This aspect, community support for the organization, is a key factor in sustainability. When an organization has an active, engaged membership and strong links to local organizations, businesses, and councils they have a far greater capacity to withstand external threats such as any push for takeovers or mergers or the prospect of losing funding for any program. This of course takes work and a community development process is needed to keep these stakeholders engaged. This involves including members in social functions, enabling them to be part of the successes of the organization; speaking at local meetings; being willing to give to other organizations and offering them support, as well as receive.
In one example, where an organization was threatened by the self-interest of some Board members, the membership was able to rally. Merely threatening to call a Special General Meeting was sufficient to ensure the Board kept on track in keeping with the wishes of an engaged membership. Another recent example is that of capturing the combined efforts of clients, staff and the Board to support another organization’s drive to support destitute families – this is an organization that regularly supports us with its music studio facilities and makeovers of client’s homes.
Table of Contents
2. Sustainable Organizations
3. Organisational Sustainability – Values
4. Organisational Sustainability – Vision
5. Organisational Sustainability – Delivering on its Vision
6. Organisational Sustainability – Community Support
7. Organisational Sustainability – Governance
8. Organisational Sustainability – Management
9. Organisational Sustainability – Conclusion