In NAO’s Theory of Change, we talk about valuing Collaboration. We hear a lot from Funders and the government saying they favor/approve of/encourage collaboration, but what does that really mean in action? At NAO, we believe that the nonprofit sector is stronger when we are connected, learning, and collaborating. We believe that the power to improve the community comes from within the community, and systems change results from a sustained, collective community effort. Years ago, I cobbled together some “truths” about collaboration that I muddled together from various articles I’d read or trainings I had been exposed to. I can’t even remember where some of these ideas came from now, but I found them generally accurate over time.  

  1. First, Listen. Then stay curious, open, and ask probing questions  
  2. Practice empathy.   
  3. Get comfortable with feedback. You’ll get things wrong, so be willing to hear ideas on how to make course changes.  
  4. Learn to lead and follow. Sometimes, you need to lead; other times, you must let others take that role. Build comfort with both.   
  5. Communicate clearly – internally and externally.   
  6. Ensure a win-win for your organization and your partners.  
  7. Implement, measure, adjust, repeat.    

Let me know if you have other “truths” for collaboration that you have found useful or not in your work.  

So, in walking the walk that we talk… NAO has several big collaborations that we are working on that we want to make you aware of:  

In partnership with the Community Development Corporation of Oregon, Rockwood CDC, and others, NAO is supporting the Flourishing Oregon Conference on May 28th and 29th in Portland. The conference brings together community-based leaders in Oregon to empower collective action in their communities. Local leaders should be at the root of community change. The conference will equip local leaders with the skillset to make lasting change in their communities through workshops, panels, and break-out sessions. We’re doing this collaboratively because every neighborhood, every town in Oregon, deserves to flourish. Learn more and register here. I look forward to seeing you there!  

We are also working together with a panel of community partners under the leadership of AFP Oregon to advance philanthropic and nonprofit impact through the screening of Uncharitable. This 2023 documentary explores what philanthropy can do differently to strengthen its impact on nonprofits’ ability to achieve their missions. The film follows personal stories from prominent figures in the nonprofit sector and philanthropy, challenging and inspiring us to change how we think about charity, donations, and solving the problems of our time. The screening will take place at OMSI on May 20th. Immediately following the screening, a panel of our colleagues will explore a shared vision to energize collective action to advance philanthropy and nonprofit impact in our region. Learn more and register here.  

Finally, as over 130 organizations already know (because they filled out the survey – THANK YOU!), we are working with the other four state associations in the Northwest to study and document the capacity needs of the nonprofit sector. The Northwest Nonprofit Capacity Survey covers ten areas of capacity. Out of respect for your busy schedules, we have kept the survey as brief as possible while still ensuring that we gather valuable and meaningful data. NAO and our colleagues will use the findings from this survey to develop strategies to meet your capacity needs and share those back with you. The survey has been extended until May 17th. Please take the time to get your organization’s voice heard.  

Thanks, and keep on collaborating!