On President Trump’s first full day of office, hundreds of thousands of people crowded into the U.S. capital—not for his inauguration, but for the Women’s March on Washington. The march was a massive protest aimed primarily at the Trump administration and its perceived risk to reproductive, human and civil rights. Simultaneous protests in all 50 states and more than 30 foreign countries saw a turnout of more than 3 million people who gathered to show support for the movement. This past Saturday—one year into Trump’s presidency and the anniversary of the unprecedented march of 2017—protesters around the world took to the streets again for a second Women’s March. More than a single-day demonstration, the Women’s March has become the start of a resistance movement, and gives a voice to those who are particularly vulnerable under the new administration. And now that we’ve got you all riled up, check out these five nonprofit headlines from the news this week.
1. Belief Influences Leadership
With each morning’s news we are presented with yet another objectionable sign that the practice of leadership is far from impartial. Leadership, contrary to how it is often described in pop culture and literature, is not an inherent set of behaviors that is passed on through generations. According to Nonprofit Quarterly, it is an expression of a group’s particular ethos—the intrinsic character of a culture that informs beliefs, customs, politics and most other practices of a group or society. By acknowledging this, we embrace the idea that nonprofits will also make different choices depending on the values and politics of their leaders. Because different leadership practices produce diverse results, leaders must understand how their individual ethos can impact their board, staff, organization, sector and community. Want to know how your leadership practices manifest in your organization? Click on the link above to discover the four leadership domains and how identity influences leadership.
2. Fostering the Next Generation of Leaders
Nonprofit organizations are implementing rotational development assignments as a means of developing future leaders. Through this cross-discipline training, employees are able to foster skills that will enable them to lead as effective managers. According to The NonProfit Times, broadening the scope of skill sets in emerging leaders should be a priority for nonprofits that want to develop a variety of abilities at high levels within their organization. Nonprofits have a tendency to keep workers where they excel, and should consider the for-profit sector approach that emphasizes exposing future talent to various roles. Check out the link above to learn how two nonprofit organizations are using a cross-discipline approach to cultivate future leaders.
3. Does Your Nonprofit Use These Two Social Media Platforms?
In today’s age, there are no shortage of social media channels. Instead of being overwhelmed, one should remember that each exists for a reason and serves a different purpose. According to Forbes, the best way to learn how users interact with various platforms is to become a user yourself. Through first-hand experience, nonprofit marketers can gain insights on how to communicate with each channel’s unique audience. Social media should be an essential part of your nonprofit’s communication plan, and a cohesive brand and message should be present in every aspect of your communications. Which social media platforms does your nonprofit utilize? Click the above link to find out the two social media channels your nonprofit should be leveraging as well as successful approaches to enhancing your organization’s communication plan.
4. Dos and Don'ts of Donor Meetings
The donor-grantee relationship is subject to the same normative “rules” that govern any successful relationship—courteousness and engagement. While the dos and don’ts of donor meetings may be common sense for some, they are worth reviewing in order to ensure your organization makes a poised, well informed and engaging first-impression on any potential donor. Want your organization’s representatives to ace donor meetings every time? The above link from The Chronicle of Philanthropy reveals a short list of behaviors nonprofits should keep in mind when meeting with donors.
5. How to Lead for Mission Results
While every nonprofit leader wants to make a difference, there are various factors that prevent some organizations from getting the results they desire. When leaders consider broadening the lens of their choices in order to make more of an impact in the communities they serve, the capacity and will to lead with intent throughout certain unavoidable changes and transitions are better sustained. According to Nonprofit Quarterly, mission results—the ability to make a difference—are amplified when leaders are aware of how well they manage both predictable and unpredictable changes within their organizations. Want to better support your organization’s staff, board and executives to increase results? Check out the link above for tips on how to overcome barriers and lead a successful organization that can weather any storm.
That’s it for this week’s Friday Five! We’re still riled up from Saturday’s Women’s March. See you next week!
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