In this workshop we review seven mindsets with which to approach data & technology for change-making work. The mindsets are: I love error messages, I am a problem solver, Change is possible, I am part of a community, success leads to more questions, I celebrate my wins, Its ok to try again.

In this workshop, we Review the pillars of the spreadsheet mindset: Translation, organization, grit, automation, and investigation. I give examples of each mindset. Translation is a lot about how to talk to spreadsheets in their language, organization is about knowing where everything is and what it does, grit is about making it through the hard times, automation is about always looking for ways to reduce repeatable manual tasks, and investigation is about the ways we can troubleshoot and find the answers to our questions about how to use spreadsheets.

In this workshop, we review Logic Models for nonprofit impact/outcomes. We spend about half the time on learning about and building logic models, and the remainder of the time working on how to add a data layer to the work - collecting, collating, analyzing, and acting on.

In this workshop, we learn how to aggregate data from the most manual way possible (finger-counting) to the most automated way (pivotTables). In between we learn sorting and filtering and how to write formulas. B2A stands for Beginner To Advanced, because that is the progression of the workshop learning.

For spreadsheets that take in data from other sources or collect data in one place, the 3-tab system is a great approach to organizing, managing, manipulating, and displaying data. In this workshop we’ll learn the 3-tab system - the first tab holds raw data, untouched. The second tab is where we do any formulas, re-arranging, and/or cleaning of the data. and the 3rd tab is where we display the data - either just with numbers, tables, and/or graphs and charts.

The look of a spreadsheet is second in importance to the functionality, but also integral to a good spreadsheet. In this workshop we learn all about formatting for the win. This includes learning conditional formatting, grouping, table design, removing gridlines, and other functions in spreadsheets. It also includes the art of creating a cover sheet and help text in our spreadsheets.

A continuation of something we did in B2A, translating your needs into spreadsheet-speech. In this workshop we will work on the skills it takes to translate from English to Spreadsheet, how to use Google and online resources for problem-solving, how to use ChatGPT for problem-solving, and also a boat-load of formulas. We learn formulas in the context of what they are commonly used for - such as Duplicate Management, bringing data together and separating it, comparing and moving data, and standardizing data.

In this workshop we discuss what automation is in the context of spreadsheets. Our basic definition of automation is having the computer take over the process of repeatable, manual tasks. We’ll do basic automation in the form of formulas/the 3-tab system (setting up a sheet to receive new data but do all the things needed to it), to intermediate automation in the form of using add-ons and process tools like Zapier, to advanced automations using Google App Scripts.

In this workshop, we’ll look at a wide variety of examples of how spreadsheets can be used as tools for different organizations and purposes. We’ll talk about the basic principles of choosing if spreadsheets are the right choice for making a tool for your data/processes/work. We’ll talk about how to design new tools, even if we don’t have the data or the skills to know how to make it all work. And we’ll share ideas and start working on designing new tools.

In this workshop, learn the essential skills needed to effectively merge and manage data from multiple spreadsheets. In this hands-on session, attendees will learn various techniques for consolidating data, including using built-in functions, pivot tables, and third-party tools. The workshop will cover strategies for handling different data formats, ensuring data accuracy, and streamlining the consolidation process. Participants will leave with practical knowledge to efficiently consolidate spreadsheets, saving time and improving data integrity in their work.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of leveraging additional functionalities through add-ons and extensions in various software applications. Discover how to enhance your productivity and efficiency by integrating specialized tools and features tailored to your specific needs. Through hands-on exercises and demonstrations, learn to identify, install, and utilize relevant add-ons and extensions effectively. We will learn to unlock the full potential of our software, optimizing workflows and achieving greater outcomes in professional endeavors.