In Times of Doubt, Inspire
The election results this month have created confusion and concern about unknown changes ahead for many in the public and within the nonprofit community. In times like these, communities need leaders. And the leaders of state associations of nonprofits have been stepping up to offer encouragement and guidance for the broader communities they serve. In recent posts, articles, and commentaries, state association executive directors and CEOs have risen to the challenging times by providing inspiration that unites and motivates positive action.
Laurie Wolf, President & CEO of the Foraker Group, the state association of nonprofits in Alaska, shares in “Election news and our work as nonprofits,” that “For many, emotions are raw and the future uncertain. Personally, I am recommitting – to our work as a sector and to our mission at Foraker. And I invite you to join me because what we do is important. Volunteer. Donate. Use your voice. Focus on your mission, your community, and the people you serve. Gather together to work together. We are capable of doing the difficult work, with compassion. That’s what we’re about as nonprofits. Let’s find our path to move forward together.”
“Regardless of where any one of us stands on the 2016 election, we have choices to make to ensure a better future for all our people,” writes Liz Moore, Executive Director of the Montana Nonprofit Association, in “Post-Election Issues, Opportunities, and MNA’s Call to Action.” “For nonprofit leaders,” she continues, “this is our role and now is our time.” One action she recommends: “Invite different perspectives, diverse opinions, and deeper dialogue on controversial or difficult issues.”
In "Post-Election Thoughts: Looking Back and Moving Forward," Linda Czipo, President & CEO of the Center for Non-Profits in New Jersey, observes: “The work that non-profits do remains more important than ever. Non-profits are often the backbone of communities, providing programs and services that make communities good places to visit, live and work; employing members of the community; and providing training and education that helps people find and keep jobs. Non-profits are also often the first, last or only source of help for people in distress.”
“Our privilege [as Americans] also means that we have an obligation to stretch out our hand and comfort others,” writes Kate Rubalcava, Chief Executive Officer of the Utah Nonprofits Association, in “Our country is divided. As nonprofit bridge builders we can begin to change that.” To her, that obligation includes acting “[t]o strike down comments of hatred and to support our family members, friends, colleagues, strangers and everyone in between.” She reminds nonprofits: “We are bridge builders. It is what we do as nonprofit professionals. It is part of our fabric. So before you insult someone for supporting one candidate over another do remember that someone you love and respect likely voted for another candidate. The person receiving your words and actions of hatred and violence is someone’s mother, friend, sister, brother, colleague, care giver, grandpa, etc.”
Heather Iliff, President & CEO of Maryland Nonprofits, reminds us all that nonprofits have an advantage: “One of the biggest strengths of nonprofit organizations is that we are non-partisan, and can create a space for community problem-solving that is not muddled by political conflict.” In “Five Opportunities for Nonprofits in a Trump Administration,” she offers several bipartisan policy proposals that include government reform, infrastructure, focus on inner cities and rural areas, and deregulation.
These and many other nonprofit leaders are demonstrating nonprofit resilience and inspiring others along the way. After all, while elections may change the particular audiences for nonprofit advocacy messages, they don’t alter a nonprofit’s ardor for its mission.
