The ocean has a funny way of teaching you humility. Several years ago, I decided to tackle a new challenge: surfing. My first foray into the Pacific was less than graceful. Armed with a rented board and a healthy dose of overconfidence, I paddled out with the singular goal of getting beyond those crashing, churning waves.
And fight, I did.
I dug deep, grunting and straining, paddling directly into the teeth of every breaking wave. Whitewater crashed over my head, my board got ripped from my grasp, and I swallowed more saltwater than I care to admit. By the time I finally made it past the relentless break, I was utterly exhausted. My arms felt like jelly, my lungs burned, and any hope of actually catching a wave was a distant, laughable dream. I just floated there, gasping, as actual surfers glided past me with what seemed like effortless grace.
Frustrated but intrigued, I decided to observe. I watched these seasoned pros. They didn't just hurl themselves into the chaotic whitewater. Instead, they’d pause, observe, and then subtly shift their position. They seemed to know about invisible "softer channels" – deeper currents or lulls in the break – that helped propel them out with far less effort. They were finding the flow, not fighting the force. And once they were out, they had the energy, the presence of mind, to actually ride the waves.
It was an epiphany, and one that resonates deeply with the work we do in the nonprofit sector, especially now. We live in an era of unprecedented political and social uncertainty. Every day, it feels like there’s a new wave of challenges crashing down, demanding our attention, stirring up conflict, and tempting us to jump headfirst into every single fight. There are plenty of worthy fights to be had. But just like my initial, ill-fated surfing attempt, relentlessly fighting every single breaking wave can leave us utterly depleted, too exhausted to actually make the impact we set out to achieve.
So, the question becomes: are we fighting the whitewater, or are we looking for the softer channels?
Finding the "flow" in nonprofit work means strategically identifying opportunities where we can gain momentum with less resistance, where a little push can yield significant progress. It’s about recognizing that not every battle needs to be fought head-on, and that sometimes, a slight shift in approach can conserve our precious energy for where it truly matters.
Consider the organizations that are subtly but effectively finding their flow. They aren't necessarily shying away from big issues, but they are choosing their battles wisely and innovating in their approach.
Take, for example, the concept of "impact investing" in the for-profit world, which has a strong parallel for nonprofits. Companies like Patagonia have long exemplified this. While they advocate for environmental causes, they also deeply integrate sustainability into their business model, from sourcing to production. They aren't just fighting against unsustainable practices; they are demonstrating a viable and profitable alternative, creating a flow of conscious consumerism that aligns with their mission. Similarly, Warby Parker didn't just rail against high eyewear costs; they created an accessible, stylish, and socially conscious alternative, building a massive following by flowing with the demand for affordability and convenience.
In the nonprofit sphere, we see this too. Rather than solely focusing on legislative battles that can be protracted and draining, many organizations are finding success by focusing on community-building and grassroots solutions that empower individuals directly. Think of a food bank that not only provides emergency provisions but also invests in culinary training programs, creating a pathway to self-sufficiency. They are flowing with the inherent desire for dignity and empowerment, not just fighting hunger as an isolated issue. Or consider an environmental group that partners with local businesses to implement sustainable practices, rather than just picketing. They are finding common ground and shared interest, creating a ripple effect of change.
This isn’t about complacency or avoiding difficult conversations. It’s about strategic agility. It's about asking ourselves: Where is the energy flowing naturally? Where can we find just a little momentum to get ourselves in position to make an impact – to catch that wave of opportunity?
For nonprofit executives and board members, this means:
- Stepping back and observing: Before diving headfirst into the next challenge, take a moment to understand the currents. What are the underlying trends? Where are the points of least resistance for positive change?
- Identifying your "softer channels": These might be untapped partnerships, underutilized resources, or innovative approaches to service delivery that can amplify your impact without exhausting your team.
- Conserving energy for the "ride": By choosing your fights wisely and finding flow, you ensure that your team has the vital energy and mental clarity needed to actually execute your mission and deliver on your promises.
- Embracing collaboration over confrontation: Sometimes, the "softer channel" is a bridge to another organization, a shared initiative, or a collective voice that achieves more than any single entity could fighting alone.
The world will continue to throw breaking waves at us. That’s inevitable. But by learning to recognize the softer channels, by finding our flow rather than perpetually fighting the whitewater, we can ensure that we not only survive these turbulent times, but that we emerge, ready and energized, to ride the waves of change and make the profound impact our communities so desperately need.
Let’s stop being exhausted swimmers and start being strategic surfers. An ocean of opportunity awaits.
Summer is the perfect time to step back, evaluate, and realign priorities. It is a perfect time to think through a purposeful reset of your fundraising and organizational strategies. Tips from the team at DBD Group will help you emerge energized and focused for the busy season ahead.
