There is no shortage of negativity in the news, natural disasters, violence, poverty, it’s everywhere. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As nonprofit leaders, we have a duty to be changemakers. We entered our line of work to make a difference. People and programs rely on our work to improve the future for everyone. When you hear day in and day out about reductions in force and budget cuts you may find yourself wondering what lies ahead. None of us can be sure but I can tell you what won’t solve it – giving up. The nonprofit community is compassionate, creative, and flexible. We are a community of leaders who are used to doing more with less and working together to make the impossible happen. We need to build more cross-sector connections. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 12.8 people work in nonprofit organizations. Those jobs account for 9.9% of private sector employment. That is a lot of like-minded people trying to make the world a better place. Imagine if we made it our collective mission to better understand the work our fellow nonprofit colleagues do. If we learn more about the mission of other nonprofit organizations and share our goals we may find more ways to work cooperatively as a community. 

I know what it’s like to get bogged down in the day to day work when your inbox is full and you have more on your to-do list than hours in your day. It can feel crushing but that’s exactly why we need to leverage the power of the nonprofit community. As nonprofit leaders, we apply intentionality to strategic planning and stewardship. We should apply that same degree of intentionality to partnership and collaboration. 

This year I have made it my mission to double down to help my fellow nonprofit professionals. I have reengaged with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and become an ambassador for CFRE to support any fundraiser looking to learn more about the credential or the career path. I am actively trying to learn about as many nonprofit organizations connected to economic and workforce development and youth services as I can to expand partnership opportunities and find new ways to collaborate. In my personal life, I am passionate about aquatic conservation and the preservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems. I’d love to talk with others working in that space to learn more about your efforts, goals, and strategies. 

As we look ahead, I challenge you to leverage the power of the nonprofit community. Think about your mission and goals and get creative – how can you connect with nonprofit colleagues across sectors to strengthen partnerships and expand impact? Do you know two people that just need to meet? Make that introduction! Through partnerships and connections we extend our reach and increase awareness. Want to learn more about what my organization does? I am a Zoom call away!