609. People, Place, Practice, Policy: RestoreOKC's Community-Led Model (Caylee Dodson)
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Overview
Meet Caylee, Co-Founder and Executive Director of RestoreOKC. Caylee joins us to share how she and her team have taken a radically different, community-led approach to addressing complex, systemic issues in their city. It's a powerful case study on how data can be a helpful tool (but not the driver), how grassroots programs are transforming access to education, jobs, and housing, and how meaningful partnerships are key to lasting change. 🤝
Their work has sparked sustainable, community-led development that’s been recognized with state and national awards—including Caylee being named USA Today’s Oklahoma Woman of the Year. ⭐ This one is a must-listen for anyone passionate about driving systemic change and building more just, thriving communities. 🎧 Live now!
💡Learn:
RestoreOKC’s “people, place, practice, policy” framework for community-led change
The importance of centering community voice and lived experience in program development
How partnerships and collaboration help address complex, systemic challenges
Practical tips for self-care as a nonprofit leader
Today’s Guest
Caylee Dodson, Executive Director, RestoreOKC.
“The more polarized the world gets, the more people crave connection and want to understand what’s happening here. ”
Episode Transcript
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Episode Highlights
Caylee Dodson's Journey and Formative Experiences (2:54)
RestoreOKC's Community-Led Approach (13:00)
How RestoreOKC leverages partnerships and collaborations to address systemic issues (22:00)
Place-Based Approaches to Community Development (30:19)
Self-Care in Nonprofit Leadership (39:37)
A powerful moment of philanthropy in Caylee's life (35:00)
Caylee's One Good Thing: Be a presence of radical warmth and hospitality. (37:00)
Powerful Quotes
"More people are hungry for connection and common ground than the loud narrative telling us we’re divided and should be enemies." - Caylee Dodson
“The more polarized the world gets, the more people crave connection and want to understand what’s happening here.” - Caylee Dodson
“There’s a deep hunger for something different—let’s build it together.” - Caylee Dodson
"Be the radical warmth and hospitality you wish to receive.“- Caylee Dodson’s One Good Thing
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