By Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
I’m going to admit it: The last week has been absolute chaos for many nonprofits, hasn’t it? As nonprofit leaders, many of us are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and maybe even a little heartbroken. The uncertainty surrounding federal funding, the potential impact on our communities, and the perceived attacks on the vital services we provide – it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. The new orders today to halt federal funding to nonprofits has everyone panicking, and rightfully so.
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and feel like the world is ending. The constant barrage of news, the heated rhetoric, the social media frenzy – it can all feel incredibly overwhelming. You might find yourself glued to the news, refreshing your social media feed every few minutes, unable to focus on anything else.
But before we spiral, let’s take a collective deep breath. Let’s acknowledge the fear, the anger, the frustration – and then let’s choose to ground ourselves in the strength and resilience that defines the nonprofit sector. Below are recommendations for how to navigate the stressful series of events that have unfolded over the last few days. Yes, self-care is a key part of this, but so is nonpartisanship, strategy, and coalition building. And yes, we can continue to fight while also being calm and strategic. It is vitally important that we remain clear-headed and strategic in the face of continued threats to the health of the sector. Consider this a game of chess, not a game of “scream real loud and hope something changes.” We owe it to that to the communities we are serving, especially the ones relying on us for continued support.
Read on below:
1. Why Calm is a Superpower
When stress takes over, it’s like our brains go into survival mode. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, planning, and decision-making, takes a backseat to the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain. This means we’re more likely to react impulsively, make rash decisions, and see the world through a lens of fear and negativity. We owe it to the communities we serve to take measured, thoughtful, strategic response to threats to the health of the nonprofit sector.
Think of it like this: imagine trying to navigate a complex maze while someone is shouting in your ear and flashing bright lights in your face. Not exactly conducive to clear thinking, right? That’s what stress does to our brains. It throws off our focus, impairs our judgment, and hinders our ability to problem-solve effectively. When humans face information overload, our fight-or-flight instincts often kick in. Neither of these responses are nearly as effective as when we are clear-headed and focused.
Research has shown that chronic stress can have a detrimental impact on our physical and mental health, leading to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular disease. And for nonprofit leaders, who are already juggling multiple responsibilities and facing immense pressure, the effects of stress can be particularly profound.
So, what can we do about it? The first step is to calm the storm inside. Easier said than done, I know. But here are a few things that might help:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Even a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation can make a world of difference. There are countless apps and resources available to guide you, or you can simply find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath.
- Movement and Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. Whether it’s a brisk walk in nature, a yoga class, or a dance party in your living room, moving your body helps release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Creative Expression: Find an outlet for your emotions through creative expression. Write in a journal, paint, draw, play music, sing – whatever helps you process your feelings and find a sense of calm.
- Connect with Nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. Take a walk in the park, listen to the birds singing, feel the sun on your skin – let nature’s tranquility soothe your soul.
2. Yep, We’re Talking About Self-Care
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially in challenging times. Think of it as putting on your own oxygen mask first before assisting others. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t effectively lead your organization if you’re running on fumes.
Now is the time to double down on healthy habits. Nourish your body with whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. Limit processed foods, sugar, and caffeine, which can exacerbate stress and anxiety. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep – aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. And don’t forget to stay hydrated – drink plenty of water throughout the day.
But self-care goes beyond just the physical. It’s also about nurturing your emotional and mental well-being. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Set Boundaries: It’s easy to get caught up in the 24/7 news cycle and feel like you need to be constantly plugged in. But it’s crucial to set boundaries and create space for yourself to disconnect and recharge. Turn off notifications, set aside specific times to check email and social media, and create a “digital detox” routine for yourself.
- Lean on Your Support System: Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends, family, and colleagues for support. Talk about how you’re feeling, share your concerns, and ask for help when you need it. Remember, you are not alone in this.
- Practice Gratitude: Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be something big or small – a warm cup of coffee, a supportive colleague, a beautiful sunset. Focusing on the positive can help shift your perspective and cultivate a sense of optimism.
3. The Power of Nonpartisanship
As 501(c)3 organizations, we have a legal and ethical obligation to remain nonpartisan. This means we cannot endorse or oppose candidates for public office, and we must avoid engaging in activities that could be perceived as partisan political activity.
But nonpartisanship is more than just a legal requirement. It’s a core value that underpins our ability to serve our communities effectively. By staying focused on the issues, we can build bridges across political divides, engage in constructive dialogue, and advocate for the best interests of those we serve, regardless of their political affiliations.
