Observations Amidst a Movement
This post is part of our “Nonprofit Strategy Now” series: reflections on nonprofit strategy development in 2020 by Jenny Kramm, Collectivity Senior Consultant, see original post here
What are we noticing about our organization in light of the response to the murder of George Floyd?
The pandemic and murder of George Floyd have collided together, resulting in a release of extraordinary energy. Many went from isolating in our homes to mass gatherings in protest. Went from empty buildings, to buildings on fire. During the protests and burning buildings, I rode my bike over the Lake Street bridge from Minneapolis to St. Paul and graffiti on the pavement read “This is what it feels like for us everyday.” For many communities, systemic racism has always been at the forefront of their perception of their own safety and influences their daily behavior - making constant calculations.
For others, especially people that are white, release of energy in the form of burning buildings felt like a surprise, a shock. I heard people speaking of issues they hadn’t seriously entertained before, and it felt like a rude awakening for them. There was fear, denial, blame, anger, and dismissal. There was also genuine care, concern, compassion, and curiosity.
Regardless of what you felt, I believe it holds promise to ask, “what does this mean for me personally, and what does this mean for my organization?”. In a recent Nonprofit Quarterly webinar, 70% of nonprofit participants had developed a statement about equity in response to the killing of George Floyd, yet only 20% of the participants had an organization-wide conversation about the statement itself, or what it would take to implement the commitments within the statement. This is an opportunity for the board of directors.
Without judging whether or not the events that have transpired are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, the task for us in Minnesota is forming our active response to that release of energy in our community. It brings up an opportunity for us all to stop and reflect: what did we see? What are we continuing to observe? What are we noticing in ourselves? Will we respond as an organization? If we do, what will our response be? If we respond, what will it require of us?
A discussion about what an organization’s response is can impact all components of your organization including vision, values, mission, programs, culture and organizational structure. That could mean there are several more choice points depending on your perception of your organization’s role within the movement and commitment. In a time of uncertainty and change, one could be overwhelmed by that prospect, or energized by it. What are you noticing about how your organization is processing the murder of George Floyd? Is this bringing up choice points for your organization or not?
Is this a discussion you’d like to explore with Collectivity’s help?
We facilitate board, staff, and smaller group strategic discussion virtually and in person. Contact us to get the conversation started.
