Competition Aside: Why Nonprofit Organizations Need to Seek
Partnership Now More Than Ever
I've found a new home and community, at least on Tuesday nights, for now... I think. Allow me to explain. Most of us know the pandemic had very visible and many invisible impacts. One of the major impacts, on many, including myself, was the ease into isolation and solitude. Those who are a bit introverted, relished in knowing no-one was going anywhere, anyway, so they took great satisfaction in being tucked away unnoticed. On the other side, those who are a bit more extroverted noticeably struggled "in front of" those who know them well. The folks who find/found themselves to be somewhere in the middle "successfully" waited it out and maybe even convinced themselves they don't "like people"; that's me - I'm "the folks". By now you're checking the title of this post and wondering what's my point... Hold tight!
Now, on the "other side" of the pandemic, we are forced to pick up where we left off. Offices have re-opened, in-person gatherings are more frequent, and people want to know what you look like in the absence of a window with your name under it. Let's be honest, that takes adjustments and people are more willing to do that with people they trust. Having someone convince you to leave the house is a game of "Would You Rather", at this point, and for a business owner who would rather operate from their office, behind a screen, it is a game with the odds stacked against them without that friend, community partner, and/or organizational affiliation to make the connection.
We have arrived... kind of.
Community support, community partnerships, organizational affiliations who can and are willing to speak for you in spaces in which you or your organization have not been "given" access to, yet, is the ultimate flex. Entering a space and having someone say they have already heard about your ambition, drive, mission, vision isn't something you can buy. While I believe what people think of you isn't your business (as they say in the south), I also believe people who will say your name in a room of opportunities are the people you should surround yourself with and knowing the difference is detrimental to your reputation and the reputation of your organization; if you aren't sure of where you stand, there is room for concern.
Building Your Village 101:
#1: Say Yes
I've mentioned many times, in many ways, in other blog posts: I'm an introvert. I believe in building connections with individuals and would rather avoid the crowd. I subscribe to the idea that a one-on-one conversation will get you further than a group chat. When someone says, "I know (insert name)... I think they will be helpful to your cause, would you like to meet them?" Say "Yes!" Engage in the discussion. If nothing comes of it, hopefully, when something does come across their desk that could benefit you, they will reach out.
#2: Become a Member
I come from the higher education sector, so this idea of "return on investment" (ROI) is engrained in me. Folks in finance would also, likely, feel at home with this term. If I'm going to pay into something, what do I get out of it? How much energy/time do I need to invest to see a return? What does my money do for individuals in this community, not just me?
One way to find out is to join. Other ways, of course, are to go to that mixer that gives you night terrors (if you're an introvert), reach out to the membership coordinator, ask if you can connect with other members - do some research! Depending on where you are in the building of your professional career or business/organization, they may be good now but not later. One thing you (should) know is they will have opportunities for you to network and it's not happening in your home, office, or home office. Figure out the costs and understand the value to you and your organization.
#3: Connect with Organizations Doing the Work
I've worked in other sectors, I've met a lot of people and I feel confident when I say there is nothing like connecting with people who are doing what you do or what you want to do. At some point, you can't think of the organization next door, doing similar work, as the competition. If the organization has been around for some time, they are clearly doing something right AND... And... most importantly, you're doing SIMILAR work, there must be something that sets you apart as an organization and if you're unsure of this, it's time to do some evaluations.
Waiting to hear back about various things at different times of startup, as I mentioned in another posting, I started to reach out to organizations doing similar work and had organizations reach out to me after seeing social media postings. Not everyone responded to the outreach, but that's okay too. At a time where everyone's capacity is stretched, those who can will and those who can't will at a different time; it's inevitable. There's also something to learn from the work of others even if it's just their work ethic. I met with a few Executive Directors and, at times, they would reference stories from the news. Unfortunately, I stopped watching the news during the pandemic but the items they spoke of were always relevant to the work and I felt uninformed so, I subscribed to the local paper - on my phone, of course.
#4: Go to a City Council Meeting
If you've made it this far, I imagine, you're still wondering about my new home and community.
I recently began to go to City Council Meetings. My first meeting, I observed only. It was something right out of tv; I don't know what took me so long to go to one! I don't want to make it seem like a thriller or anything, it's not exciting, by any means, but to know what's going on in your community, this is better than reading the paper. Actual people, with actual concerns, standing in front of city reps and laying it all out there in two minutes - it's all the time you get.
On Monday, September 25th, I learned of a local organization who had been providing overnight shelter to those in need would be removing that service from their offerings... a story of funding, well, lack of funding. On September 26th, my second city council meeting, I prepared to speak on an agenda item. Phone in hand, testimony prepared, I stepped to the podium and my phone went into "Focus: Work" and I panicked! Flat out panicked on the inside! Don't worry, I managed. Deep breath... I prepared to speak on my concerns as a resident and co-founder of an organization looking to fill a gap in my community. Hands shaking. Heart racing. My voice remained even and steady. After I finished speaking, the folks in the picture behind me who were there to speak on the issues related to climate change began to clap! Talk about being surprised! I felt like I had just won an Oscar and given a life changing speech! Completely unexpected. We all waited around a bit to hear on the various items. As that group prepared to leave, a gentleman came to me and said "A group of us want to help you" - my new community; I haven't figured out what this means, yet, but I'm sure I'll see them again.
The unfortunate truth is, at a time of great need, we're hearing and seeing more and more organizations close their doors or reducing their services because they cannot afford to operate. Our communities cannot afford to continue to lose services for populations in need. We need more organizations in partnership. We need city leaders to recognize the gaps in services. We need to be reminded of the strength in a village.
Putting words into action. You may never go to a city council meeting but know there are discussions being had in those spaces that impact you. If you're not sure who your legislator is in Massachusetts find out! Then contact them about whatever issue speaks to your passion.
In the true spirit of building community, Meryl's Safe Haven would like to provide organizations whose work align with our mission and vision to write a blog for posting on our site. Feel free to leave a comment or send an email.
Comments