We are too familiar with the challenges, dilemmas and heartbreaking experiences of those who have lost jobs, health care, homes or business operations.
The non-profit segment of society has been hit extremely hard by the recession even though their struggles are rarely front page news. When the economy declines contribution for charities fall off, yet recipients grow exponentially. Far away catastrophes like the Asian tsunami or the Haitian earthquake create a competitive climate with some local charities suffering irreparably.
For many non-profits, downsizing is just the beginning. Crucial services are cut. The lives those who receive food, medical care, clothes, shelter and other services from non-profit organizations become nightmare. Recipients of youth development services, animal care and environmental protection programs not spared the pain.
External factors such as the economy and natural disasters are beyond the control of leaders of non-profit programs.
To survive and provide their much needed services in economic downturn, these vital organizations need to make the best possible use of two key assets they can control: their board members and their stories.
Hundreds of outstanding board members under-perform because they lack direction and training on how they can best help their organizations succeed. Board members could consciously and actively play a role in the furtherance of the causes championed by their organizations, in addition to participating in decision making processes and raising funds from time to time. They can be ambassadors for the organizations? causes, to create awareness in the community or how to seek donors.
Members of boards of directors must be made aware that they are asked to serve because of their ability to provide experience, skills and knowledge, finances and influence others to believe in the organization?s mission.
The services active board members undertake for their organizations are astonishing. They understand that without money, there is no mission and without believers in the cause, there are no funds. They know it is their responsibility to create awareness of the mission and bring others into the fold.
An untold story on how an organization has made a difference is a wasted resource. Executive directors and donor development coordinators can use statistics and mission statements as much as they want. What, however, moves people to volunteer their time, give to a cause and/or tell others about it is a story.
A story has the ability to retain an individual?s dignity that would be otherwise minimized by a statistic. A story connects a person with a need with another person who has a potential to help. A statistic informs only the mind and may not move the heart of a potential helper. How a story is told matters. How to partner and utilize institutions that can help organizations tell their stories must be part of the mission execution plan and not an incident that happens by chance.
Non-profit organizations are needed. To survive, their stories must be heard.
Dr. Vincent Muli Kituku, CSP works with organizations and individuals who want to increase their productivity, stay focused and make success a habit, but not an act. Dr. Kituku has been described as a research-based motivational speaker/trainer whose storytelling skills have won awards for both spoken and written words. He is one of the less than 7% speakers to earn the coveted Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) recognition, the highest designation presented by the National Speakers Association.
Wherever he speaks, people from all backgrounds agree that words cannot describe Vincent but that he must be experienced. His ability to captivate audiences with content, interaction and entertainment has made him not only a sought after speaker but an annual presenter for key organizations.
Source: http://www.readtherainbow.com/salvaging-non-profit-organizations/
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