The Undercurrent

Commentary from and about the nonprofit sector

Understanding Mental Health First Aid

Jul 25, 2026

By Keri Hill, Volunteer Coordinator for Veterans Services of the Carolinas Most of us know what to do if someone has a heart attack. We call 911. We begin CPR if we’re...

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Celebrating 250 Years by Lifting Up Our Community

Celebrating 250 Years by Lifting Up Our Community

Jun 26, 2026

By Rose Tatum, CVA, Founder & CEO of Volunteer Leadership Lab As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, there is no better way to show we care for our country than volunteering,...

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Advocating for our neighbors re: Duke Energy’s requested rate hike

Advocating for our neighbors re: Duke Energy’s requested rate hike

Jun 11, 2026

Perhaps you have heard that Duke Energy is petitioning the NC Utilities Commission to allow a substantial rate hike: 18 percent over two years! Add this to the list of price related...

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Humorist Celia Rivenbark shares a few words about volunteering

Humorist Celia Rivenbark shares a few words about volunteering

May 1, 2026

These are Celia Rivenbark’s remarks offered at the Harrelson Center’s recent volunteer celebration. Good morning! Thank you so much for being here this morning. I’m not surprised that, once again, you have...

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Rise Up for Refuge: A national campaign to strengthen, activate, equip, uplift and support immigrant and refugee allies

Apr 13, 2026

By Rev. Dr. Wes Magruder, CWS Wilmington Office Director Imagine you’re at home one evening, sitting comfortably in your living room. Suddenly, you hear someone pounding on your front door, crying out for help....

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Why Nonprofits Resist Change — and How We Help Them Move Forward

Why Nonprofits Resist Change — and How We Help Them Move Forward

Mar 14, 2026

By: Coreena Schultz, Founder & President, Bright Signal Executive Summary Nonprofits are often described as resistant to change. Most nonprofit leaders are navigating rising demand, limited resources, and persistent staffing challenges with...

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Help Hub: Informed by more than 25K conversations

Dec 9, 2025

By Sonja McFarland, founding director of Help Hub The Help Hub is 10 years old this year. It’s been a decade of compassion, partnership, and community; a decade of showing up for...

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Important Info for Donating Food

Important Info for Donating Food

Nov 4, 2025

These are hard days for many. For those with plenty, here are valuable insights to guide your food donations. 1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely...

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Cracking the Canopy Code: Why Tree Advocacy is Rooted in Policy

Cracking the Canopy Code: Why Tree Advocacy is Rooted in Policy

Oct 17, 2025

by Isabelle Shepherd, Executive Director, Alliance for Cape Fear Trees When I tell folks that I’m the Executive Director of the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (the Alliance), the reactions are often...

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