By Nora Welch, Director of Strategic Planning and Communications at Joining Vision and Action
It’s not “cool” to admit when things don’t go according to plan, right?
Or maybe it is …
I’m betting many of you have heard of Brené Brown, or seen at least one hashtag somewhere denoting “#vulnerability” or “#courageovercomfort.” So, I’d argue that sharing the realities of life is starting to be not only accepted, but championed.
But this isn’t a blog about the research professor’s (very important) work.
It’s about how it’s the end of February and we just launched our annual report.
The annual report we are super excited about sharing! The one that beautifully shares the story of how we at JVA revisited the things that are core to who we are—including our identity (vision, mission and values) and our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement—and why we exist … which is to support you, our treasured and honorable changemakers.
The report that features some, but certainly not all, of the amazing work that our clients have allowed us to be part of and contribute to over the past year.
We had the hopes and expectations to share this sucker back in January. And guess what? It didn’t quite happen within that timeframe (as you’ll note from our most recent 411 newsletter!).
Can you relate?
In fact, we were focused on meeting important grant deadlines, facilitating exciting board meetings and collecting meaningful stakeholder feedback. We wanted to make sure that you, our clients, had what you needed to move forward, make a difference and be successful.
Sound familiar? We imagine so.
JVAers jumping in unison (ish).
The good news is you’re not alone.
The other good news? There’s still time.
If it comes out later than the first part of the year, does that mean you didn’t do all the great work? No. It means that you’re so focused on keeping programs running and the lights on that you set it aside to make room for what came to be urgent.
Does it mean that your grantmakers won’t fund you? No. But working on it now does mean that you’ll have an annual report to share with funders and potential donors to demonstrate all the compelling reasons they should support your organization.
Disclaimer: There is certainly a “good” time of year to publish your accomplishments—there is value to being in the flow with time. But! There is also immense value in getting your report done and available to the public at some point.
Let’s get it done!
So, have you published your annual report yet?
Don’t worry, if not. You’re in good company.
We’d also love to help. We’ve shared some blogs before about tips for content development and design. Check those out to get the wheels a-turnin’.
And if you’d like some one-on-one support, we’d love to work with you. Take a look at our Marketplace to see if one of our online products is a good fit. You can also reach out to me directly or to our director of client relations to set up a time to chat more about your project.
In the meantime, be kind to yourself.
Keep on keepin’ on, changemakers—we’re in your corner!
Leave A Comment