In these uncertain times of Covid19, as humanity navigates
anxiety, distance, sickness and financial insecurity, our work in the social
sector is needed more than ever. Even as
I seek ways to be helpful, I am traversing, (in my mind, while maintaining social
distance), both the now and the next of the crisis…and considering
the conditions that will equip us for what lies ahead.
Connection
Amidst drastically reduced capacity and financing, the post Covid19
reality will demand more vital and creative alliances.
Even before Covid19, many nonprofit leaders, particularly groundbreakers
focused on driving social justice and equity, craved genuine connection --
authentic, sustained opportunities to talk, plan and partner together. These leaders
too often find themselves in environments of isolation and competition,
consumed by the tactical work of running a nonprofit business and its ceaseless
mandates of fundraising, operations, talent management and donor cultivation. They
know that strategic alliances and collaborative innovation are essential to
addressing the complex social problems that are the impetus of their work. Yet the
mental, physical and intellectual demands of their obligations leave them scant
time for all but superficial and competitive relationships (and unfortunately
philanthropy helps to fuel this competition-more on that in my next post).
Calibration
Post Covid19 times will demand a recalibration of social impact.
Seeking to present themselves worthy of
attention and investment, nonprofits have for some time now attempted to adopt corporate
principles and buzz words - “Strategic” “Outcomes” Deliverables” among others. To
be clear, I believe that it is essential for our sector to employ data-driven
strategy and operations and to be able to articulate results. Yet for nonprofits, these “borrowed” terms and
their implied connotations cannot be the only and most important drivers; and the
search for acceptance and value cannot be stripped from an unrelenting stance
of equity and fairness. When engaging in community, work will not neatly
conform to business metrics: action will just as oft be intuitive as
strategic; implementation about the process as much as the outcome;
results revealed rather than delivered.
As we move through this pandemic, we must honestly and boldly demand the
entire sector, including funders and nonprofit boards, to appreciate this
duality.
Compassion
To do well, we must be well. Moving forward, I
believe the first commitment we must make is to require compassion and empathy for
ourselves and others. The work of building strong, equitable communities is
hard. We can force it, fake it and make it for a while, but the sector must
also become skilled at creating nurturing, holistic environments that affirm
our role and value. Only in this environment can we establish the basis for the
novel world before us…one which requires us to be fully authentic,
honest and straightforward.
Nonprofits will be the lamp that lights community's path beyond Covid19 to our nation’s
collective metamorphosis. Now is our time to get this right.
