Opportunities in Turbulent Times
What does the economic downturn mean for the not-for-profit sector? What are the opportunities and threats that come along with fear and uncertainty in the world’s largest markets? What does it mean for plans for agency survival and expansion? As leaders we need to sail through the choppy waters safely. By listening to daily newscasts, it seems there are many different worries and concerns from all sectors; private, public and not-for-profit. We in the not-for-profit sector face unique challenges and questions as we watch job cuts, reductions and retraction in the for-profit sector. Will government funding be cut to the not-for-profit sector? Will our donors be in a position to continue their generous donations? Will there be increased competition for reducing donation dollars? Will there be job cuts as a result? During this time of uncertainty, staff, clients, donors and even members of the Board of Directors may look to the organization’s leadership for answers and a plan forward. While the organization’s leaders may not have a crystal ball to see the future, they may have the clarity to see the opportunities hidden in this dark economic cloud. Opportunities and Silver Linings While there may not be a silver lining in every cloud, there is often a deposit of tin somewhere hidden in the mist. The trick may be to identify that tin and create a new opportunity for the organization. Not-for-profit agencies, however, did not form in the mist; many were formed to answer an important identified need in the community. Like any organism, they are committed to self-survival and are more resilient than many would expect. Not-for-profits have survived and many have flourished during past recessions. The first challenge of leadership may be to convince others that the sky is not falling; it is just getting a little closer to the ground. Some would argue that governments at all levels are invested in maintaining the status quo and will attempt to protect the structures in place during a turbulent period. In recent days, senior levels of government have announced plans and packages to stimulate the economy and shore up structures. In fact, governments in Canada have traditionally invested in infrastructure during periods of economic downturn. This has resulted in periods of growth in areas such as social housing while many areas are retracting during periods of recession. While we have seen staff cuts and reductions in other sectors we may miss the opportunities that this may bring for the not-for-profit world. Recruiting to the not-for-profit area has often been a challenge and not an area many consider when exploring employment opportunities. However, downturns in other areas may create a new interest in the not-for-profit sector and provide an opportunity to attract new skill sets to the not-for-profit arena. Those new skill sets and acquired experience may be an advantage as the organization grows and develops in the future. In addition to attracting new skilled employees to the sector there may also be new opportunities and an openness to create traditional and non-traditional partnerships for the organization. It has long been said that necessity is the mother of invention. However, crisis can also create opportunity and economic downturns can create an appetite to explore new areas, revisit structures and erase organizational complacency. The downturn may force the organization to spend more time and resources on attracting and retaining donors. However, this call for assistance may fall on a more receptive audience as the giving community recognizes this as a time of need for many. The challenge for a ship captain is not to sail on a sunny and calm day but to guide the ship and crew through stormy times. A good captain gets the ship past the reefs and through the storm. A great captain looks where the wind is blowing, plans a safe passage ahead and looks for unexplored passages and friendly ports. With attention and planning the turbulent times ahead may provide new opportunities and exciting possibilities along with the inevitable challenges. David MacIntyre joined MPA - Motivation, Power & Achievement Society (formerly known as the Mental Patient’s Association) as Executive Director in March 2008. MPA provides a range of licensed and supported housing options for people recovering from mental illness and also provides advocacy and court services. David’s Bachelor of Social Work from St. Thomas University, New Brunswick, and his Masters in Social Work from the University of Toronto have supported his work in the fields of mental health, corrections and addictions treatment. David was hired by the Department of Justice Canada in 2000 to design and operate the Drug Treatment Court of Vancouver where he was responsible for the design and operation of the pilot program as well as the functioning of a fully staffed treatment centre. David is in the process of completing his Masters in Business Administration and currently volunteers on the board of directors for the Community Legal Assistance Society and the BC Criminal Justice Association.
About Volunteer VancouverThe mission of Volunteer Vancouver is to inspire & build leadership in the voluntary sector. This publication is intended to be a medium of communication and information for the many organizations active in the volunteer and not-for-profit sector. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect official policy of the Board of Directors of Volunteer Vancouver. Volunteer Vancouver |
