NONPROFIT TRENDS, ISSUES & AGENDAS

Should we be Talking about This?

Nonprofit trends and issues of concern fluctuate. Effective board of directors – leadership teams are in tune with key developments in their own sectors and in the environment within which the agency operates. Ignoring environmental factors increases risk and has led to the demise of many NFPs and charities.

It is easy to slide into a habit of focus on these topics only when they are directly affecting our agency’s work. The workload of all staff and especially CEOs and Senior Leaders, as well as the capacity limitations of volunteer governance teams are part of the ‘why’ for this phenomenon.

We suggest that discussions on ‘hot topics’ or trends & issues occur not only during strategic planning, but at least quarterly.  Based on current trends and issues of concern, and as a pilot for this type of important conversation, here are some possible topics for discussion within one of your nonprofit or charity’s upcoming board agendas [alphabetically listed] (1):

1. Accessibility
2. Decent work
3. Diversity/Inclusion
4. Financial sustainability
5. Impact of governance success vs failure
6. Legislative compliance
7. Pandemic impact
8. Partnering
9. Recruitment
10. Truth & Reconciliation

Tying in the chosen topic to one or more of your Strategic Priorities, as they normally sit on your agenda, is an ideal location for the discussion item.

Suggested facilitation format:

• Include on Board Meeting Agenda. Possible item title: Trends, News & Sector Developments
• Designate a board member or senior leader to facilitate a 15–20-minute discussion
• Use the graphic below on screen to guide the discussion. Possible methods:

1. Using a round table approach, have each participant share their thoughts on the topic which requires discussion first, second & third. You may only get to one topic per meeting, or you may decide to carve out more time in a strategic discussion soon. Aim to move towards an action point and decision. Or,
2. Vote on one topic to discuss and stay on that one, with a plan to launch at least one action & assign responsibility. E.g.: an advocacy letter to a political leader / a plan for a workshop exercise on the topic at the next board – leadership retreat / a review of a related policy and agency practice. The agency’s response to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, for example.