Dear Brittany:
Congratulations on your new job. Today is the beginning of an opportunity and a challenge for you.
The good news is there has never been a better time to work for a nonprofit.
You are so creative! I bet that showed in your interviews. You have ideas and experiences that will help the organization grow and prosper. They were smart enough to realize they needed you. Now, you get to lead them to a brighter future.
I know you don’t feel like a leader yet, but you should embrace that role. In fact, nonprofits need leaders at every level in the organization. The world is moving way too fast to expect one leader to make all the decisions.
When you define leadership as “critical and collaborative thinking and action given what you see in front of you,”1 you begin to see howleadership is for everyone. That includes you!
I’ve seen you in action and I know what you are capable of, now is your chance to shine.
Your fresh ideas, willingness to work hard, and optimism for the future are needed right now. You are on a journey of discovery. I’ve mapped out a path for you (yes, it is a book written just for you and other rising stars), to inspire and prepare you to move your dream for your new organization forward and to take others with you. I call this new role Leader at the Center.
You already know how important nonprofits are, yet, now more than ever, they are called on to do more with less. They need you!
It’s been a tough time. The sector faces big challenges including limited resources, lack of leadership, and the need for vocal advocates to drive change and progress. Add to that the great adjustments required to operate during the pandemic and a heightened call for the sector to lead the way in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
It’s not a simple task Brittany. It’s not all on you, but you have an important role to play in your organization and in your community.
Remember! These threats are also opportunities.
I’ve written the book because I’ve seen the exciting things that happen when you use your voice. I’ve also seen missed opportunities. And every missed chance can result in a loss of funds, the inability to serve a child in need, or saying no to the needy or disabled.
In your new position you will have the opportunity to use your voice to connect with individuals, businesses, government, and philanthropists to fulfill a vision for a better future.
I love having the chance to share this with you. You’ll quickly discover that it is a simple game plan with three vital steps: Communicate, Connect, and Convene. I know these will come naturally to you. Start where you are right now, today, on your first day in your new job.
Each step of the game plan is offered as an opportunity for you to gain a fresh perspective, use your skills, and enjoy the challenge. These every day practices will inspire and renew you as you attract the resources your organization needs to create a better community.
More than ever the sector needs fresh thinking, renewed energy, and an optimistic outlook. It needs you, Brittany. You are a rising Nonprofit Champion.
Sending best wishes and a big hug.
* Forbes, Should You Really Build Leaders At Every level of Your Organization?, DougSundheim, November 17, 2020.