Leaders Reflect
What would philanthropic leaders have told themselves in December of 2019 that would help prepare them for what was to come in 2020 and 2021? Read more
Anne Shimerdla
president and CEO, Blank Park Zoo
Dear Blissfully Unaware 2019 Self,
I remember December 2019 as a time of energy, excitement for the new year and the feeling of rejuvenation as we were about to begin a new decade. I am sure it is hard to believe – and you will be in denial – but the next year will be like nothing ever experienced or even imagined. There will be no road map or best practices to follow. It is up to you to carve a path. The year of 2020 was filled with obstacles, failures and successes that each presented an opportunity for a lesson to be learned. Having the opportunity to reflect back on the year, there are a few tips to help guide you through what is to come in 2020.
First, always remember to listen. Take the time to listen to the community around you, listen to your co-workers, listen to peers and listen to your instincts. Understand what is important to others, what their needs are and how people are feeling. Be genuine and open while you listen. Then ask yourself, what can you do as a leader and an organization to fill the needs of others? The community will need the zoo to be present in a different way. Zoo staff and the zoo’s board of directors will need you to show up in a different way.
Innovation will be vital to keeping the organization intact, moving forward and recovering. Innovation is needed to care for those most important to you. In a time with no answers, think creatively. The animals and zoo family will be the priority. Keeping everyone working is not only important for the welfare of the animals, but is essential for the health of the organization. Staff need a steady paycheck and the reassurance that actions are taken to keep everyone healthy. The status quo will not work, so use innovative ideas to implement safety precautions and uncover new resources to pay salaries and expenses. This will mean working with the board of directors to designate part of endowment funds to pay for staff salaries, utilizing state and federal programs, new schedules where everyone in all areas of the zoo complete animal care duties, and working with new vendors.
Innovation is essential to keep the mission work of the organization at the forefront. Support staff as they think about new ways to do their jobs. From finding new resources to moving programs and events online, creating new programs, starting new events, and changing operations to open in a responsible manner. Innovation is critical. Innovation comes with risk, but do not let it stop you. Use your resources to overcome obstacles, ask questions, do your research and find a way.
This may sound odd, but have fun. You will hear from others that they need joy. Embrace the “wild” ideas and laugh. A drive-thru lights event in the parking lot, a race for Mayor of the Zoo – complete with campaign slogans, posters and social media posts – or telling jokes over the staff radios every hour one day. Do it! The “I cannot believe it’s not butter cow,” rhino chip throwing contest, and Facebook Live with the dancing Wanda the Wallaby mascot. Unharness the creativity and provide moments of laughter, joy and lightheartedness that so many people need. You will need it, too.
And last, you are not alone. Communicate relentlessly with everyone around you. Be authentic and transparent to staff, to the board of directors, to supporters, to peers and to the community. You have listened and filled their needs, and they will be there when you need them. The zoo serves an important purpose, not only in the fight against extinction, but also the quality of life for our community. Communicate this purpose and invite others to be a part of it. You have incredible advocates. Look for the talents in each person and get them involved. Have conversations with zoo members, utilize the skills of your volunteers and board of directors, and share ideas with peers. Ask for help. This is a sign of strength and necessary to navigate the unknown. Information will change continually. Be flexible, change with the present information and communicate, communicate, communicate. I have learned that you cannot do it too much – and you still need to do it more.
My original intention with this letter was to send a warning, but instead I am writing to ask you to embrace the chaos that will soon be the world. There will be many times in the coming months that you will doubt your abilities, feel inadequate, overwhelmed and exhausted. Let your authentic self be heard, be vulnerable and do not waver in your vision. Continue to plan for the future. You will make it, and the experiences and lessons you learn will serve you well. It will be a long journey, one that continues as I write this today. Stress and vulnerability will weigh on you, but remember that you have a purpose. You share a common passion with your supporters, and together you will be successful.
Sincerely,
Your Always Evolving 2021 Self
Why is philanthropy important to our community?
Whether it is a cultural or human services organization, almost everyone is affected in a positive manner by a nonprofit. Thriving communities have strong nonprofit organizations that increase the quality of life for those who live, work and visit. It is not possible to have a healthy nonprofit without a group of philanthropic individuals who believe in and support a nonprofit’s mission. To sum it up, a healthy community relies on thriving nonprofits, which rely on a strong group of donors.