I'm obsessed with sustainability right now. My continued wish is that we keep working towards living within our needs and taking care of people and the environment. That's one version of sustainability.
But sustainability is also used as a term that relates to the durability and strength of an organisation - including its resource base which has a fair bit to do with finances. So often, organisations are caught up in the every day - too busy fighting the alligators to drain the swamp. It's understandable, because there is so much to do. But there has to be time to plan, otherwise activities can be a waste of energy or even chaotic.
Right now I am developing a toolkit for assessing and addressing sustainability. In my research for this I came across the following
INGREDIENT #1: A COMPELLING VISION, FOCUSED MISSION AND A STRATEGIC PLAN THAT INVOLVES MANY AND GETS USED
An organisation's purpose, vision and goals are the magnet for the people, resources and money that are needed to make the organisation effective. Whether the organisation is clarifying goals for the first time, or is determining a new focus after years of operation, a strategic plan is critical to success.
INGREDIENT # 2: EFFECTIVE AND FOCUSED PROGRAMS
The core of an organisation's success is its program or lead projects. A good program attracts people, which then attracts funding. Programs need to be well thought out, doable, and able to involve many people. Above all, programs must serve a need.
INGREDIENT # 3: DIVERSE FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
Sustainable organisations need diverse sources of income in order to weather the harsh "drought years" and the constantly changing economy. Solid fundraising efforts create long range plans to have money coming in from as many places and as many people as possible, and for sources to be added every year.
INGREDIENT # 4: CLEAR AND ACCURATE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Clear and accurate financial management provides the needed management tools to make decisions and to plan for the future. The Board of Directors (or steering committee in an all volunteer project) and typically the Executive Director have the responsibility to create and manage the following elements of a good financial system including budgets, cash management, compliance and checks-and-balances.
INGREDIENT # 5: AN EFFECTIVE GOVERNING BODY
Organisations without effective Boards of Directors are limited in the scope and breadth of their work. Most effective governing bodies carry out at least the following responsibilities: provide vision and leadership; recruit staff, give and get money; replenish itself and evaluate effectiveness.
INGREDIENT # 6: INTENTIONAL VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT
A sustainable organisation has key leaders, active volunteers at all levels, and a way to develop leaders throughout these different levels. Leaders and volunteers should represent the diversity of the organisation’s membership and/or constituencies.
Ideally, an organisation will harness an individual's interest in and commitment to the organisation's mission, and then match the individual's availability with the work that needs to be done. This includes cultivating and training volunteers and giving them opportunities to take on new leadership.
Volunteers benefit from the same entitlements as paid staff should have in terms of clear tasks, training, positive feedback and supportive policies.
INGREDIENT #7: COMMUNITY NETWORKING AND VISIBILITY
Strong partnerships with a broad base of other organisations help to build visibility for the organisation in the community and smooth the way for implementation of action projects.
Organisations also need to let the community know what they are doing and that others are welcome in every stage of a project.
Don't forget the power of "word of mouth" as volunteers talk with friends and family. Volunteers are kept informed via newsletters, memos, and one on one conversations about the most recent events and issues.
INGREDIENT #8: APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY THAT SUPPORTS THE ORGANISATION’S WORK
Effective organisations have technology that makes work easier, more efficient and effective, especially in the communications area.
Historically, nonprofits have tried to make up in labor what they have lacked in technology. But times have changed, volunteer and staff time and energy are a more scare resource. Sustainable organisations make certain that each piece of technology is supporting and serving the work of the organisation, not vice versa.
INGREDIENT #9: CLEAR COMMUNICATION WITHIN A "LEARNING ENVIRONMENT"
Practices such as written and verbal evaluation of meetings and training programs, periodic program review, and annual assessments or evaluation process provide a constant feedback and learning loop.
By regularly and openly asking "How are we doing?" organisations create an organisational culture where actions are not "mistakes" or "wrong," but instead are an opportunity to learn how to do it better for the next project or the next step.
INGREDIENT #10: ABILITY TO CELEBRATE SUCCESSES AND ENJOY THE WORK
A culture where major and minor victories are celebrated and members, leaders and staff feel valued and appreciated is critical to long-term sustainability. Volunteers especially need to feel they are spending their free time in a place that’s creative, fun and life supporting.
(Modified from an article from the Institute for Conservation Leadership www.icl.org)
This is a great checklist to work through across your organisation - to take you through 2009 and beyond....
Have a great year!
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