I have just finished reading Parable of the Sower and the reference to change is inspired by the book. In the Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler takes us on a journey through a dystopian America where society has collapsed under the weight of environmental disasters and economic decline. The narrator, Lauren Olamina, develops a philosophical framework called Earthseed in response to the chaotic world around her, and plans for survival. The story resonates deeply as we consider our own rapidly changing world, and the need to foresee, adapt and change, building resilience and community.
Our world is changing, and changing fast. This is not an understatement at this point, and the repercussions are being felt by many of us. In one way or another, each one of us is impacted by change; and feels the need to change with it.
The global developments are evoking feelings and memories from my time as Country Director in Lebanon, in 2020; the dreaded time of the Beirut Blast on August 4. 2020 is one year (with a series of events: covid pandemic + a major economic crisis + political instability) that have changed my whole life. I write this article with some reluctance, knowing that the wounds of these times haven’t healed yet and we are still demanding justice. I believe that putting my experience on paper, reflecting and learning from it, helps me take a step forward on my “resilience” journey.
Resilience is actually the word we kept hearing back in 2020 and we’re hearing more and more every day. The ability to bounce back and take actions forward after facing drawbacks. I cannot compare our times now to the 2020 events in Lebanon*. What I can do is reflect on what I learned in terms of resilience, and how these lessons can help us navigate our world today. In Lebanon, we lived in a perpetual state of turmoil and changes; and we learn, early on, how to be resilient. We didn’t choose to have this life; most events were out of our control; but we decided how to react through them, how to protect ourselves and each other and how to plan ahead.
*In 2020, Lebanon faced an unprecedented confluence of crises that deeply impacted its social fabric and infrastructure. The year was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which unfolded against a backdrop of a severe economic downturn, characterized by the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound, leading to spiraling inflation and a loss of purchasing power among citizens. Political instability further exacerbated these issues. Essential services such as electricity, fuel, and medical supplies became scarce, compounding the daily challenges faced by the Lebanese people. Amidst this turmoil, the nonprofit sector mobilized to address both immediate and systemic needs, navigating a landscape marked by crisis but also by a profound commitment to community support and resilience.
In the ever-evolving landscape of nonprofit work, resilience is not just a buzzword—it’s a critical strategy for survival and growth. Drawing from my experiences, I’ve seen firsthand how nonprofits can thrive against the odds. In 2020, I was leading a nonprofit and got to witness and take many actions to support my organization and community. Here are three essential strategies that, in my opinion, makes resilience more tangible.
1. Lean on Community, Partnerships, Coalitions, and Allies
The aftermath of the Beirut blast showcased the power of collective action. From the first moments, and in the midst of rubble and destruction, people rallied to help each other. Whoever could move their car helped take wounded to hospitals, people were cleaning each others’ houses and streets, people hosted each other for shelter, etc. Nonprofits, grassroots groups, and individuals formed a coalition to address the crisis efficiently and effectively. This collaboration helped avoid duplication of efforts, identify urgent needs quickly, and leverage communal support to navigate through one of the most challenging times. I learned so much from these collaborations: the need to create systems, the value-alignment and relationship building required and the tools to manage different dynamics. I can now say that, without solidarity, we wouldn’t have been able to manage the crisis.
There was a general consensus around the fact that we were in this together. This was essential, and I feel this today when I speak to social actors, when I see coalitions being formed and the support groups offered. I can think of a few organizations who came together to take initiative. Look at this beautiful list of nonprofits who are demanding action for women and gender-diverse individuals in Canada. This is an interesting example of social actors standing up around values and systems change they promote. Another example is the Ontario NonProfit Network’s publications and resources. Do you have other examples? We would love to hear from you and about inspiring practices.
From large coalitions to small actions of solidarity, building partnerships is urgent.
2. Diversify Flexible Funding Revenue
Diversification of funding sources is crucial for stability & protection in uncertain times, especially unrestricted funding. During the economic crisis, I volunteered at a local nonprofit, supporting them in growing individual giving, volunteer support and grants. The organization is volunteer-based, and brings youth together, from different backgrounds and areas in Lebanon, to build (yes, actually volunteers doing construction work among other activities) thriving, solidary neighbourhoods. I started with them as a volunteer in 2006, and was serving as a board member in 2020, supporting strategic growth. The revenue diversification we were able to achieve, not only provided us with a financial cushion but also allowed us to launch new programs responsive to the community’s changing needs. We were able to raise millions of dollars to respond to the crisis. The focus was on building trust, stewarding strong relationships and leading relevant/impactful programs. Needless to say that much of this revenue was flexible, unrestricted funding, which could cover reserve, innovation, and admin costs.
