Active Solutions and Knowledge (ASK) is different from other consulting firms in that we are a participative consulting firm. That means we work actively with clients to help them create their own plan to achieve solutions that will work.

We support your vision by:
   • Recommending process changes that will increase productivity, strengthen the
       organization, or decrease operational costs;
   • Providing assistance in planning and measuring organizational effectiveness;
   • Providing opportunities for your board, staff, and volunteers to receive training
       and education.

We customize activities to fit your organization and then ASK's management team will support you throughout the entire process, from initial assessment to final evaluation.

The ASK Management Team combines over 40 years of nonprofit expertise in the areas of organizational development, association management, and special events planning and fundraising. For example, Valerie Plomin, PhD, an experienced facilitator, has 20 years' experience in training, producing specialized training programs and conducting outcomes evaluations and assessments for all levels.

• Organizational/Financial Assessment
• Strategic Planning
• Outcomes Evaluation
• One-to-One Coaching
• Staff Development Workshops: on Team Building, Performance Improvement, Motivation, and Management
• Board Development Workshops: on Recruitment, Governance, Policy, Financial Oversight, and Fundraising
• Volunteer Development: on Motivation, Responsibilities, Recognition, Fundraising, and Management
• Facilitation for Retreats, Focus Groups, and Meetings

In addition, ASK can assist with Project Management. For example, ASK can direct the creation and completion of an Annual Report or Employee Handbook, customized for your organization.

ASK's primary clients are those organizations which are either at a critical time of transition, whether it is a time for expansion or streamlining operations, or who would like to enhance their effectiveness and their impact.

A representative sample of recent clients: Family Services and Mental Health Center of Cicero; Oasis; Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois; Together We Cope; University Of Illinois Literacy Center.

Here's what ASK participants said about our workshops:
"I found ideas that were different from everything else we have tried."
"Exercises like the Motivational Analysis are very helpful, improving both insight and interaction. Wonderful, new ideas!"
"Great handouts that will be useful for our board to look at."
"Confirmed what I have been telling the board about difficulties with staff getting donors to respond."
"I enjoyed the small groups and that we were able to express our concerns."