Issue #21

Weekly evaluation inspiration for...

Non-profits who DARE

It's me, Allison, resident evaluation and organizational change nerd. What you (probably) don't know, is that I have a huge tattoo on my back of the Serenity prayer (at least the words, serenity, courage, wisdom). I got it at a time when I was in a bad relationship and was choosing what I thought was serenity, when what I really needed was the wisdom to be courageous.

I've been reflecting on that this week, as I think about the kinds of organizations that I work with. Lately I've been quite pleased with the fact that I can be selective about the organizations that I choose to work with. I can do a quick assessment of values, and identify the ones that best align with mine. For me, it feels like a fast track to impact and the outcomes I'm hoping to achieve.

I've found that organizations that don't share my values or mindset can sometimes be resistant to hearing constructive feedback. Often this means that they don't even want to engage people from the communities that they support.

Which makes sense, in a way - it's really tough to hear that the hard work and passion you're putting in isn't having the effect that you want it to. Or that what people want and need is actually something completely different. Or maybe even that someone else does that thing better than you. Simply asking those questions takes courage.

And that leads me to the point of this message. I wonder if in some ways I myself am choosing serenity over courage? By only working with organizations who are already on the right path, does that represent my path of least resistance? Is this my own version of cream skimming, which I can choose to do because of my privilege? These are all questions that I encourage organizations to grapple with, and I'm just now realizing that I may need to do the same.

What's the most courageous decision you've made recently? How has it played out? Hit reply and let me know!

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