Gather At The Well: How to Create Human-Centered Systems + Policies - Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde

We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

Policies aren’t just paperwork—they’re culture in action.

In this episode of Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller and Marisol Pineda Conde invite us to rethink how policies are created—and more importantly, who they’re really for.

Together, they pull back the curtain on their own journey from outdated handbooks to building intentional, people-first policies rooted in trust, care, and collaboration. With warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart, they break down a five-step process that transforms policy-making from a check-the-box task into a powerful tool for psychological safety and team well-being.

You’ll hear stories, real talk, and tangible steps to design policies that reflect your values, center lived experience, and actually support the humans behind the work. Whether you're growing a startup, leading a nonprofit, or shaping culture in your school, this convo will leave you equipped—and inspired—to build better, together.

You’ll walk away with:

• A five-step process for policy creation
• How to balance organizational needs with human needs
• Actionable strategies for policy implementation

Episode Highlights:

• Defining Human-Centered Policies (02:18)
• The Importance of Policies in Organizations (03:44)
• Identifying Policy Gaps and Needs (06:08)
• Feedback Mechanisms for Policy Development (10:06)
• Challenges in Implementing Policies (13:45)
• Opportunities for Policy Improvement (16:19)
• Accountability and Leadership in Policy (19:31)
• Roadmap to Human-Centered Policy Creation (25:51)

✨ Affirmations:

• I am an attuned listener and a responsive leader.
• When we know better, we do better.
• Even if I feel overwhelmed to tackle policy creation, I can take the first step by noticing what's needed and asking for help.
• I'm not alone. I don't have to do this on my own.
• I honor that feeling. I know it will pass.
• I honor my overwhelm. This moment can pass.
• I honor my self-doubt. This feeling will pass.

👉 Explore the Full Episode Shownotes

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Human-Centered Policies (00:00:00)

2. Signs Your Policies Need Work (00:04:30)

3. Soliciting Feedback and Starting Points (00:11:03)

4. The Five-Step Policy Creation Process (00:18:45)

5. Operational Considerations and Implementation (00:29:11)

6. Critical Hope and Key Takeaways (00:33:42)