​Like it or not, social media has become an indispensable part of our lives. Fifteen years ago, many nonprofits were still hesitant to launch an organizational website on the Internet; today, we rarely come across a nonprofit that does not have a Facebook page or Twitter account. As more and more nonprofits are rushing into social media, their leaders often overlook one question: “What’s in it for me?” One of the obvious benefits of social media is that it has engendered new forms of communication and stakeholder engagement for nonprofit organizations. Now we propose something that is not so obvious but crucially important: it has engendered a new, novel, and highly valuable resource—social media capital...

The past year has been challenging for the human service sector, culminating in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by the President on December 22. The new tax provisions promise to significantly alter the way nonprofits raise the funds they require to serve their constituencies and continue to strengthen our communities and, thus, the very fabric of American life. As many as 90% fewer tax filers will be itemizing deductions and the incentive for wealthy individuals to donate to nonprofits to avoid higher estate taxes will disappear. Moreover, in the coming year there will be pressure on Congress to reduce funds for a broad range of health and human services, including Medicaid and Medicare. Consequently, the number of people and the extent of need are both likely to increase and place even more demand on the nonprofit human service sector.

This is our predicament. It’s not new, although more intense. We also have solutions. We know how to address many of society’s greatest problems and, with the necessary resources, we can continue to drive and enhance the solutions that will build each person’s opportunities to reach their full potential. But, we have to be able to tell our story in a way that resonates with the public and the policymakers so those resources are made available.

For the human service sector, the most effective messaging is shaped by our National Reframing Human Services Initiative. Times may be tough, but we must resist the inclination to chastise policy makers, use crisis language, and blame the victim. Words and context are critical. Tell the story of your work through the Building Well-Being narrative, and together we can ensure that all our communities may reach their full potential.
​
Lee Sherman, President & CEO​

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois that provide services under state contract have now been operating without benefit of a state budget for a second year. That’s long enough for the situation to feel like “the new normal.” ​

Usually a new year opens with hopeful attitudes, but as we’ve checked-in recently with nonprofit leaders, family members, and friends across the country to ask how they are doing, instead of positive optimism, we’ve been hearing the words “fear,” “uncertainty,” and “paralysis.” We understand why. There is so much chaos happening in the political sphere, generating so much turmoil and uncertainty, that anxiety is running rampant. It may be your responsibility to make strategic decisions, but the future is so uncertain that the only thing many are able to be strategic about is finding time to keep up with the news. It seems as if the proverbial “scarcity mindset” has become the scared mindset.

We know it’s bad because we’ve heard story after story about nonprofit leaders who say they have trouble focusing. In trying to make sense of the rapidly changing environment, they toggle constantly to their cell phones so they won’t miss the latest Tweet or news feed. Some report being unable to sleep, or feeling whip-lashed by events whether on Capitol Hill, or in their own statehouses, that will affect the people their nonprofit serves. They are extremely worried - not just about funding, but about an unknown future that feels like it will be different in fundamental ways.

What’s happening, and what can nonprofit leaders do about it?

Just in time, there’s a new book that we recommend for every executive director’s reading list. For your nonprofit, and for those your nonprofit serves, and for your own well-being - make time to read this book! Here’s why you need to read The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit now!

In addition to reading The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit, we hope you will be part of a very special webinar program on April 25, 2017 with Beth Kanter, who will both (1) share her personal journey towards a happy, healthy culture of wellbeing, and (2) pass along lots of tips that you won’t want to miss. This webinar will be a terrific way to share the wisdom of a happy, healthy workplace with your team and board members. Stay tuned for registration information coming your way directly from your state association of nonprofits. Meanwhile you can get a preview of the authors’ advice on our blog. 

I don't tell you anything you don't already know when I say, Illinois is broke. Illinois is the first state in eight decades (that's 80 years!) to go without an annual budget. Reports show that Illinois has acquired around $10 billion in unpaid bills. 

Who is to blame?