We clarify & advance collective change for a brighter, shinier future.
What’s your brightest vision for change?
Networks & Systems
We help networks and coalitions develop a shared vision for change, establish clear goals, and co-create effective action plans.
Collaborative Design
We support all stages in collaboration, from stakeholder mapping and engagement to implementing collective change strategies.
Event Facilitation
We design and facilitate powerful, inclusive virtual and in-person meetings, workshops, and training sessions to get the job done.
Many organizations face the challenge of navigating a landscape marked by scarcity and competition. Shine Lab Associates recognized this struggle and formed to provide a bridge for like-minded entities to work together effectively, where all needs can be met with satisfaction.
In a resource-limited world filled with organizations fighting for mutual outcomes, we believe in the power of synergy and collective intelligence to get good work done. As social creatures living in social systems, humanity is central to our change making strategies. We specialize in quality collaborative design, offering innovative solutions for all kinds of issues.
With us, collaboration isn’t just a concept; it’s a catalyst for meaningful change.
We bring a fresh perspective to collaborative design, fostering connections that transcend known limits. Our tailored solutions empower those we work with to escape silos, embrace shared goals, and amplify impact on positive changes making the world shine brighter.
Why Choose Shine Lab Associates:
- Expertise: Our team comprises skilled professionals with a passion for collaborative design and social impact.
- Innovation: We leverage cutting-edge strategies to create collaborative ecosystems that drive positive change.
- Results: From concept to implementation, we deliver tangible outcomes that elevate the collective success of our partners.
So, What’s The Bright Idea?
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New Year, New Intention: Finding Purpose in the Pause
As 2025 begins, the air feels thick—literally and figuratively. The hazy smoke of wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles has cast an eerie shadow, a stark reminder of the climate crisis, and what can happen when critical systems are out of balance . Meanwhile, news channels are filled with a cacophony of polarized voices, making it…
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A Year of Gratitude (and a Dash of Humor)
kate@shinelabassociates.org As 2024 wraps up, we’re taking a moment to reflect, laugh, and give thanks for what fueled us this year. First, each other—because brilliance loves company (and we are a dazzling bunch).Second, our families and friends, who remind us to walk the dog(s) and recharge.And, of course, our massive fan base—YOU THREE ARE THE…
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Proceed with Caution: Safety and Sanity Tips for Post-Election Strategic Planning
kate@shinelabassociates.org Election season is over, and the aftermath for some feels like waking up after a major storm—bereft space where elder trees once stood, surprise flooding on the roadways, and the nagging sense that soon your roof will be leaking (or the underground sump pump will take on a new life come Spring). Whether you’re…
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Navigating Strategy in Uncertain Times
kate@shinelabassociates.org “Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear.” -Lao Tzu With the election just days away, many in public health, non-profits, and community work feel the weight of uncertainty. Strategic planning often takes a front seat as winter nears, but with potential shifts in policies and funding, how can we effectively plan…
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Election Special! Collective Decision-Making for Networks
kate@shinelabassociates.org With the presidential election just a month away, there’s a collective sense of anticipation as the country waits to see how things unfold. While not every network decision we make is of such magnitude (think event planning or new memberships), navigating group decision-making can still be challenging. Luckily, Shine Lab Associates has a few…
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Getting Unstuck in Collaborative Planning and Decision-Making
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead. There’s something magical about bringing together a group of passionate individuals to create meaningful change. The energy in the room is palpable, the ideas are fresh, and…
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Flies in the Kitchen: What Are Your Network’s Warning Signs?
kate@shinelabassociates.org This summer, our house was invaded by flies. Gnats, house flies, drain flies—you name it, they were there. In our quest to banish them, we uncovered the grim root issues: a faulty sump pump, cracked kitchen pipes, and a damp basement downstream of it all. The flies were merely symptoms – outcomes of deeper,…
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Showing Wins: Measurement and Evaluation for Networks and Systems
kate@shinelabassociates.org Systems change–digging into the many roots of an issue–is complex, multi-layered, and dynamic work, and requires a diverse spectrum of stakeholders in order to make large-scale change possible. Over the years, more funders and organizers have employed networks to take on such challenges, and with the right combination of time, trust, and targeted support…
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Juneteenth: Holding Space for Reflection and Action
As a fledgling organization in the interconnected world of social change, we here at Shine Lab Associates wanted to shine a light on the importance of Juneteenth. So as the two of us are wont to do, we found ourselves asking–what should we say? What can we do? How do we (read: white people) respectfully…
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Embracing the Seasonality of Work: A Strategic Approach for Network Collaboration
kate@shinelabassociates.org Anyone who has ever tried to organize a large meeting during the winter or summer knows the challenge: out-of-office messages, holiday vacations, family visits—it can feel like productivity has been put on hold. Attempting to force through gatherings during these times is akin to planting seeds in the height of summer and expecting them…
Shine Lab Associates 