If you have been around my campus for any length of time by attending a workshop or webinar or you read posts here on my blog, you know that I believe it is one thing in life that causes success: Clear, even bold, communication.
It’s important to remember that communication has two parts: talking AND listening.
In the social profit sector where most staff are doing bigger jobs with less pay, it is key that everyone connected with the organization help raise awareness and be a part of the communication team.
And so I was thrilled to come across a blog post, How Can Your Nonprofit Build A Culture of Communications?, that really zeroed in on this topic.
As Jeff Clarke, interim president and CEO of the Council on Foundations says:
“If the work of philanthropy is about building stronger communities, to build a quality of life, you simply can’t do it without constant engagement.” It’s all about communication.
Take a listen to this short video clip where Jeff shares what changes need to happen to build a culture of communication.
My short list of ways everyone can help with communication:
- Tell stories of clients, volunteers and donors
- Invite clients, volunteers and donors to tell YOU their stories
- Share with your community what it is you will do with the dollars you are raising
- Understand why donors give or stop giving to your organization by asking them why
- Share information about your impact and invite feedback about what that impact means to your supporters
