I2I’s Heart-2-Heart on Data in an Irrational World, Summer Recipe Swaps, and Mid-Year Collective Reflective Practice

Welcome to July’s installment of Intention 2 Impact’s Heart-2-Heart — our monthly newsletter where we share what’s on our mind, in our hearts, and up our sleeves.

This month, we're contemplating the point of data in trying times, cooking up culinary delicacies with our summer recipe swap, and making space for team reflection re: the first half of 2024.

On Our Minds

Get in data, we're making decisions

We’re already in a heat wave so we might as well hit you with this hot take: data does not drive decisions.

We know, it’s a hard pill to swallow. “Data driven decision-making” is as commonplace as hoping an email finds you well… but does it really? 😅

It’s easy to feel cynical about data driving decisions when there are so many other factors behind the steering wheel: politics, budgets, timelines, instinct, all the -isms, a Supreme Court with unchecked power, the list goes on and on…

The truth is: we live in a largely irrational world where so many major decisions that affect our daily lives and collective wellbeing are not solely informed by data. And to be honest, that’s not always a bad thing. When late-night Ben & Jerry’s calls, we purposefully ignore data and deal with the consequences later.

So, what is the role of data in decision-making? And how can we make sure it is useful when it matters most?

Decisions are ultimately made by people, and data is just an input to consider (along with a myriad of other factors). To be compelling, data should be collected with purpose and thoughtful integration of quantitative and qualitative sources (stats + stories).

It is more likely to be used when it empowers people to see things clearer and more expansively than they would have otherwise. Data can track trends over time, help you see reality from multiple vantage points, and illuminate possibilities for the future.

We have always believed in the power and potential of data for positive social change. However, we find ourselves moving away from the identity of “researchers” and “evaluators” and more towards “social impact consultants”, because we understand that data alone cannot manifest change. We also have to engage in strategy, learning, and facilitation to build trust and buy-in and understand the many factors being considered. This ultimately helps us design, collect, and present data in ways that are influential and relevant in the context of other factors.

If you’re frustrated that data is not driving your organizational decisions, hit us up. It can serve as great navigation with the right people riding shotgun. 😎

And if you’re frustrated that our government leaders aren’t using data to make decisions… well… we hope you enjoy one of the recipes below?

In Our Hearts

Beat the heat with these summer recipes

Top-notch MEL is not the only thing I2I has cookin’ this month! In honor of the time-honored summertime cook-out, we asked I2I team members to each share a recipe of an item they’d bring to a summer potluck. Consider this I2I’s first annual summertime recipe swap. Read on & prepare to salivate!

Nina: I've been on a journey to make new ice cream flavors every month, and this blueberry ice cream recipe has been a hit this summer! I added melted white chocolate towards the end of churning for a decadent twist.
Ashley: ensalada de Manzana (Apple Salad). It’s a recipe from Mexico City and I grew up eating it all the time since my dad is from there. Every time we have a family get-together, everyone knows this is what I’m bringing!
Kathleen: chocolate chip zucchini bars! It's one of my favorite things my Mom makes every summer for our annual Doll Family Reunion. My Dad loves them so much that my mom has started making these for his birthday now, too!
Sahiti: Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a 'cold, raw food' person! But my husband makes these uber-simple but perfect-for-summer cucumber sandwiches that are a big hit always. Most recently, he made them for my niece's backyard birthday party and they were wiped out clean! Love that the recipe is from a goodwill recipe book purchase 'The Afternoon Tea Collection' - so unassuming and special!
Blake: A solid party / picnic favorite is a lentil dip made from three Trader Joe’s items: steamed lentils, crumbled feta, and bruschetta sauce (drain the oil to taste). It’s flavorful, filling, full of fiber and good fat, and all you need for prep is a bowl, a spoon, and 2-3 min of stirring time. Dip your favorite pita chips and enjoy!

Up Our Sleeves

Mid-year pulse check is better with friends!

The first half of 2024 melted away faster than you can say “data-driven-decision-making” (too soon??). To prevent the relentless passage of time from trampling us unceremoniously, the I2I team huddled up at the end of June for a mid-year reflection to create further clarity as we voyage into the back-half of 2024.