The Power of Community.

Charities, usually are communities of likeminded people with a shared dedication to a cause. The communities that make up what we think of as charities include a leadership bodies, staff teams, volunteers, but also communities of individual supporters all rooting for the success of the charity's mission. It is the cause, that ties this loose coalition of individuals together.

Yet, so many people feel themselves to be supporters of a cause but not valued members of the organisation. They feel at some distance from a sense of belonging to the charity as an organisation.

Time for Impact seeks to help nurture that missing sense of belonging and inclusion for supporters in charities. Surely, it is in every charity's interest to foster this sense of belonging amongst its potential supporters?

Belonging, benefits both supporters and the charity. For the supporter there is the feeling of camaraderie and the chance to make an active impact on the cause they hold dear. For the charity there is access to the talents, insights, energy and reach of thousands of people now and also for years into the future.

As the old adage goes 'two heads are better than one' - so why not tap into the ideas and creativity of thousands of such heads to further your cause?

Co-production has been much talked about in the sector for some time, but in truth many charities are only scratching the surface in allowing local communities and those with lived experience to influence and shape their work. Most strategic decisions are made in a pretty centralised manner by a few executives and trustees.

It is easy to understand that it is easier to make decisions through executives. They have a great grasp of the bigger picture, know their organisations inside-out, have the ability to pull the levers of change quickly. They also need control over the financial resources and reputation of the organisation.

To ask executives to relinquish more control over the decisions of their charity needs careful governance, complex communications channels, devolved budgets and carries not inconsequential risk.

Yet, there are risks in not co-producing solutions too. Most importantly there are the risks of failing to meet the needs of those you serve, becoming out of touch, failing to speak for or alienating your cause community. It also means missing a wealth of ideas.

Co-production need not be chaotic, nor does it necessitate the relinquishing of controls and procedures that ensure a cohesive and focussed organisation. Time for Impact can help charities enable their supporters to co-produce and design solutions in partnership with them in a way that harnesses that sense of belonging whilst enhancing the strategic impact of an organisation.

If you enjoyed this blog, you may enjoy our podcast.......

Check out the Time For Impact Podcast 

https://open.spotify.com/show/2IC9M1ZZtgeF4eaVJO97wW

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/time-for-impact-podcast/id1743581153