Managing the challenges faced by a nonprofit organization can be difficult, especially given the recent changes in the world’s political landscape. Conversations can quickly escalate into heated arguments about politics, both online and in person. When emotions run high, communication and relationships often suffer. However, it is possible to engage in political discussions without conflict, and doing so can be rewarding for everyone involved.
Regardless of whether your nonprofit focuses on social justice, environmental conservation, healthcare, or education, effective and inclusive communication can be challenging in the face of political divisions among stakeholders, volunteers, or community members. Here are some steps to help you navigate political tensions while respecting diverse viewpoints within your organization.
1. Keep your mission top of mind
First, ensure that your nonprofit’s mission and values are clearly defined and communicated. Your mission serves as the common ground for everyone involved and provides a strong foundation for all conversations.
Make your mission the focus of all communications, whether through social media posts, newsletters, or fundraising campaigns. For instance, emphasize your mission and vision at the beginning of each volunteer newsletter and greet every phone call with a welcoming statement about your mission. This should also be reflected in all printed materials for stakeholders and events. Communicating your mission sets the tone for conversations, whether they involve stakeholders or community members.
To hold yourself accountable for your communication, keep your mission statement visible throughout your workday. Display it on your desk or use it as your screensaver to remind yourself before every phone conversation, social media post, or correspondence—this can help during those little (or big) communication struggles.
2. Use empathetic language
During times of high tension, people often use language that reflects their strong feelings. While this is understandable, it can lead to division and alienation. As a representative of your organization, it’s important to remain mindful of your language in both written and verbal communications, especially in challenging situations.
Avoid using politically charged or divisive words, such as “repercussions,” “backlash,” or naming political parties or leaders. Instead, encourage everyone in your organization to use language that promotes acceptance. Foster an organizational culture that is understanding and forgiving of others’ mistakes.
3. Establish clear communication boundaries
Make sure every stakeholder is aware of your communication standards. You can include a brief description of these standards in your staff policies, volunteer handbooks, event guides, and social media guidelines. When explaining communication standards, use positive language rather than simply listing do’s and don’ts, and include examples. Creating a well-crafted communication style guide can also be an invaluable resource to ensure consistency in how your team represents the organization.
Once you establish these boundaries, hold your volunteers and staff accountable with empathy. Often, people may not realize their language is divisive. When addressing such situations, approach individuals gently, showing understanding, and calmly remind them of your communication policies.
4. Actively listen
Politics is a passionate topic because it reflects beliefs, concerns, hopes, and anger. If you need to remind someone of your organization’s communication guidelines, it’s crucial to listen first. Remember, it’s human nature to want to be heard. Allow them a brief time to express their views, then redirect the conversation back to your organization’s mission and the positive contributions they can make toward achieving it.
In case of a challenge on social media, such as a divisive comment, respond with a statement that acknowledges their contribution to the conversation, then steer the discussion back to the mission. Listening and acknowledging contributions builds support, ensuring everyone feels valued and appreciated.
5. Accept your mistakes
No one fully understands every person’s background, lifestyle, and differences, so be kind to yourself when you make mistakes in communication. Mistakes are a part of the learning process—we all make them! Be humble and acknowledge your errors to those affected. By demonstrating your desire not to cause harm with your language, others will likely extend grace to you. Make a mental note or jot down any changes you need to implement in your communication practices.
Final Thoughts
By focusing on your mission, choosing words with care, setting healthy boundaries, actively listening, and learning as you go, you can create a space where people feel seen, respected, and inspired to work together.
Because at the end of the day, your voice—and your heart—can be a force for connection, not division.
Let’s inspire change. Strategically.
Debrah
