Today is Blog Action Day. This event is an opportunity to
bring bloggers from all over the world together to blog about a similar topic.
This years’ topic is the Power of We.
Progressive thinkers all over will be posting about the power of collaboration
and working hand in hand. This year’s topic serves as a wonderful starting
point for our exploration of protecting your mission. Although there are many
things that non-profit organizations can do to protect their mission, working
in collaboration with others is fundamental. In order to see the Power of We
first hand I am going to introduce you to the organization Adelante Mujeres, where
I worked for from 2008-2012.
Adelante Empresas
Adelante Empresas, Adelante Mujeres’ small business training
program, provides trainings and individualized support to 100 Latino small
business owners every year, all with only two staff members. This sort of
impact is only possible thanks to the Power of We. Empresas staff works directly with the local
Chambers of Commerce, the Forest Grove Economic Develop Department, local
volunteers and the growing number of participating small business owners to
continue to build a strong network of Latino owned small businesses. Bringing
together each of these institutions and allowing them do what they do best has
allowed for participating entrepreneurs to receive the support that they need,
and for each of these organizations to work towards their specific missions.
The local volunteers do not have to write grants or teach classes and Adelante
Mujeres does not have to facilitate regional networking events. This
collaboration has also brought together business leaders in the region and
allowed for the development of new services and initiatives to better serve and
advocate for all business owners. Empresas shows how the Power of We allows for
the development and maintenance of a strong program within non-profit
organizations and also provides the space for future collaboration.
The Forest Grove
Farmers Market
The Forest Grove Farmers Market, a weekly seasonal market,
is managed by Adelante Mujeres and has created strong partnerships in order to develop
and work towards its mission. The farmers market has transformed from a place to
buy and sell locally grown and produced goods into an accessible community-gathering
place. The market partners with the downtown association, schools, universities,
local banks and hospitals and other community groups to provide additional
services to community members such as matching dollars for individuals using
federal benefits such as SNAP and WIC, weekly kids activities and monthly
expanded markets. These partnerships make the Forest Grove Farmers Market
unique and have transformed it into a cornerstone of the community.
An Inclusive
Definition of the Power of We
Traditionally partnerships in the non-profit sector are directly
between organizations or between organizations and community volunteers. As
seen above Adelante has created many of these partnerships but is also working
to redefine who is an essential partner. One way in which Adelante Mujeres truly
exemplifies the Power of We is the organization’s relationship with program
participants and its responsiveness to their needs and concerns. The
organizational mission and the scope of its programs are
constantly being shaped and improved by the needs and input of participants,
giving a voice to a population that is often silenced. Adelante is a model of
an organization that has defined the Power of We broadly and has used this
power to grow and protect a powerful mission.
I have been lucky enough to work within and learn from this
organization but I know it is not the only way to do this good work. What
organizations model this behavior in your world? How do they define the Power
of We? How do they harness it? How can we continue to make the Power of We more
inclusive to continue growing and learning?
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