Interested in starting your own journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shawn Morrison, Founder of Good in the 'Hood, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

What's your organization, and who are your members?

Good in the 'Hood is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charity that offers intentional kindness accompanied by valuable programs and services to "Bring HELP and Inspire HOPE" for all those who are dealing with poverty or some other form of vulnerability.

Tell us about yourself

I'm an ordained minister with the belief that my faith is best demonstrated when I show God's love in practical ways. I don't need a Christian organization; rather, I need to be a Christian in the organization. In essence, I don't want to merely be "in a community"; rather, I want to be "for a community." Good in the 'Hood is a great tool in my toolbox to act with intentional kindness for the benefit of a community and its residents.

What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization?

Our food programs have grown from a single site serving 1,500 people a month to 30 pop-up locations throughout the twin cities serving over 120,000 people with more than 3 million lbs of groceries each year.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being an organization?

The red tape and distractions, such as paperwork, facility and vehicle repair, vandalism/theft/crime, COVID-related concerns, and protocols, require attention and funding and absorb an inordinate amount of sideways energy that could otherwise be used to fulfill our vision and to increase the impact we can have in a community.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow an organization today?

  1. Ask for advice, even if you think you know the answer. You'll gain wisdom from a collective of sources that will also become your greatest supporters.
  2. Do the best with the least amount of waste. Look for and discover ways to eliminate unnecessary touchpoints that decrease efficiencies and absorb time and energy.
  3. Rather than allowing our compassion to direct our course, we believe it is essential to lead with wisdom and support it with compassion. This is much more sustainable and it will enable one's vision to do the greatest good for the longest period of time.

Where can people find you and your group?

Website: https://www.goodinthehood.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodinthehood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodinthehood.mn/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/goodinthehoodMN
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-in-the-'hood/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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