Don't compete...Collaborate

The economy is very tough on all of us, especially nonprofit organizations.  I distinctly remember when trying to give away free sponsored tickets to another nonprofit to get at-risk kids at one of our awareness events, they refused to tell anyone because our event was too close to thier fundraiser event.  In a tough economy, the mission to serve gets replaced with the mission to receive. 

Upset at the time, I don't hold it against them, because panic mode is completely understandable when trying to stay alive during a recession.  However, we have found that collaboration with other organizations can fill these expense niches and build strong relationships that focus on a common cause, which is why we passionate community members got involved in tough social causes in the first place.

For example, Bravery Project has been so blessed to receive the generosity of office space from a nonprofit agency, Jewish Family and Children Services.  We are placed next to a program that focuses on the same goal of reducing abuse in the community and are finding even more ways to collaborate.  This is the future of making a difference in the community...working together.  It produces resources far richer than money.

Economy and Collaboration

The past several months have been very difficult for all nonprofits (we seem to have a rather large number of them in Arizona). Stronger competition for grant money, attendees to fundraiser events, and sponsorship has many of them scrambling to find the funding needed to continue goods and services. As a new organization, this has been a valuable learning experience for us.

It is essential that the efforts of an organization remain focused on the mission of service to people and one way to do this is partnering with another nonprofit who has a similar focus. That is how our past fundraiser, Karma Cups: An Uplifting Affair with NATN, and our upcoming fundraiser, Evening of the Arts with FTH, is structured. By combining efforts and splitting proceeds with another organization, the mission gets to reach twice as many people, donors, and sponsors than before.

Unfortunately, some organizations don't see it this way and yes, have flat out said NO we will not work with you or promote your event because we have our own fundraiser coming up. This is a mistake because the priority focus becomes the money over the mission.

The next time you attend an event with tickets that cost $100, $300 or more, ask yourself how often that organization works together with other like minded organizations. Are they self serving? Do they produce results claimed in their mission? Find out how much of that money goes to salary and overhead vs the program services. You can find out the information from the local Secretary of State/Charities Division. If the organization you wish to support is a tax exempt 501c3, then all financials are public record.

At Bravery Project, we talk consistently about involving the community and working together to increase awareness to reduce domestic abuse. We encourage you to find charities that do the same no matter what the cause: hunger, homelessness, animal services, etc.

Here is an example:

Evening of the Arts is a partnership between Bravery Project and Fix the Hurt. We are splitting proceeds and 100% will go to program services while 0% will go to salaries. We are encouraging people who can't attend the event to sponsor a pair of tickets to Big Brother/Big Sister and Boys/Girls Club teens/mentors to attend so that we can offer our message of domestic violence prevention to at risk youth. By collaboration, we are working with 4 different organizations and hitting some hot spots by reaching out to young people. It's a win-win for everyone.





Secretary of State/Charities Division (Arizona)
Evening of the Arts
Bravery Project
Fix the Hurt
NATN

Write it Down!

I am a big fan of collaboration because every single human mind is unique and has something special to offer the world. Years ago when studying biology, I learned that all human brains, even in identical twins, develop individual neurological pathways to create a one-of-a-kind piece of biological machinery that can never be duplicated or replaced by technology. That is why each and every single person on this planet is special and unique and should not be thought of as numbers but as individuals with gifts and potential. Because of this, it's a sad fact that our wonderful minds get messages mixed up from degenerative nerve disease or refuse to recall data when we need and want the information in the tangible world.

One of the survivors from the Bravery series works in a rehabilitation and care facility for people who suffer from neurological disease and explained that the brain is just like a muscle and must be exercised to keep it strong. Of course I forgot to ask what kind of exercise because my brain seems to be switched on all the time, but continues to malfunction periodically throughout the day. I recently put some paper in the refrigerator, my purse under the bathroom sink, and sailed right past my freeway exit, extending my driving time by fifteen minutes. I think that's called autopilot, where some alien being is choosing random thoughts in my head with a remote control. Anyway, where was I?

Thank goodness for pen and paper. I would be lost without my planner, computer notes and email. Writing down important events is not only a time saver for the absent minded, like myself, but it can be a saver for a domestic violence victim.

A wonderful survivor, I just met today, explained that her experience with domestic violence cases in the courtroom showed a real discrepancy in evidence against an abuser. The battered spouse comes to testify with the story written on her body in bruises. Yes that is proof, but it's not enough.

I've heard the legal system is a travesty, but it doesn't have to be. After serving on two juries, I conclude that it's in part the quality of the attorney and judge, but mostly about evidence and how it's portrayed. We are a visual culture, but also a culture of documentation. We want things in writing as proof that an agreement between two parties took place. We want documentation that our hours of work were done and the paid. In a courtroom, everything is documented by a court reporter for several reasons and one of them is recall. Sometimes the reporter must read a previous question or answer in order to prove a point.

People who continue to suffer domestic violence should do the same. It will not cross their minds when the abuse happens or when they are in the midst of the chaos of leaving, but they must be told to document everything they can remember. Times, dates, events, and something that can be proven, such as what TV or radio show was on during the experience. Write it Down!

The legal system can only do so much with what is given to them for evidence and as a plaintiff or a community we can't expect them to make all the decisions we believe is fair without providing something for them to use. When you come across someone who still suffers, listen first, show them the Wheel of Power and Control, give them numbers to call for help, and tell them to document everything. It's the least we can do.