This is about our power.
The nonprofit sector is the 3rd largest driver of the American economy and the biggest source of leadership. So, why do nonprofits struggle with having the needed funds to fuel programs and initiatives? Why is there rampant dissatisfaction among nonprofit leaders?
Almost without exception, the nonprofit leaders that I talk to say that their work is more of a calling than a job. It’s not about the money. It’s about a deep desire to solve problems in the community.
This is certainly true of Independent Sector president and CEO, Dr. Akilah Watkins, who at the tender age of 14 had “a fire in her belly” to help thousands of youths in her community. She founded a youth entrepreneurial summer program that grew to have a budget of $500,000 and a staff of 20.
And she was just getting started.
Now, she leads the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of change-makers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs, working to strengthen civil society and ensure all people in the United States thrive. Dr. Watkins is a nonprofit leader with 25 years of experience as a national thought leader, community organizer, and nonprofit executive director.
In this conversation, we talk about the collective nonprofit power – what it is, what it isn’t, and what the nonprofit sector could do to harness it. To do more good in the world, we need to stand in our collective power which includes, ironically, taking a seat at the table.
We dive into the incredible impact of the nonprofit sector, the challenges we face in advocating for our causes, and the unique power we hold to create a more civil society.
In This Episode:
- We delve into the nonprofit sector’s impact, being the third-largest driver of our economy.
- Discuss the alarming decline in advocacy within the sector over the past two decades.
- Explore the mission and initiatives of the Independent Sector.
- Clarify the difference between advocacy and lobbying, and why both are essential.
- Highlight the Nonprofit Seat Act and its importance for enhancing the sector’s influence at the federal level.
- Share Dr. Watkins’ inspiring vision for a well-resourced and powerful nonprofit sector.
Key Quotes:
- “Power in and of itself is not a bad word. And we can do a lot with our power because we have done a lot in this country, but now we have to stand in that position, we have to own it, and now we have to use our power for good.” – Dr. Akilah Watkins
- “We have the best job on the planet. Every day we get to get up and be superheroes for people.” – Joan Garry
About Dr. Akilah Watkins:
Dr. Akilah Watkins is an impressive leader with over 25 years of experience in community organizing and nonprofit leadership. She currently leads the Independent Sector, a national membership organization that unites a diverse community of changemakers to strengthen civil society. Prior to this, Dr. Watkins led the Center for Community Progress and has held key roles in several esteemed organizations, including the Obama administration, NeighborWorks America, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Resources:
- Dr. Akilah Watkins’ LinkedIn Profile
- Dr. Akilah Watkins’ Twitter
- Independent Sector Facebook
- Independent Sector Instagram
- Nonprofit Leadership Lab
- Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership – 2nd Edition by Joan Garry
- FREE WORKSHOP: Let’s Build the Nonprofit Board of Your Dreams!
- FREE WORKSHOP: The 5 Practices of Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders
- Music by Jukebox the Ghost
- Voiceover Work by Cindy Cap Solutions
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