Josephine Hulburd Schultz: Running Towards the Fire: The Nonprofit’s Art of Adapting and Persevering in a Crisis
When others run away, nonprofits run towards the fire. In times of emergency, nonprofits fight for communities while others are, rightfully, scared. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofit employees and volunteers doubled down on work and exposed themselves to a deadly disease. The vulnerable communities they serve became even more in need of their support. Nonprofits work changed but could not stop. Though intelligence is noble, the ability to adapt is to survive and thrive.
Learning the art of adaptability has been the highlight of my recent experiences at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits. While most internships are short term experiences that can only expose one to little change, being an intern at a nonprofit amid a pandemic challenges me to quickly change. The focus of my work prior to the Shelter-in-Place orders was advocating for the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census allows for representation of everyone that lives in the United States including vulnerable or disenfranchised communities, such as immigrants and people experiencing homelessness. By encouraging and educating people to participate, we can give a voice to those who’ve been historically silenced. I believe nonprofit work is important now more than ever, but it needs to change to continue. Instead of postponing or canceling events, SVCN has found ways to continue its great work. Nonprofits are vital resources and foundations in many communities so stopping or pausing their work can be harmful. Through virtual webinars and tools SVCN is able to fundraise and advocate for nonprofits effectively. Although working remotely is not ideal, I recognize it is a privilege and I will never take for granted the experience I gained from it. Persevering in times of uncertainty and being reliable is an essential life lesson I will not soon forget.