by Neel Hajra

It was another intense, albeit shorter day at the StrategyLab. Here are a synopsis and some side notes…

Outcomes

Today was a sort of ‘Show Me the Money’ day – everyone was determined to produce results. We broke into the small groups again, but this time with naturally evolving coalitions. My group started with the same metrics/accountability people from yesterday, plus some new folks from other groups. We were joined at the outset from a ‘funder practices’ group (which included some refreshingly reflective funders), then the cross-sector collaboration group joined us, and along the way the links and ideas between the groups kept evolving and connecting.

After two hours or so, every group reported out on their ‘meta’ results: the emergent big idea for each group, and what steps we would take to make progress toward the idea “irreversible.” There were many inspiring ideas, some grand and ethereal, some specific and action-based. As one participant put it, what seemed to emerge were the consensually identified elements of a well performing sector. Not in a ‘this is how things will be’ sort of way, but rather the inklings of a broad framework that needs to be filled in by the collective actions and efforts of hundreds or thousands of other nonprofits.

The general feel among participants after we finished was a collective “hmmmm, I wonder what’s next.” I think the progress over the past three days establishes an excellent basis for broader conversations among the sector – it’s time to move from 75 to 10,000+ participants! Some of the ideas will die on the vine, but even if one or two gain real traction, it will represent a TREMENDOUS step forward for the sector as a whole, and more importantly, for the common good of our society.

Side note: Amazing Thinkers

This is an extraordinary group of doers and thinkers. Every conversation is enlightening, every group discussion is deep and thoughtful, and part of the fun is just watching how these disparate leaders approach common issues. Over and over I thought “oh, that’s an interesting way of looking at it.”

Side note: Checks and Balances

Overall there was a skew toward institutional ‘group think,’ which is perfectly natural. Along the way, there was just enough interjection by the small and/or grassroots and/or activist crowd to keep everyone honest and rooted to reality. Not totally, but sufficient to keep our ‘monolithic’ tendencies (mine included!) in check.

Side note: Technology Balances the Generational Exchange

A huge number of the ‘more senior’ leaders at the StrategyLab truly hungered to better understand technology. Everyone agreed that it’s gone from a mere tool to an integral part of how an organization achieves mission. I really appreciate this desire to acquire new knowledge – its refreshing and inspiring. I also appreciate how this helps further level the power balance between generations. Instead of sitting at the feet and learning from the elders, there’s a much more even exchange of ideas and wisdom. We all have so much to learn from one another!

Side note: DC as the center of the universe? Um, no. Well, maybe.

As the breadbasket of the domestic nonprofit world, I can see why DC organizations were in full force here. There’s a certain national and institutional bias of the DC crowd, though. The frequent tendency of this assortment of nonprofits was to think in terms of big nonprofit or big government action/solutions. Hey, I get it, that’s what happens in DC, and the idea of big action for big change is absolutely intoxicating (particularly in light of the new potential for partnership with government). However, it’s in some contrast to the perspectives of nonprofits from other regions. It reminds me that it takes a truly diverse collection of groups to make sure we don’t skew too far toward either Big Nonprofit Elitism or Grassroots Tunnel Vision. The truth (and real power) lies somewhere in between.

Next Stop: I.S. Conference in Detroit

Okay, full disclosure: I was on the program committee for the upcoming conference, I am currently on the host and NGen committees, I have a role at the conference itself, and NEW has an office in Detroit. I am obviously biased.

But to put a different spin on my “bias” – I don’t have a lot of idle time on my hands (understatement), and the reason I’m willing to devote significant energy to this effort is because I think it’s meaningful to the kinds of nonprofits served by NEW (which is to say, the vast majority of the sector). It’s where important conversations start, and it’s where we converge to empower ourselves and others. Also, it’s worth noting that small fries like me are being included in the process.

Which is all to say, I hope folks will come to the conference! It gives you a chance to participate in the continuation of the StrategyLab and subsequent broader follow-ups. In fact, there will be 4-5 “futurelabs” that are extensions of this ongoing effort.

Now let’s state the obvious: the conference is expensive. All I can say is that if you can possibly come up with the money, it’s worth it. Heck, I’m putting NEW’s money where my mouth is since my budget only allows me to attend this and one other conference all year. For you out-of-staters, you should come find out how a Region Under Siege is fighting its way to a better place through strong nonprofit leadership. For you young guns, the NGen Track is one of the best efforts I’ve seen or heard of to allocate time, space, and a meaningful place at the table for the next generation of nonprofit leaders. For Michiganders, it’s a total and complete no-brainer. Why? Because it’s a joint conference with the Council of Michigan Foundations, which usually convenes an annual ‘funders only’ gathering. Think about it: most funders in Michigan will be at this thing, and for once it’s open to non-funders… where else does a few hundred bucks get you that kind of exposure and insight? Ah, that’s what I thought: See you there ;)

« »