While I advocate for focus in fundraising tactics, my previous experiences also taught me to value diversification. This is relevant for nonprofits today. I’m especially impressed by a nonprofit I support, who has adopted a proactive philanthropic culture within all organizational roles. They have distributed fundraising responsibilities among board members and staff: ranging from promoting the organization, stewarding donor relationships, managing fee-for-service offerings and grant writing. They have created a robust framework and it is yielding steady and diverse financial support.
Diversifying your funding streams can protect your nonprofit from financial volatility and ensure you have the resources to adapt and innovate as opportunities or challenges arise.
3. Stay Consistent, Strategic, AND Flexible
Maintaining our core values and mission while adapting to external changes has always been a delicate dance for nonprofits. My experiences have taught me the importance of being true to our foundational goals, even as we flexibly respond to immediate challenges. For instance, during the chaotic aftermath of the Beirut blast, while many organizations pivoted drastically to meet short-term needs, we chose a different path. Some of us volunteered time to support immediate needs, while others focused on developing a mission-aligned response program. We focused on what we did best—leveraging our existing programs and relationships to provide psychosocial support for children impacted by the disaster. By integrating these services into programs already in operation, we maintained our mission’s integrity and ensured long-term developmental work continued. This strategic choice not only preserved our organizational identity but also strengthened our stakeholders’ trust and support, proving that consistency in mission alignment does not preclude responsive action.
Our strategic planning was adapted to include risk mitigation plans addressing context-specific challenges and developments. If I learned one thing from years in this field, it is that, sadly, unforeseen issues will always be arising. Henceforth, strategic planning for resilience is not optional but essential. Developing a framework to anticipate and respond to challenges without veering from our core mission has been crucial. It’s about more than just surviving; it’s about thriving through adversity, ensuring that we continue to advance our mission effectively, regardless of the circumstances. By committing to our authenticity while adapting strategically, we’ve set a precedent for sustainable impact—a lesson I hope inspires other organizations navigating their paths through turbulent times.
This too shall pass..
As I reflect on these lessons of resilience, I realize that each challenge we face molds us into more effective leaders and stronger institutions. My hope is that sharing these experiences will inspire other nonprofit leaders to embrace resilience not just as a strategy, but as a fundamental approach to their work. Let us continue to support each other, draw strength from our communities, and move forward with the courage to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. I know that when we are in a state of emergency, our thinking and prioritization process shifts to short-term reactions. While this is important for survival, it also limits our capacity for creative, strategic action. If we are busy responding to emerging issues all the time, we cannot pause and think about systemic, long-term solutions. Together, we can build a more resilient and impactful nonprofit sector, ready to face whatever the future holds.
Throughout decades marked by various crises and conflicts, the Lebanese society has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for resilience and self-reliance. Despite often receiving minimal support from governmental bodies and international agencies, communities across Lebanon have repeatedly come together to navigate the challenges presented by wars and socio-economic upheavals. This enduring spirit was vividly on display in the aftermath of the Beirut blast, amongst other crises. I’m proud to have been born and raised in a community that has taught me to be a strong, empathetic and resourceful person. Today, the world is going through a series of dramatic events, and being able to navigate them in community with others, to reflect, learn and grow, is a blessing.
Going back to Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, the young Lauren sought to capture and spread Earthseed. She proposed that the only lasting truth is the ability to adapt and shape change for a better future. This concept becomes a pivotal survival tool for Lauren and her followers as they navigate through societal breakdown and violence. The book, written in 1993, is an inspiration for me today in the midst of all the global developments.
Shoutout to the mighty nonprofits, the ones who are addressing complex, and dramatic issues and who are often some of the most resilient entities in our society. I’m inspired, every day, by your social innovation and your tenacity. I’m learning from you and grateful to be going through this global change with you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas about partnerships, community, resource diversification and strategic positions that have worked well. Please do get in contact and share your story!
Author Bio
Janine is a nonprofit leader and a certified fundraiser who enjoys helping meaningful nonprofits to grow. She builds on her wide experience to build a context-specific and adapted strategy for every organization she works with. She loves to solve puzzles, take long walks and learn new things.