Our nonprofit community knew that they had to act fast to respond to COVID-19 to provide resources to those who need it most. In last week’s Virtual Voices, we heard from nonprofit leaders on how their nonprofits are supporting our community, how they’re rallying their volunteers and staff and how they’re preparing for the future.
Virtual Voices aims to keep alums informed and engaged as our community works through this challenging time. Each virtual meeting brings together leaders on the front lines of impacted industries to share their knowledge, perspectives and leadership lessons.
Kristy Judd, president and CEO of Spark the Change Colorado, and Erin Pulling, president and CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies, shared their insights with our alums on how they’re navigating this crisis.
Check out our key takeaways and the video of the webinar below.
Lean on your network. We’re all navigating this crisis together. Reach out to your network to learn about how other organizations are working through COVID-19. By collaborating with other organizations on best practices, you’ll have access to more resources to prepare your organization and your team. It also allows for unlikely partnerships to bloom. If there is a challenge your team can’t address on their own, is there someone in your network with the expertise to get it done?
Lead with grace. Whether you’re leading a team, serving on a board or working as an employee, give room for grace. Uncertainty is a part of managing these daily changes as a leader – each week there is something different to plan for. Giving room for grace allows your team to find the right solution. It also creates trust and open communication, because you’re allowing them the space to make it through this time.
It’s a balancing act. Find a balance between how much you can ask of your team and how you can support them. As a leader, you need to figure out the operational aspects of this crisis while making sure your staff is supported. It’s also important to balance the realities of your organization – Can you say yes to everything during this time? Take a moment to slow down and figure out what is realistic for your organization.
Listen to your community. Listen to the needs of the community. Listening allows you to show up as a collaborative partner and then take appropriate action.
Focus on the recovery. Volunteers are part of our community’s ability to get work done. Nonprofits have a need for volunteers that not only can help with the day-to-day but also with the operational aspects to recover. Think about your skill sets and how they can lend a hand to the community’s future.
Join us for an upcoming Virtual Voices. Check out our upcoming programs.