Connecting your nonprofit’s mission to the larger cause and advocacy efforts within a greater landscape of individuals, other nonprofits, and agencies strengthens the organization’s ability to achieve its mission. Examples of causes might include hunger relief, environmental conservation, community development, etc. There is a connection to root causes and circumstances that created the need in the first place for the services provided by your nonprofit.
Organizations become part of a network ensuring the rules governing nonprofits provide the right level of oversight, and help, not hinder the work. Your nonprofit can expand their strategic vision to include a larger community of individuals and organizations working in the same area, such as government agencies or universities. When board members are aware of others working in the same space, there are chances to give a collective voice to the stories, challenges, and opportunities that exist for community members served by their organization.
Reflect
Think about your organization’s mission as you reflect on the following questions.
WHY:
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As a board member, why is it important to connect your nonprofit’s mission to the bigger cause?
WHO:
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Who are the key decision-makers and community leaders connected to your cause?
HOW:
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How might engagement of key decision-makers and community leaders connected to your cause help your nonprofit achieve its mission?
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How might your organization help guide decisions that would affect potentially burdensome oversight requirements or create access to critical data needed to better understand your cause?
WHAT:
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What can your board do to connect the dots between your nonprofit’s work and larger issues effecting your cause?