I’m excited to invite you to a special (free) virtual conversation featuring Vu Le, author of Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector. This will be an honest, engaging, and energizing space to talk about the work we care about and the world we’re trying to build

Vu Le, taken by Mel Ponder Photography.

Monday, May 18 
Noon-1pm 
Virtual on Zoom 
Register here 

I’ve been following Vu Le’s writing for many years and appreciate his funny and insightful take on the challenges facing the nonprofit sector. If you’re not familiar, I highly recommend his blog: nonprofitaf.com. 

 
For a little taste, one of his recent posts encourages nonprofits to adopt the platypus as our new mascot, because: “It has a venomous barb… strong enough to kill some predators and cause excruciating pain to humans…We’ve been way too nice and docile the past few decades, and it’s not cutting it anymore…It’s time to use that venomous spur more often! We've got to be a lot more stabby, y'all! Especially right now, when our sector has been under attack.” 

Humor aside, that message resonates for me. Being “nice” hasn’t solved chronic underfunding, burdensome systems, or the growing pressures on our communities. And right now, when so many of our values, and the people we serve, are under attack, it’s especially clear that doing things the way we always have simply isn’t enough.

We recently sent a copy of Vu’s book to each of our member organizations. And through the end of May, we’ll send a copy to everyone who becomes an individual member of the Housing Alliance and Housing Alliance Action Fund with a $105 joint dues payment. Become a member here! 

You can learn more about the book and find links to order your own copy here: https://www.nonprofitaf.com/book/?ref=nonprofitaf.com.(My public library in Seattle has a waiting list for physical copies but has eBook copies available. Depending on where you live, your public library might also have copies.) 

I’m really looking forward to this! Whether you work for a nonprofit, or care about a nonprofit in your community, I think you’ll enjoy this event and leave with some fresh ideas and inspiration. I hope you can join us

In community,

Rachael Myers (she/her)
Executive Director