Looking for some good reading to expand your knowledge and youth-development practice? Youth Today speaks with leading experts in the field to share what’s on top of their reading lists. Consider this the synopsis for a master class or recommended reading by a trusted colleague. This winter we spoke with Teresa Huizar, executive director of National Children’s Alliance. — Hope Wabuke
What’s on Teresa’s bookshelf?
“Strengths Finder 2.0,” by Tom Rath, published by Gallup Press, 2007, 175 pages. A useful handbook on how to strengthen an organization and have more engaged employees by building from employee strengths.
“Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success,” by Adam Grant, published by Penguin Books, 2014, 320 pages. An analysis of givers and takers in organizations — and how each impacts the workplace. A great argument for building and rewarding a thoughtful, giving culture.
“Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less From Each Other,” by Sherry Turkle, published by Basic Books, 2012, 384 pages. This is a thought-provoking book about the ways in which our communication has changed in the information age from an MIT faculty member who asserts today’s communication is more shallow and anxiety-provoking for the sender and receiver.
“Giving 2.0: Transform Your Giving and Our World,” by Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, published by Jossey-Bass Press, 2011, 320 pages. An excellent book about improving one’s philanthropic giving to have more impact. “I gave a copy to all my staff about a year ago,” Huizar said.
“Scaling Up Excellence: Getting to More Without Settling for Less,” by Robert Sutton and Huggy Rao, published by Crown Business Books, 2014, 368 pages. A manual from two Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty on scaling up organizations, products and services based on their own experience. “The case studies are fascinating and valuable,” said Huizar.
“Leap of Reason: Managing to Outcomes in an Era of Scarcity,” by Mario Morino, published by Venture Philanthropy Partners, 2011, 149 pages. This classic text on managing to outcomes rather than managing to effort continues to be a highly useful, applicable resource in management and leadership.
National Children’s Alliance Revised National Standards for Accreditation for Children’s Advocacy Centers, by National Children’s Alliance, 2015, 55 pages. This is the definitive blueprint for Children’s Advocacy Centers in providing evidence-based intervention for abused children. A highly researched guide, this book is the go-to guide for resources to assist communities in aiding survivors of child abuse.
ABOUT TERESA HUIZAR: Teresa Huizar is executive director of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), a nonprofit dedicated to serving the needs of abused children throughout the United States. Prior to joining NCA, Huizar worked as executive director of the Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, director of fund distribution for the United Way of Weld County, Colorado, and executive director of A Kid’s Place CASA Program and Child Advocacy Center. Huizar serves on the boards of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths.
