Nonprofits are not a Zero-Sum Game: Sandra Henriquez and David S. Lee Quoted on Strategy for Organizational Growth in the Non-Profit World

December 2, 2024 |
Valor

In an article published by Jana Dean-Coffey and Jill Casey on non-profit strategy, VALOR’s CEO Sandra Henriquez and Deputy Director David S. Lee weighed in on what being strategic for organizational development and growth means to them and VALOR.

The article reintroduces strategy and presents examples of integrating strategy and evaluative inquiry, or evaluating social interactions to promote informed learning at individual, team, and organizational levels. The authors posit that nonprofits should move away from fears of “doing the right things perfectly” and towards imagining and developing opportunities by integrating strategy and evaluative inquiry while understanding their organizational approach and being open to learning and growing. 

Pink background with white text that reads, "'The focus was not on a plan, but decisions: being able to focus on our decisions, being really nimble and taking advantage of opportunities because we know our direction.' Sandra Henriquez and David S. Lee on Nonprofit Strategy." VALOR logo.

No strangers to evaluating interactions between survivors and the anti-sexual violence movement that supports them, Sandra and David highlighted the importance of being flexible in decision-making while thinking broadly about who VALOR is and our goals. They explain, “The focus was not a plan, but decisions: being able to focus on our decisions, being really nimble and taking advantage of opportunities because we know our direction” (96). Their and other leaders’ quotes aid in providing a sustainable road map for other organizations to grow and how creating a clear picture of who the organization is is key to succeeding.  

Check out the study and see how your organization can implement new strategies and incorporate informed learning and decision-making.