Part II: Moving the Solution Needle Together

by Tinhorn Consulting | Apr 16, 2023 | Native Issues

In a poll recently conducted by Tinhorn Consulting, Arizona tribal entities weighed in and identified the top issues they faced (in order): 1. Infrastructure; 2. workforce development and education (tied); 4. culture; 5. healthcare; 6. youth; and 7. elders.

By conducting this poll, Tinhorn Consulting wanted to understand the issues and tackle solutions.

When asked how Tinhorn Consulting’s services might help, participants emphasized the need for a plan (strategic planning), more ‘how-to’ and ‘hands-on’ approaches (training and facilitation), and information about available resources (marketing). Of the four services offered by Tinhorn Consulting, strategic planning was the most common choice selected at 39%, followed by training and facilitation at 37%, tribal connecting at 18% and marketing at 3%.

Overall, participants focused on the need for community input and involvement; more inclusive training; a need for connection – within and outside of the community; and most critical — sharing information and increasing awareness. As I deliberated over the comments, I recognized the common factor underlying all the issues and solutions: information. Organized information; how-to information; information about goods and services; and contact information to connect to those who can help.

Information is power. Sharing information can counter negative perceptions and distrust. Sharing information can help solve problems. Sharing information can be healing. Sharing information helps to move the needle forward.

At Tinhorn, my aim is to help tribal clients tackle issues and self-identify solutions that include defined goals, opportunities to enhance expertise, and maximize information-flow to perpetuate continual growth and success. I call this the ‘solution needle.’ With a broader understanding of what issues Arizona tribal entities are most concerned about, Tinhorn Consulting is ready to work with you to move that solution needle forward.

Tinhorn Consulting would love to hear your feedback. Please share whether you agree or disagree with this ranking of pressing issues facing Arizona tribal communities. And if you identify a different issue, how can Tinhorn Consulting help you?

Part I: What key issues are Arizona Tribal communities facing in 2023?

by Tinhorn Consulting | Mar 20, 2023 | Native Issues

We, as Native people, often deal with systemic problems that can seem overwhelming. Problems can often seem like a broken record, stuck in one place and unable to move forward. How can we, as Native people, move that needle? That is the question I asked myself at the beginning of this new year.

As a business owner working with tribal clients, I wanted to know: What are the most pressing issues facing Arizona tribal communities and organizations? And, how can Tinhorn Consulting help tribal entities move that needle forward?

To gain insight into Arizona’s tribal landscape of needs/priorities, Tinhorn Consulting recently conducted a random polling of issues, voted on by attendees at the 2023 Arizona Tribal Legislative Day at the Arizona State Capitol. Included among the participants were tribal leaders, nonprofit organizations, and general tribal attendees.

Tinhorn identified 7 general categories – healthcare, youth, culture, workforce development, infrastructure, education and elders – from which participants chose an overall number one priority. In addition to voting for one issue each, participants were asked to evaluate how Tinhorn Consulting’s services – – strategic planning, training and facilitation, marketing, and tribal connecting – – might help them tackle their issue.

The top issue receiving the most votes was infrastructure with 22%. The next two top votes – workforce development and education – tied at 17%. The rest of the issues received the following percentage of votes:

Culture: 14%
Healthcare: 12%
Youth: 9%
Elders: 9%

Admittedly the results initially surprised me. However, as participants explained why infrastructure was a top choice, they cited the broad need for internet connectivity, electricity/power, and access to services for the elderly. Basic services that can help support and lead to solving other problems.

Makes sense! Now, how to get to a solution? How can Tinhorn Consulting help move that needle forward?

Arizona tribal voices spoke up and voted for their top choices. Answers revealed in Part II of this blog. Stay tuned!