Your association, like all others (in Morocco and around the world), will have seen its activities considerably reduced due to lockdowns, travel restrictions and the drying up of funding sources (membership fees, patronage, donations and sponsorship). But with a little ingenuity, and a lot of perseverance, it is possible to get a second wind. Here are 3 simple and effective ways to stay active and safe.
- Embrace digital!
Social networks are great platforms on which to solicit help, advocate for a cause, raise awareness about an issue or simply collect donations.
A Facebook Live can engage dozens of people and start a constructive discussion. An IGTV video can reach thousands of people and shed light on an issue you care about. Stories keep you close to your audience, allowing you to engage them through their reactions, responses and suggestions.
Harness the power of the internet and get people talking about you!
- Invest in training
Do you have in-house know-how or skills? Put them forward and offer free online training. This can range from technical skills (web development, graphic design, photography, etc.) to "softer" skills (communication, leadership, teamwork, etc.) and skills specific to the non-profit world (fundraising, digital communication, volunteer mobilization, financial management, etc.).
To do this, use the internet and the power of social networks to find beneficiaries and promote your initiatives. Your association will be perceived as a leader in its community, you will strengthen your image, recruit new members, and you will even have a positive balance sheet at the end of the year.
- Improve your organization
Sometimes a temporary hiatus can be a good opportunity to redirect your focus on yourself, take stock of your performance, and explore new avenues for improvement. Identify your weaknesses and develop an action plan. Make it a habit to hold weekly face-to-face or remote meetings with the executive board to share opinions, keep members informed, and maintain their commitment and sense of belonging.
Take advantage of this lull to re-launch your website, which has probably been on hold for years, refresh your social network profiles, review member performance, and re-launch that important project that has been on hold for years due to a lack of time and resources.
Virtue grows through adversity. Take advantage of this ordeal to emerge stronger and taller!
