Never assume the response will be a positive one. Remember these reactions are rooted in experiences and acknowledge that experience shapes engagement.
Don’t give up.
ASK ABOUT
UNMET NEEDS
Financial support is not the only type of support that organizations may need.
Inquire about opportunities and challenges an organization is experiencing and consider how those opportunities and challenges might align with your organization’s programs or services.
consider
this
Take a moment to think through the below thought starters. Your awareness of these considerations could lead to the identification of possible solutions.
consider
this
Take a moment to think through the below thought starters. Your awareness of these considerations could lead to the identification of possible solutions.
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01
/ 06
When you ask about unmet needs, there could be a variety of different reactions
02
/ 06
Intentional listening is a key component of building an authentic relationship
The intention is to hear, to understand, validate, and affirm—not listen to, respond, and "triage."
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03
/ 06
Avoid the assumption that you already know exactly what an organization needs
This “savior” mentality can result in disengagement and distrust. Any interaction should start from the premise that the leader of an organization knows what their organization needs.
Especially consider that leaders of color tend to be questioned more than others on their knowledge and skills.
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04
/ 06
Build in the time to close loops
When you ask about an unmet need, be prepared to receive a response and follow up on the action thereafter.
If you can’t meet the need, work toward finding the organization or person who can.
05
/ 06
Your organization can not boil the ocean
One of the only things worse than failing to ask about unmet needs is promising to meet unmet needs before being confident in your organization’s ability and capacity to do so.
Be intentional, transparent, and plan to successfully steward a need.
06
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Celebrate the abundance that exists in a community!
Talking about unmet needs and opportunities should never minimize the great work already happening.
Take time to acknowledge successes and the effort it takes to do the work.
your turn
Let’s start with some buckets. Build out this map and create connections!
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GET CURIOUS: LET’S TAKE A DEEPER DIVE
The following can help you dive into some resources, root causes, drivers, and examples of how this intentional work can be pushed forward to break disconnection, distrust, and disinvestment cycles.
Saviorism
Engagement Zones : Stress & Anxiety Responses
need help?
Check out the resource list below
Local Arts Agencies & Resources
Brain & Body Response
Equity & Justice
1.
Check your assumptions.
2.
Listen intentionally.
3.
Acknowledge the variety of reactions.
4.
Gauge all communication forms as an asset perspective versus a deficit perspective.
5.
Utilize stakeholders to build connections and support needs mutually.
Key
Takeaways:
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