Change Is Our Charge

I’ve really enjoyed writing this month’s blog posts. When I set out to explore risk and courage in nonprofit leadership, I didn’t expect the path to lead through self-care, risk management, and organizational culture. But looking back, the journey makes sense.

To take courageous risks, we must begin with a clear understanding of ourselves and our organizations.

Risk management gives us that starting point. It allows us to assess whether our nonprofit is strong—whether we’ve addressed known weaknesses, prepared for external threats, and put systems in place to navigate the unknown. When that foundation is solid, we can safely and boldly look outward.

But strength isn’t just structural. It’s also human.

Nonprofit organizations must take care of their people. Staff and volunteers need support. Leaders must foster a culture that values well-being and resilience. Without that, even the best strategy will collapse under pressure. But when people feel safe and supported, they show up with courage—and that’s what our work demands.

Right now, most nonprofits are under pressure. We’re navigating changes in funding, technology, volunteerism, expectations—and that’s just the short list. What once felt safe and familiar may no longer be viable. Yesterday’s solutions can easily become today’s obstacles.

That’s why risk-taking isn’t optional—it’s essential.

As leaders, we must break through outdated assumptions and take bold, purposeful steps forward. And we can. If we begin from strong, values-driven organizations that care for their people, we’re more than ready to try something new.

In fact, we’re called to do so. It’s part of our responsibility—not just to sustain our organizations, but to serve the communities that rely on us.

We have to renew. We have to lead with courage. We have to change.