Last month we began a nine-month series of articles by introducing the concept of Radical IMPACT!  We define Radical IMPACT! as:  

The powerful effect or impression created by a passionate and  empowered leader or organization on the root causes or fundamental issues among the clients, communities or causes served that markedly departs from the status quo resulting in lasting change.    

We also presented the P8 Radical Impact Development Engine (RIDE) – eight elements that must all be present and properly functioning in an organization to achieve Radical IMPACT!    

• Passion
• People
• Purpose
• Principles
• Preparation
• Planning
• Programs
• Performance    

Through each of the next eight issues of this newsletter we will unpack one of these eight elements.  This month we focus our attention on PASSION.  Passion is an interesting word with a vast array of definitions.  Dictionaries frequently describe passion as:  

» a strong feeling or emotion,  
» boundless enthusiasm or the object of such enthusiasm  

For our purposes, I think defining passion as intense emotion compelling action is the most fitting description of what is commonly observed in grassroots organizations.  Think back with me for a moment – what caused you to take action and either launch or join the organization you are with.  It was most likely an intense emotion over an issue, circumstance or situation that motivated you to take action.  I am always impressed by the commitment of leaders we meet across the country.  Earlier this month during a training in Florida a leader with an organization mentioned working an average of sixty (60) hours a week with their organization.  This is not uncommon in many non-profits.  However, this organization is led solely by volunteers who do not receive any financial compensation for their involvement (not entirely uncommon either).  What motivates people like this?  PASSION – that intense emotion that has been channeled into action is the best explanation.   

As the German philosopher Hegel wrote, “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”  In the social service world, many people are moved to action in response to either personal trauma or tragedy or to address social or economic injustices.  Most of the great service organizations are birthed by founders passionate for a cause.   

Ralph Waldo Emerson shared great insight into passion when he wrote, "Passion, though a bad regulator, is a powerful spring.”.  There is abundant evidence of passion as a powerful spring.  According to some sources there is an average of 30,000 non-profits formed each year in the US.  Most of these have founders passionate for their cause.  Yet the reality is the infant mortality rate for non-profit organizations is greater than 50% and many don’t survive that first tough year.  Others just barely survive.   

The point is not to downplay the importance of passion, rather to acknowledge passion as the driving force enabling people to overcome insurmountable obstacles and achieve extraordinary results.  However, as many quickly learn - passion alone is not enough to address the complex issues plaguing our clients and communities.  Without passion, we might not begin the journey.  But by itself passion can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue.  To be successful for the long haul and achieve Radical IMPACT! we must channel our passion into building strong organizations, attracting others to join us on the journey and developing sufficient resources to sustain ourselves.  

There are practical steps you can take to channel your passion. We’ve included several ideas below:  

Build a Strong Organization  

Channeling your passion to build a strong organization requires ongoing investments in leadership and infrastructure. Some key areas of focus include:  

• Building and equipping (through training and/or consulting) the Board of Directors to ensure the organization reaches its full potential and is legally compliant.
• Developing effective organizational leadership by participating in training, mentoring and other developmental opportunities. 
• Implementing sound financial management and administrative systems that demonstrate strong accountability and financial integrity.  

Attracting Others to Join Your Journey  

Your passion provides a unique opportunity to attract and engage like-minded individuals. Some ideas for consideration include:  

• Sharing your passion through effective communication and marketing – including newsletters, articles, brochures, websites, etc.
• Developing a robust volunteer recruitment and management strategy.
• Recruiting and retaining qualified, competent and committed employees.  

Developing Sufficient Resources for Sustainability  

• Establishing and nurturing a donor base through relationship building, communication, and partnerships.
• Expanding your funding universe by looking for new opportunities, including grants, contracts, earned-income, events, etc.
• Collaborating with like-minded organizations for greater impact and outcomes.