LEADERSHIP
A Goodmaker’s Response to Covid-19
Heather Richards, Goodmaker & Operations Director
Branches Mission Lab
Spread Hope, Fight Fear
As Covid-19 spreads, I have witnessed the nation succumb to another threat whose aggression poses destruction not only to the physical body but to our spirits, minds, and our community.
It’s name is fear.
Among its side effects are: clouded judgement, hoarding of assets, and unease.
There is so much unknown with things that once held a facade of earthly security and control. And yet, despite the things that feed this viral fear in many forms — false news, real news, scientific data, government orders, the stock market — I too have witnessed a phenomenon and spark of hope that is also viral.
Stories of hope and goodness in humanity, during a time of uncertainty, have captured audiences worldwide. Let us stop and remember the Hope that came down to an already broken world. Jesus came to question the status quo and flip it on its head. He came and looked trial and destruction in the face, both of which He promised would come to us, and asked for his followers to live out a different economy, a capital K economy, a Kingdom Economy (Hebrews 2).
Jesus followers, ministry & nonprofit leaders, let’s seize the moment and captivate an already content-thirsty audience with news of goodmakers and an invitation to His Kingdom work and the good that people are doing.
Let’s combat the fear that grips our hearts and our pockets. Social distancing doesn’t mean generosity distancing — in fact, generosity may be the anecdote to fear!
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”
5 ways to spread the good:
1. Trust: Take a moment to do some deep breathing, a prayer meditation, or quick walk outside. Posture your heart in a place of trust in God for provision.
2. Increase your online presence: Maintain, even increase, social media and email presence. While everything is going online, leverage your virtual platforms to bring hope and connect with your people.
3. Get creative and bring value: Create relevant content for an attentive audience.
> Advocate for those who you serve and those in need, and use social media and email to do so.
> People are homeschooling and working remotely — how can you add value in this unique season?
> People are home experiencing new rhythms. You have an opportunity to capture their attention in new ways and speak into their new routines.
> There are many companies doing a great job of this. One example is virtual tours for homeschooling. Filmed and shared videos for classes like Karate, Sunday school, etc. Can you provide helpful content for families while at the same time educating about your cause?
> Show people how your organization is spending this time. Don’t disconnect.
> If physical events are cancelled, create virtual ones:
- Virtual Galas
- Facebook/Instagram Live Events
- Zoom Webinars
- YouTube Live Streaming
4. Stay engaged: Connect with your donors, staff, board,
and partners.
Yes, we acknowledge that the economic landscape is full of unknowns. However, remember that inviting people into generosity goes beyond actual numbers and delves into a Kingdom economy.
People are still looking to do good amidst hard times.
In fact, generosity often increases in times of crisis.
There needs to be awareness of the economic environment but this is not a time for timidity.
Enter with empathy. Provide hope. And be honest about the needs of the people you serve.
Take this time to nurture relationships virtually. If in-person meetings need to be cancelled, schedule a phone call or video call.
5. Practice gratitude & a growth mindset: A gratitude and growth mindset are powerful in overcoming obstacles
> Write thank-you notes.
> Check-in on other nonprofit and ministry leaders and remind them of their own impact on your life/your organization.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:2
If you can’t run, then walk.
If you can’t walk, then crawl.
but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.
– Martin Luther King Jr.
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