Countless non-profits feel like they’re fighting an uphill battle, striving to meet community needs and stay afloat, with limited resources. Without the right approach, making a lasting difference in your community seems elusive at times.
Like any company, non-profits face a wealth of daily challenges. From attracting and retaining donors and generating revenue, to managing staff and volunteers and meeting community needs. But more serious issues lurk beneath the surface, namely, the ongoing struggle to engage communities on a deeper level. Gone are the days when it's enough to simply claim that your organization is making a difference. To stay relevant, redesigning the way you operate and deliver services is crucial.
And that’s where people-centered design comes in, helping non-profits solve complex challenges while promoting psychological safety for stakeholders, so they feel included, and safe to learn, contribute, and challenge the status quo.
People-centered design is a game-changing approach to non-profit learning and engagement that places your people at the heart of all you do. It’s about co-designing programs with your clients and donors – not for them – to help you increase community engagement as a non-profit. By working with the individuals and families you aim to serve, you can more clearly pinpoint their strengths, goals, and aspirations, and collaboratively outline the blueprint required to achieve them.
Applying people-centered design principles and practices deepens your understanding of your audience through empathizing, listening, and using their feedback to transform the way you serve your community.
Ask yourself:
• Who am I trying to reach?
• What does my organization stand for?
• What does my audience stand for?
• How can I offer more value based on their influence?
Putting people first is the most powerful way to make a lasting difference in your community. By far, it will be the sharpest problem-solving instrument in your toolbox, empowering you to create better solutions to bigger problems that you can't do without your community's support. Leading with people-centered design helps you redefine your programs based on the needs of the people you serve. Are you ready to serve your community better? You'll be amazed at how people-centered design will help you:
At Jonlieu, we firmly believe that human-centered thinking must become the norm for non-profits and the communities they serve. Our programs help non-profits just like yours truly transform communities through the power of people-centered design. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, join forces with Jonlieu to initiate lasting change in your community, let’s chat.