The Common Good Data Podcast

Cover of a podcast titled 'The Common Good Podcast' with a maroon background and white text. There is a sketched image of a calculator and a chart outline behind the text.

The podcast for nonprofit and public sector leaders looking to use data and evaluation strategies to build effective and sustainable programs in the areas of prevention, mental health, human services, and education.

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A man sitting at a wooden table in an office, engaged in a video call on his laptop, with papers, a coffee mug, a smartphone, and a microphone on the table. He is wearing a black jacket with the words 'COMMON GOOD DATA' on it.

Telling the story of the impact of your organization is critical to gaining support—from volunteers to donors to multi-year grants. But using data to show your impact can be challenging.

Learn how the best organizations build a culture of data that impresses funders, wins competitive grants, and changes the lives of individuals and communities.

  • A man wearing a maroon jacket over a white, checkered shirt, smiling outdoors with blurred trees and houses in the background.

    Drew Reynolds

    Cohost

  • Portrait of a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, standing in front of colorful abstract wall art.

    Roger Suclupe

    Cohost

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Listen to past renditions of the podcast:

The Common Good Data Podcast Drew Reynolds The Common Good Data Podcast Drew Reynolds

The Best Source for National Data on Youth: Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

If you work with youth, especially in mental health and substance use, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is an invaluable resource.

This survey collects data from students in grades 9–12, revealing key health behaviors and experiences that significantly impact adolescent health.

When you understand these trends, you’ll get a clearer picture of what young people are facing, which makes it easier to create programs that address their specific needs.

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The Common Good Data Podcast Drew Reynolds The Common Good Data Podcast Drew Reynolds

Using State & County-Level Indicators for Needs Assessment: The Kids Count Data Book

Organizations find themselves asking similar questions when it comes to conducting a needs assessment: Where can I find reliable data? How do I know if it’s relevant to my community? Is the information up to date?

These are important concerns. Accessing meaningful data can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make it applicable to the specific work you’re doing.

Today, we address these questions by giving you an overview of one key data source: the Kids Count Data Book, which provides state and county-level indicators on child and family well-being.

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