How often have you held yourself to a deadline because, “that’s when we’ve always done it,” even though you have a feeling that now is not the right time?
Recently, a wonderful organization I know was preparing for the membership meeting that they host every year in the spring because bylaws state that they have to disclose financials to members by a certain date. In the past, they’ve handed out a professionally designed and printed annual report at that meeting. Pretty, but not cheap. But someone spoke up…
Is this how we should do it?
It opened up an incredible dialogue around goals, audiences and resources.
The deciding conversations (which occurred in less than a week — super fast!), resulted in a plan for better and more timely communication, and better use of staff and financial resources. It also built in an opportunity to engage key donors in messaging. As in: We can ask donors to make a pledge to XYZ project, and then we can announce those committed funds at our member meeting in a few months.
Nearly every nonprofit leader is facing an overflowing plate that demands action. They are not encouraged to take time to breathe and feel. But if you have a feeling that maybe, just maybe, this isn’t the right move/time/plan…speak up and ask a few key questions about your event or program:
WHY are we doing this?
This opens up an honest discussion about who the audience is, and what is the right message for that audience. Audiences and messages change – they are not static. So it’s worth taking time to think about this and make sure you feel that you’ve got it right.
Why are we doing this NOW?
Sometimes it’s a good time and sometimes it’s not. Audits aren’t complete. Families are on vacation. The weather is too cold (or hot) for an outdoor event. Things start opportunistically — as in, “We haven’t had a member meeting in a while. Maybe we should have one next month.” There are lots of factors that affect timing. But you won’t know if they affect your timing until you ask.
Why are we doing this LIKE THIS?
Is this the way that our people want to hear from us? Are we sure that they won’t look at something online? Do we really know that they want us to mail them a printed report? Do they want a community celebration with food and music? The answers may be “Yes!” but the question is, how do you know?
All these questions are a beautiful way to make sure that your fundraising plan (hint: download our Annual Fundraising Plan template) is the right plan. Plans should be dynamic! So ask the questions.
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