Third Sector Connector Blog

All too often, those of us working with community-based organizations forget that our personal “It’s-a-no-brainer-that-people-should-fund-and-support-this-organization” belief is actually a “what-inspires-others-to-give-their-time-talent-or-treasure-to-this-organization-and-how-are-we-passing-that-on?” question instead. If those of us within the organization aren’t feeling inspired and using words that inspire others, then it’s likely that all of our elevator pitches, major donor visits, grant applications, and marketing materials are uninspired, too, and probably aren’t delivering the results we want.

To “show the love” you need to “feel the love!”

I was recently talking with a Board member from a small local human services organization who felt like they weren’t getting the traction that they needed with key stakeholders, including donors, foundations, and even with volunteers. As we talked a little more, she shared their current vision and mission statements:

Our vision is to be the link between service providers, faith-based organizations and community partners to provide volunteers to care for older adults, family caregivers and adults with disabilities.

Our mission is to provide volunteer services to help older adults, family caregivers, and adults with disabilities maintain independence, dignity and quality of life.

I have to admit, I wasn’t inspired even though I’m a passionate advocate for the kind of work they do.

I took a few moments to look at their materials, and started wondering, “Where’s the joy? Where’s the inspiration? Where’s the language that will connect them with their community and inspire people to volunteer, contribute, or support them?” I couldn’t find it, yet from my interactions with this board member and from the testimonials about their services on their website, I know that they are often a true lifeline for the people and families they serve. I thought, “These folks need an ‘Inspiration Audit!’”

What’s an Inspiration Audit?

Don’t worry, this isn’t a patented, copyrighted or trademarked process and you don’t have to hire a consultant to do it. In fact, the audit itself takes only a few minutes of your time, and here’s how it works. At your next staff and board meetings, put a copy of your vision and mission statement in front of folks, alongside a couple of samples of your marketing or fundraising materials. Then, set aside a few moments to ask and begin to answer the following questions:

1. How can our vision be more inspiring? How can we reflect a better world if we reach our vision?
2. How does our mission communicate the real difference that we are making every day in the lives of the people we serve?
3. How does our elevator pitch, our website, and all of our marketing materials convey our passion for our vision and mission?

Sometimes the answer is simple, and sometimes it leads you to more deeply re-visit these areas. Either way, it’s likely that you’ll find that even just asking these questions will re-inspire and re-energize your board and staff teams.

Yikes! We Don’t Have Time for That!

You may be saying to yourself, “We have more urgent or important issues to focus on right now, we’ll do that later.” You’re right if you’ve got a lively vision and mission and everyone is already spirited, energetic, and engaged. Otherwise, use this as a quick, free, opportunity to re-inspire your board and staff teams.

Remember that boring vision and mission I mentioned earlier? Here’s what it could look like after an Inspiration Audit:

Our vision is a community where all people, including older adults and people with disabilities, live full and happy lives…

… a community where people with disabilities have the supports they need to be safe and healthy at home.
…a community where seniors have the opportunity to share their wisdom with younger generations, and be embraced and surrounded by loving family as the end of life grows near.

We aim to make this vision a reality by building and training a growing corps of compassionate and caring volunteers to provide older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families with supportive services, including friendly visitors, respite care, light housekeeping, and transportation services. Won’t you come join us?

Don’t you already feel more connected to this organization than you did before? That’s what a little dose of inspiration can do.

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