Complete the Tools

The personal reflection component of the coaching toolkit is comprised of a series of tools that help you hone each component of your idea. The tools will take you step-by-step through the most common mistakes Echoing Green applicants make and help you avoid them by showing you both weak and strong examples of effective idea development. These examples are drawn from the application-reviewing experience of Echoing Green staff over the past several years.

Please note that the examples are meant to demonstrate the clarity and logic of a successful application, not to prescribe a certain way of achieving social impact. It is not necessary to be a multi-million dollar organization like Teach for America in order to be considered successful. Whether you hope to create a national organization that serves thousands or a local organization that impacts a small number of community members in a deep way, what’s most important is that your application is clear and compelling. And while it’s impossible to have everything perfect on day one, the top Echoing Green candidates are also those who’ve spent the most time reflecting upon and refining their ideas.

In addition to improving your application, the tools are designed to help you think about your potential to create true transformational change. While Echoing Green seeks emerging leaders who can run effective organizations, it’s also looking for social change agents who will create a deep and lasting impact in their chosen communities. Whether through their direct work, by inspiring others to get involved, or by leading change at a policy level, they don’t just get results; they actually realize their vision for change. And thus, the coaching tools will help you figure out how you can serve as a transformative leader.

Please allot at least an hour to each tool that you utilize. Ample time is critical to getting the most out of these resources – after all, the tools can’t do anything by themselves; it’s the reflection and revision on your end that produces results.

The coaching toolkit includes the following tools (which are best completed in order):

1. Problem Definition: What specific problem are you focused on and can you realistically solve it?

2. Root Cause Analysis: What is the underlying cause of the problem you're trying to solve?

3. Goal Setting: What will your community look like when you've solved the problem?

4. Intervention: How will the activities that you undertake lead to the change that you envision?

5. Innovation Matrix: Are you adding new value to the world or duplicating the efforts of others?

6. Opposing Viewpoints: How does your idea stand up to criticism from those who know your field? 

7. Environmental Scan: What factors in the world around you my influence your work?

8. Financial Planning: Do you understand the resource requirements of running your organization?

9. Personal Reflection: Are you prepared to lead the change you seek?

10. Making the Pitch: Can you communicate your idea in a way that makes sense to others?

After completing each tool, put it away for at least a day. Then, come back to it and see if your answers still make sense. You may also want to share these tools with your coach for a second opinion. Revise and repeat them as many times as necessary until you feel that your answers are absolutely clear, concise, and logical.

If you have questions about how to complete the tools, you may submit them to apply@echoinggreen.org. Keep in mind, however, that we cannot review your completed tools, nor can we serve as your coach. In addition, please do not send your completed tools to Echoing Green, as they are not part of the application and will not be considered.

3) Draft your application