"Just the FAQs ma'am" (From which movie?)

As you read through our equipping site -- and for your background and context -- here are the Top Ten FAQs about our public benefit organization:

1. Where does the name “Insignia” come from?

Insignia was founded to help men and women “make the mark they were created to make,” rooted in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Insignia is structured to reach out to those who don’t know the Lord, and to revitalize the faith of those whose faith could use a recharge. We all have the capability of becoming better versions of ourselves, thereby becoming more equipped to live purposeful lives and make a difference in the world around us at work, home, play, and service.

2. What is the relationship between Thoughts on the Rocks and Insignia?

Insignia is an IRS-Accredited 501(c)(3) Public Benefit charity. Guidestar, the leading national oversight body, has recognized Insignia with its highest classification, the Platinum Seal of Transparency. Insignia is a seven-time winner of The Best of Blue Ash award. Insignia sponsors round tables, complimentary coaching, round tables, family conflict resolution, corporate culture-building, Divorce & Beyond, an Inner City Initiative, and its most publicly known forum, Thoughts on the Rocks.

3. What does it mean to be “faith-based but not faith-forward?”

We have a strong foundation of faith in our leadership curriculum and purpose (“faith-based”) but we’re not “in your face” about faith nor do we advocate for any particular faith, church, or parish tradition. All are welcome to attend and engage, especially those who generally do not have a faith tradition, or those whose faith has become lax, casual, dormant, or sleepy. Monday Moments is designed to be easily forwardable to colleagues.

4. Where is Thoughts on the Rocks hosted?

Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky is the first and oldest ToTR program. Chattanooga, Noblesville, IN, and Suburban Seattle are also homes to ToTR. North Los Angeles and Santa Clarita are the next two start-ups.

5. What is funded by the budget?

All of Insignia’s ministries are offered free of charge. Trip participants pay the hard costs of the trips. Each ministry program becomes relatively less expensive as we grow/scale.

6. Why is Thoughts on the Rocks for men only?

Ladies’ versions of ToTR have started and paused and who knows when the next one will launch? ToTR is not biased towards men and away from women. Mens’ events are designed to assist in becoming stronger men of faith, better husbands, healthier parents, effective leaders, and generous people. ToTR is the only “men’s only” offering.

7. How does the word spread?

Our ministries grow exclusively through word-of-mouth promotion, and the Insignia Speakers Bureau. The story often begins with those who been involved in ToTR, retreats or gatherings, Zoom groups, and those in on the Monday Moments leadership letter.

8. What is “Monday Moments?”

Monday Moments is a weekly inspirational letter that is culturally relevant and designed to provide inspiration, encouragement, and challenge to leaders at the intersection of faith and life, and service. It is written with a respectful sensitivity that makes it easily forwardable to friends and colleagues. Monday Moments currently exists in the form of weekly e-mail. We aspire to add podcasts and other emerging media when we can fund it.

9. “How do I give financially to sustain the movement and help build the momentum?”

All gifts are tax-deductible, and we certainly need financial support, either regular monthly support or significant one-time gifts. Recurring and one-time giving can be executed via credit card at insigniacoaching.com/donate. Checks made to Insignia Foundation are sent to:

Insignia Foundation Federal Tax ID:

Bob Lynch, Treasurer 45-3066620

P.O. Box 309

Loveland, Ohio 45140

10. How do I learn more, or reach out, or become more involved?

Our websites, which is under additional development, can be found at thoughtsontherocks.com, and insigniacoaching.com. Our giving link is insigniacoaching.com/donate. Questions about giving go to blynch@sflservices.com. Or, with any questions or desire to engage, feel free to reach out to Doug Howe, Founder and Executive Director, doug@doughowe.com, 513-207-2936.

Thank you for reading this far. ...At the end of the day -- and every day -- it's all part of the journey toward becoming better versions of ourselves. And as the leader, it starts with me...and I've got a long way to go! So perhaps a closing word is in order here:

As you read through these blog posts -- as you check in from time to time in the midst of all the challenges of life and work and relationships and challenges and crises -- I hope you'll always come back to the comfort of our Lord. Yes, indeed, we are a fellowship driven to make a difference, but we are built on the solid rock of The Comforter, The Helper, The One who not only gave His disciples the Great Commission, but also the Great Consolation: "Lo, I go with you, always."

So let's "Go" in His comfort, not some kind of false pressure or anxiety:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -- Matthew 11:28-30.

Here's to that better version of ourselves that we're becoming together, and here's to the inimitable joy that comes in passing it on to others, -Doug