Last Friday, I had the opportunity to facilitate an afternoon session with board members from several Illinois Youth For Christ chapters. After some excellent discussion and sharing of ideas, I closed the session by giving them some a few thoughts on how I believe nonprofits should be responding to the economic crisis that we are facing.
I shared a couple of these (Don't Panic and Be Realistic) on this blog in December. Here are the rest of them.
* Don't Lose Sight of the Mission - Often times when nonprofits move into "survival mode", they are tempted to choose survival over mission. Resources may be offered if the organization is willing to take on a project or focus, often diluting the primary purpose for the existence of the organization. Stay true to the mission and share it passionately.
* Use the crisis to Streamline - When things are going well, leaders often do not take time to ask hard questions about how things could be done better. Do we need a physical office? Are we unnecessarily duplicating processes? Are we being effective with the way the organization is currently operating? Use this crisis to become better, more effective, more efficient. Ask the questions that we are often afraid to ask.
* Remember that it's still about Relationships - Yes, most of us are being challenged financially. But the leaders still need to be out meeting with people, sharing the vision, listening to their heart, calling for their engagement, risking the "Big Ask". Make sure you are getting out with the people.
* Don't Lose Sight of the Long Term - Survival mode tends to create a short-term mindset. Leaders need to be committed to building long-term sustainability. While working on short-term needs, the leader must continually be building the foundation to be prepared when things turn around....whether that is this year or 3 years from now.
* As a faith based organization, don't forget Dependence on God - Botton-line, it's His organization. Don't forget as a leader and/or a board, to seek Him often for wisdom, guidance, and grace.
* Look for places to Celebrate - Things are tough. Everywhere one looks, the news is bad. If leaders, board, and staff are not careful, it will be easy to lose courage and resolve. Look for opportunities to celebrate, no matter how small or big. Remember that the Scripture tells us that "the joy of the Lord is our strength".
If these are helpful, pass them on.
Comments