On this page, we share with you some of the how and why behind our work, including both the consulting processes we use and our philosophy of service.

Project Process

We do both large and small projects across several different solution areas, so of course we use a variety of processes and tools to get things done.  However, our basic consulting process has the following elements:

Intake

This is our initial conversation with you, in which we determine what problem you're trying to solve, and whether we can offer a solution that makes sense.

Scoping & Contracting

This is the process of developing a formal or informal plan to solve your problem, and the process of mutually agreeing to move forward with the solution.

Implementation

Here we begin the actual work. Implementation also includes testing, training and anything else necessary to deliver a successful solution.

Closeout

Once we all agree that the project is complete, we close the project, and send you the bill.

Evaluation

Like any nonprofit, we need to continually evaluate or work in order to demonstrate impact and to make improvements. We generally follow up on major projects after six months, and periodically thereafter.

Our Consulting Philosophy

ONE/Northwest is a nonprofit organization--we share a common mission with the Northwest environmental organizations we serve. We have done hundreds of projects over the past ten years, and in every project we do, we try to bring the following values to the process:

Open, authentic communication

Effective, honest communication is at the heart of everything we do.  We try to call 'em as we see 'em, and to be completely open and transparent about what we're doing and why we're doing it.  We also believe very strongly in being clear about what we don't know, and about the risks that are inherent to every project.

Continuous learning

We treat every project as a learning experience.  We always assume that we're going to run into a problem we haven't solved before, and that at the end of a project we'll know more than at the start -- and so will you. We are always looking for ways to build solutions that can be reused across many organizations, and each project we do stands on the shoulders of previous innovations.

Projects as partnerships

We believe that every project is partnership with the organizations we serve. 

Long term relationships

Because we and the groups we serve all are part of a broad, vibrant social movement, we focus on building solid long-term relationships that allow our work to grow and deepen over time. Technology projects are complicated and new communications strategies even more so. We try not to do too much in a single project, and to break complex projects down into manageable chunks. 

Impact on protecting the environment

Our objective in working with you is not just to make a buck. In fact, we heavily subsidize the work we do for environmental groups because we are mission-driven and our mission is to protect the environment of the northwest corner of North America. We seek out project opportunities that have the potential to build the power of the environmental movement.

Teaching you to fish

Our goal is to build your long-term capacity to be more effective with technology tools and strategies, rather than to be ever-more reliant on outside consultants.

Fusing new tools with new strategies and processes

New technologies often open new possibilities for the way we do our work. When you work with us in adopting a new technology, we will help you explore the new strategies it opens up for you and help you understand the organizational processes you will need to put in place to make the best use of your new capabilities.

Fun

Working for social change should be a source of joy.  We try to make it fun to work with us.