Strong non-profit community engagement shouldn’t begin when you need input for a strategic plan. Consistent interest holder engagement helps build trust, strengthen community relationships and create people who are invested in your organization’s future. An intentional community engagement plan can make participation part of how your non-profit works every day. What would change if you stopped engaging your community to plan—and started planning to engage?

Strong non-profit communication requires more than sharing information—it requires trust. When staff, Boards, volunteers and community partners feel safe to communicate honestly, explore different perspectives and ask difficult questions, organizations build stronger teams, relationships and collaboration. Honest conversations can improve decisions and strengthen organizational culture. Does your non-profit have enough trust for people to say what they really think?

Strong non-profit collaboration starts with better communication. When staff, Boards, volunteers and community partners share ideas, listen to different perspectives and build trust, they can accomplish more together than they can alone. Strong internal communication and community partnerships also create more connected, resilient organizations. Where could one better conversation turn an organizational “island” into a powerful collaboration?