Philanthropy Begins With Relationship
I encourage you to think about how you are allowing your organization to be served by those who care for the common cause. How are they serving? Are you building an organizational culture that seeks to engage people because they want to serve as part of their own growth journey and fulfillment, or just because we think we need them for survival?
A December Reminder: Value the People Beside You.
I have always loved the month of December and the great sense of family and community that comes with it. This can be such a busy time of year on so many levels. In the nonprofit sector we have a very heavy focus on late November and December giving, events, activities and donor cultivation work. With all the busy-ness, we can spread ourselves thin relationally. Even in the midst of relational activity, it can be easy to overlook spending time with our closest staff and volunteers.
Season of Purpose
This is a season to deepen relationships, to cultivate those who care about you further, and invite them to invest in your cause in meaningful ways. It’s much more than just checking the to-do’s off the list. Operating from a place of purpose and meaning gives a different feel to the activities you are carrying out, and your donors will definitely notice.
The Power of Volunteers
To prevent that attrition, we have to be careful to develop a culture in our organizations that values relationships. Our volunteers aren't a labor source--they are the people who are most committed to our cause and best prepared to help us achieve our mission. If they are not yet advocates, we help them grow into that. We nurture them by helping them connect their passion and our shared purpose.
Growing Together
Relationships are messy, because people are messy. We so easily lose sight of what really matters and often pride (manifesting in hurt, insecurity, betterment, etc.) can derail us. However, that is the great way our organizations are made, with people. While people may be messy, we are also very fulfilling. I often talk about nurturing our donors and volunteers, caring for them, partnering with them, and so on.