April Reflections: Strength in Community
This month, we’re holding close the power of solidarity and the strength that comes from community. Across the philanthropic and nonprofit landscape, the past several weeks have brought wave after wave of challenge—from sudden cancellation of federal grants and contracts, to coordinated harassment and retaliation against those upholding Maine law, and now, unsettling rumors about threats to revoke the tax-exempt status of nonprofits.
It’s a lot. We are tired. Our bodies feel the toll. The constant churn of headlines and half-truths makes it hard to find clarity and still we know this:
- Our work is good.
- There is power in the collective.
- When some among us can take risks, it opens doors for others who cannot.
Now is the time to show up—for one another, for our communities, and for our shared values. To help navigate this moment, here are a few resources offering clarity, grounding, and ways to take action:
- Myth vs. Reality: Executive Branch Lacks Authority to Target Nonprofit Organizations – A helpful legal explainer from the National Council of Nonprofits.
- Open Letter Rejecting Presidential Attacks on Nonprofit Organizations – Join us in standing in solidarity by signing on.
- Share your story with MANP – Help build collective understanding by sharing how recent executive actions have impacted your organization.
- Strategic Thinking in a Long-Term Crisis: One Approach – Explore Up With Community's incredible tool that helps you plan for the short, medium and long term simultaneously.
- Join us on May 20th at our conference – Let’s come together to explore how we build practices, organizations, and strategies that are resilient—and capable of transformative change.
In community,
Jeannette, Robert, Emilie, Sarah, and Tyler