvement together: the case for Constituent Voice - a conversation with David Bonbright of Keystone Accountability

David Bonbright, co-founder and Chief Executive of Keystone Accountability, an international charity dedicated to bringing constituent feedback to social change practice. In this interview, David addresses the following questions and topics: What is Constituent Voice? And why is it so important if an NGO wants to be more outcome-focused? How is it different, and more than ‘downward accountability’?  Easier said than done: NGO leaders need to balance many competing values and priorities. How should they balance the voice of their primary constituents/clients/stakeholders/customers with those of other stakeholders, like boards, donors, staff members, and peer organizations?  And why is it that many NGO people rhetorically embrace the concept of Constituent Voice but quite lag behind in practice? Bio: Keystone seeks to maximize the social impacts of organizations -- nonprofit, business and governmental -- through the Constituent Voice™ methodology of planning, doing, measuring and communicating that fosters learning and responsiveness among all constituents. Keystone supports NGOs when they listen and respond to those meant to benefit from their activities.  David also worked with Aga Khan Foundation, Ashoka -- the entity that supported social entrepreneurs well before it became fashionable -- and with the Oak and Ford Foundations Resources: Website: https://keystoneaccountability.org/ LinkedIn profile of David Bonbright Click here to subscribe to be alerted when new podcast episodes come out or when Tosca produces other thought leadership pieces. Or email Tosca at [email protected] if you want to talk about your social sector organization’s needs, challenges, and opportunities. You can find Tosca’s content by following her on her social media channels:  Twitter LinkedIn Facebook