If your nonprofit has a weak theory of change, with outcomes supported by little data, you are struggling to create revenues and a board capable of leadership, and your current strategy feels like it is one step forward and one (or more) steps backwards, it is time for nonprofit leadership and board members engage in five critical conversations now. 

If you are cutting programs, staff, or infrastructure, you certainly can’t add “new” revenue generating strategies. Cutting programs won’t rescue you either. It’s time to think differently about your organization’s future. Whatever your issue area is you are not alone. Other are working on the same issues and, because you are not alone, the conversations must shift.

I was recently reading an article on social solidarity, human rights, and collective action and was reminded that any big change requires rebuilding trust, developed by establishing platforms for citizen participation. Collaboration rather and individualism must be the platform for change. Imagine. Imagine rediscovering the vitality and potential of the community. Imagine, creating the time to learn, plan and engage in collaboration with a renewed sense of urgency. Imagine if we build more porches to connect us and fewer fences to divide us.