Finding communities that align with our values not only brings a sense of belonging, but it also inspires movement toward a common cause. It promotes collective action. The current political climate, marked by the Trump administration’s executive orders and funding freezes in the first 100 days of his second term, has created a greater need for individuals and groups to work together for a better future. Teak’s client, Project Bread, a statewide food security organization in Massachusetts, is a good example of how a nonprofit uses different strategies to bring together people with shared values to fuel action.
Engaging in Events That Reflect Your Values
It is powerful when people come together to feel a strong sense of community. When figuring out who we are and what we stand for is challenged, community events offer a place to connect and take action with like-minded people. Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger is one example of a longstanding community fundraising event where dedicated individuals come together to raise awareness and funds to prevent statewide food insecurity. Thousands of people come together on the first Sunday of May each year for the common cause of ensuring our neighbors have access to food. The Walk is proof that people want to be part of something bigger and support their neighbors. With federal programs under attack causing chaos and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to actively participate in local and national events. This year’s fundraiser is on Sunday, May 4 on the Boston Common. To register as a participant for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, or to support a walker or team with a donation, visit give.projectbread.org/walk.
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Uniting for Common Purpose
Whether there are three people or 50, uniting different industries and nonprofits can help to drive scalable solutions for a common goal. The Make Hunger History coalition led by Project Bread is an example of different stakeholders coming together to eliminate hunger in Massachusetts. The convening of business, nonprofit, and legislative partners along with individual advocates is a powerful reminder of how we all have a voice and a part to play to drive change. Individuals and organizations looking to get involved and want to join the Make Hunger History Coalition can visit MakeHungerHistoryMA.org to learn more about the initiative.
Prioritizing Active Listening
It is crucial to listen to the individuals most impacted by changing policies. These are the people who know the most about their situation and offer valuable insights in the decision making process. Project Bread’s Council of Experts with Lived Experience is an example of people who have experienced food insecurity co-creating solutions for issues that impact them. Having trust in individuals with real-world knowledge creates authentic and powerful collective action for systemic change. Launched in 2023, the Council of Experts was founded to challenge exclusionary systems that perpetuate food insecurity by ensuring that those with lived experience of hunger inform and shape Project Bread’s decision-making, strategy, and policy initiatives. In a recent Teak Media blog post we highlighted how nonprofits can take proactive steps to amplify the voices of those they serve.
The power of community lies in its diversity and collective strength. By bringing together people from different communities and amplifying the voices of those directly affected, we can build a future that is fairer, more compassionate, and inclusive for all. Together, we can solve the largest problems.