In today’s polarized climate, it can be tempting to take sides and engage in partisan battles. But doing so risks alienating a portion of our community and undermining our ability to achieve our mission. Remember, our goal is to serve the common good, not to advance a particular political agenda.
Here are a few ways to ensure your organization remains nonpartisan:
- Focus on the policies, not the politicians: When advocating for a particular cause, frame your arguments in terms of the policy’s impact on your community, not in terms of support for or opposition to a particular politician or party.
- Educate, don’t agitate: Provide your community with accurate and unbiased information about the issues that affect them. Avoid using inflammatory language or engaging in personal attacks.
- Build relationships with policymakers across the political spectrum: Develop relationships with elected officials from all parties. This will allow you to effectively advocate for your cause and ensure that your voice is heard, regardless of who is in power.
- Be transparent about your nonpartisan status: Make it clear to your community and your stakeholders that your organization is nonpartisan. This will help build trust and ensure that your advocacy efforts are seen as credible and objective.
4. A Strategic Approach to Navigating Uncertainty
It’s tempting to react impulsively in times of crisis, but now is the time for strategic thinking and measured responses. The initial shock and awe of sudden policy changes can be disorienting, but it’s important to remember that we are not powerless. We have the power to organize, to advocate, and to make our voices heard.
Here’s how to navigate the uncertainty with a strategic mindset:
- Gather Information: Before taking any action, gather as much information as possible from reliable sources. Consult with legal experts, policy analysts, and other nonprofit leaders to understand the potential impact of the changes and identify potential strategies for response.
- Assess Your Resources: Take stock of your organization’s resources, including your financial reserves, your staff capacity, and your community partnerships. This will help you determine what actions are feasible and prioritize your efforts.
- Develop a Plan: Based on the information you’ve gathered and your assessment of your resources, develop a strategic plan for responding to the challenges. This plan should include specific goals, objectives, and action steps.
- Communicate with Your Stakeholders: Keep your stakeholders informed about the situation and your organization’s response. This includes your staff, your board of directors, your donors, your volunteers, and the community you serve. Transparent and open communication is crucial for building trust and maintaining support.
- Be Flexible and Adaptable: The situation is constantly evolving, so it’s important to be flexible and adaptable in your response. Be prepared to adjust your plans as new information becomes available and the situation changes.
5. The Power of Collective Action
The challenges we face are too great for any one organization to tackle alone. We need to come together, pool our resources, and work collaboratively to protect our communities and advance our missions.
Here are a few ways to build coalitions and leverage the power of collective action:
- Reach out to other nonprofits: Connect with other organizations working in your community, especially those serving similar populations or addressing similar issues. Share information, resources, and strategies for response. Be on the lookout from information from trusted sources like Tennessee Nonprofit Network, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and other advocates for the sector.
- Engage with community leaders: Build relationships with community leaders, including elected officials, business leaders, and faith leaders. Work together to advocate for policies that support your community and protect the vulnerable. Nonprofit advocacy and public policy work is crucial during this time! If your organization is not involved, you’re missing the point of systems change work….
- Mobilize your supporters: Engage your donors, volunteers, and other supporters in your advocacy efforts. Encourage them to contact their elected officials, sign petitions, and participate in rallies and other events. Do this in a thoughtful way, though. Don’t simply react!
- Use social media to amplify your message: Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, mobilizing support, and putting pressure on decision-makers. Use social media to share your story, connect with other organizations, and amplify your collective voice. BUT (and a big BUT) be careful that what you are posting is true, not inflammatory, and nonpartisan.
6. Trust the Process as Best You Can
It’s easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed in the face of adversity. But it’s important to remember that we are not alone. We have a long history of overcoming challenges and emerging stronger on the other side.
Our system of checks and balances is designed to protect our rights and freedoms. Courts, litigation, and advocacy efforts are already underway to challenge policies that threaten our communities. And while the process can be slow and frustrating, it’s important to trust that justice will ultimately prevail.
In the meantime, let’s focus on what we can control – ourselves and our reactions. The more measured and strategic our responses, the better off we will be individually and collectively. It’s not that we shouldn’t fight bad legislation, etc. It’s that we should fight strategically, collectively, and with a clear plan of action.
And let’s never forget that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of a movement of compassionate, dedicated individuals committed to making a difference in the world. And together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.
So, take a breath, nonprofit friends. We’ve got this.