Showing Up on Snow Days
Snow arrived on Orcas this week, highlighting the sparkling, quiet beauty of our isle and also of our community. We’re a community of neighbors who show up to help neighbors – by sharing updates on road conditions, pulling each other out of ditches, checking on friends, and taking care of each other’s kids on snow days.
Applications are now open for the Spring GiveOrcas Campaign, which is all about neighbors helping neighbors. GiveOrcas Campaigns are a way to build community awareness of local organizations and raise funds to support the programs that make Orcas a stronger, more resilient community. Applications are open through February 27, and the spring campaign will run from May 6 – 15. Learn more on our website.
The Community Foundation hosts a monthly get together for nonprofit community leaders, also highlighting our culture of care. I was heartened by the strong participation – amid the snow – in our meeting earlier this week. Together, we are working closely to assess threats and potential funding gaps that lie ahead for the nonprofit sector, and areas we can collaborate to fill those gaps and support the needs of all members of our diverse community. We’re also following national networks closely, including the National Council of Nonprofits, which is monitoring the impact of Executive Orders on the nonprofit sector. This network of community services, working to provide basic needs and enriching all of our lives, continues to rely on community support.
Community support can be defined in obvious ways, such as by making donations and volunteering, and also in less obvious ways, through advocacy and allyship for marginalized individuals. One way to be an ally is by sharing useful information and support resources to those who may need it, and not feeding rumors that may stoke unnecessary fear. Another way to be an ally is to raise awareness of immigrant rights within the community. Several organizations have “Know Your Rights” red cards that are designed to help people assert their rights and defend themselves against constitutional violations. Orcas Community Resource Center, the Library, soon OICF, and others have these cards available to the public.
There also are excellent videos and information packets on the topic that can be found on the websites of several Washington-based organizations such as: Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN).
A healthy nonprofit sector requires proactive and innovative leaders. If you recently joined a nonprofit board, or are interested in joining one, we will be hosting a virtual Introduction to Board Service Workshop on Wednesday, February 26, from 4 – 6pm. Please register in advance. If you’re interested in increasing your basic knowledge of nonprofit finances, the Nonprofit Association of Washington is hosting a free webinar, Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits, coming up on Wednesday, February 19. And finally, here’s an excellent article on board governing in a time of crisis.
Wishing you health and safety,
Lindsay