I am curious about the myriad of different ways that organizations are handling transition. None of them seem easy. After all, it isn’t really possible to rip off a mask and expect everything to return to normal.

Many nonprofits are taking this time and engaging in vigorous strategic planning discussions. New prospective clients are coming to us to help develop plans that will to bring them into a future filled with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. We are pleased to be invited on the journey. We also know that this is the exact time that we must question – everything. Take nothing for granted and don’t borrow or recreate the past. 

If you are taking this time to embark on a planning journey, here are ten things to bring with you into the process:

1) Create a vision that is aspirational and holds you to a higher standard

2) Re-think your purpose as an organization

3) Align your purpose with your mission in a single sentence

4) Get outside of yourself and into minds, hearts, and hopes of the people you serve

5) Community is your purpose – what are you going to do about it?

6) Data, data, data. Look at it from inside out and outside in and what is it really telling you?

7) Perspectives – be inclusive, open, and empathetic

8) Listen to voices of and from the community to inform the work you do

9) Become like the child who perpetually asks why, why, why

10) Embrace the uncertainty and go where it leads yOne final thought – your goals – aspirational and bold – should be cast in stone. But your strategies should be flexible enough to bend and adapt to changes ahead – and there will still be many more transitions to come.

“To be hopeful means to be uncertain about the future, to be tender toward possibilities, to be dedicated to change, all the way down to the bottom of your heart.” – Rebecca Solni

I love playing in the snow, but oh how I’ve missed sunbathing! This is my favorite time of the year. It makes me so happy to be able to play in the yard and sit by my mom’s feet while she’s out on the deck reading a book. I’m always much happier when my mom is happy, and I can feel that she, and all the visitors that come to our home, are much lighter and more positive.

I’ve been overhearing my mom and co-workers talking about a pandemic since last year. But lately, I’ve been hearing more about something called a “vaccine” that is making things better. I don’t like needles or the vet, but my mom seemed so relieved when she came home after her second visit to the doctor. I’m just recovering from Lyme Disease and had to go to the vet once, and that was more than enough for me…two times in one month seems like my worst nightmare, but I’m glad it made my mom feel better!

My mom still has lots of meetings in our home office, but she has gone out to meet with clients in-person a few times. She used to leave home to go to work and meet clients, and I hate being home alone. This past year has been so great because she has been home with me every day! I am glad that people are happier and that the “vaccine” keeps people healthy, but I selfishly don’t want my mom to go back to working the way she was before last year. Now that is it warmer and my mom and I can play outside together, I want her to stay home with me!