Building Effective Boards = Building Effective Organizations

In our decades of working with and inside of organizations, we see time and again how well-meaning, smart people struggle to accomplish their goals. Great things can happen when people collaborate effectively; yet, few organizations spend the time or have the skills to make collaboration happen. Board members are disengaged, or don’t fully understand the issue, their role in the organization, or how to be effective. Too many times, groups end up failing to achieve their goas because of poorly functioning boards. So, how do we get motivated, enthusiastic people to work effectively together?

What We Offer:

Our work is designed to give your board the clarity of purpose and direction to achieve your mission. Clarity of purpose – developed collaboratively –will align your team around shared values and goals so they know how they can effectively contribute while building trust and commitment to the organization and each other. 

These shared values and goals are crucial to communicating your vision effectively and authentically to your supporters, constituents, and decisionmakers as well as the public

The Process:

We help you build this vision through a process that builds team cohesion, teases out common themes on your work’s importance, and aligns everyone’s efforts to achieve common goals. We begin by bringing your team together in a facilitated face-to-face conversation to share their motivations, concerns, skills, and goals for the organization. (This works well virtually, as well.) The goal is to co-create a shared vision based on common, fundamental values. 

The result is a powerful statement of why your work is important to the members of the board but to the greater community, as well. Participants deepen their understanding of each other, develop relationships and trust, and typically discover a deeper commitment to the work. 

Taking this rich trove of meaning, we then work with you to build the messages and the tools to make your communications powerful and authentic–both inward and outward–to be used to move forward on your goals, build community support, and raise resources for your work.

The result is a stronger, more effective leadership united around shared values, trust and purpose. 

The Oxalis Team Brings Unique Skills and Experience

REX BURKHOLDER // Strategy and Story

Rex founded two successful Portland non-profit organizations-the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and the Coalition for a Livable Future. Elected to the Metro Council, he served three terms. His book, The Activist’s Toolkit (2017), is highly praised for its creative approach to leadership, helping many around the world be more effective community activists. Rex provides strategic advice to non-profit organizations, coaching to civic leaders, and advises political campaigns.

GAVIN MAHALEY // Chief Creative Officer

Gavin has over 25 years of professional experience in branding, production, strategic engagement, and visual language direction - from local projects to national and international campaigns. He started his career in public relations and has worked to help clients in retail, the sciences, the food industry, insurance, healthcare, and government before becoming part of Oxalis. Gavin helps clients clarify their image message, identify their target audience, and communicate that image message using the audience's language and tools.

CASEY LEITH // Art Director 

Casey joined Oxalis after moving to Bend in early 2020, where she managed Phil Chang's successful campaign for Deschutes County Commissioner. Casey does video and design work for The Oxalis Group as well as creates effective social media campaigns and communications materials.

“I just can’t get my board to engage in fundraising. They all say they will help but then… nothing.”