Podcast Summary: Ep 215: The Worst Headline Just Hit The New York Times. Now What? (with Seth Chalmer)

Title: Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Host: Joan Garry
Guest: Seth Chalmer, Senior Director of Communications at Leading Edge
Release Date: November 9, 2024

1. Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 215 of Nonprofits Are Messy, host Joan Garry engages in a profound conversation with Seth Chalmer, Senior Director of Communications at Leading Edge. The discussion centers around how nonprofit leaders can navigate the complexities of taking public stances on contentious social issues without deviating from their mission.

Joan Garry [00:00]: "Nonprofit organizational leaders are just that, leaders in their communities, their states, their sectors. They're actually expected to have opinions on significant issues of the day."

2. Navigating a Polarized Environment

Garry opens by addressing the current landscape rife with divisive and polarizing issues. She emphasizes the expectation placed on nonprofit leaders to articulate positions on significant societal matters, which often leads to internal and external conflicts.

Joan Garry [00:00]: "We live in a world crawling with controversy... Now, nonprofit organizational leaders are ... expected to have opinions on significant issues of the day."

3. Seth Chalmer’s Journey and Role at Leading Edge

Seth Chalmer shares his eclectic professional background, from performing in Sesame Street Live to his extensive work within Jewish nonprofits. At Leading Edge, Seth focuses on improving leadership and organizational culture by enhancing communication strategies.

Seth Chalmer [03:37]: "I've always loved the theater... But for the last 13 years, I've been working in the communications world in the world of Jewish nonprofits."

4. The Complexity of Issuing Statements

A central theme of the episode is the intricate decision-making process behind whether a nonprofit should issue a public statement in response to significant events. Seth argues that this decision is far from simple, involving layers of personal emotions, interpersonal dynamics, and strategic organizational considerations.

Seth Chalmer [07:08]: "There are hidden questions underneath that question. There's the personal emotions layer... There's the strategic layer for the organization, which is its own kind of complex."

5. Establishing Organizational Clarity and Charity

Seth introduces a framework from a Stanford Social Innovation Review piece, focusing on two primary goals for organizations facing controversial issues: clarity and charity. Clarity involves defining the organization's stance and advocacy strategies, while charity emphasizes respectful and constructive internal conversations.

Seth Chalmer [08:14]: "My biggest two goals really are clarity and charity. We have to meet each other with charity in the tough conversation."

6. Stance vs. Tolerance Range

The conversation delves into distinguishing between an organization's stance on an issue and its tolerance range for internal and external disagreements. Seth highlights that neutrality itself is a stance and that organizations must carefully consider how accepting they are of differing opinions within their ranks.

Seth Chalmer [11:22]: "Neutral is a stance very much. And if we're thinking about that Alphabet, if your stance is G and my stance is J and Someone else is neutral... Neutral doesn't mean, you know, I'm not answering this question."

7. Case Study: Responding to Roe v. Wade Overturn

Joan shares a real-world example from her experience running GLAAD, where the overturning of Roe v. Wade prompted internal debates about issuing a statement. Seth provides insights on how having predefined stances and advocacy strategies can aid organizations in making informed decisions swiftly.

Joan Garry [15:02]: "When the Supreme Court decision came down striking down Roe, we had an internal conversation about whether or not we would put out a statement."

Seth Chalmer [20:53]: "I think people tend to lean on this status of it has not come up for us... But there are many issues where ... we know that the Middle East exists. So I think that leaders of an organization ought to know what are our stances on the big hot button things."

8. Developing and Communicating Stances

Joan and Seth discuss the importance of leadership in defining and communicating organizational stances. Clear articulation of values and stances upfront ensures that members understand the organization's position, reducing ambiguity during crises.

Joan Garry [24:15]: "Do you have a sense of what's the ideal way for an organization to develop a stance?"

Seth Chalmer [25:13]: "The stance should be in service of that [mission]."

9. The Role of Diversity of Opinion in DEI

The podcast explores how diversity of opinion is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Seth emphasizes creating safe spaces for diverse viewpoints to foster a truly inclusive organizational culture.

Seth Chalmer [10:11]: "I think that diversity of opinion is perhaps one of the more neglected forms of diversity."

10. Final Thoughts: Balancing Clarity and Charity

As the conversation concludes, Seth offers poignant advice on maintaining a balance between holding firm on organizational values while also practicing empathy and understanding towards differing opinions. This balance is essential for fostering a resilient and cohesive nonprofit organization.

Seth Chalmer [45:34]: "We have so much passion in this field, and the one hope that I have for the field is that we can hold those passions and those values... but maybe hold our certainties that we are right and others are wrong just a little bit more lightly so that we don't mistake other people's disagreements for bad intentions."

Conclusion

Episode 215 provides invaluable insights for nonprofit leaders grappling with the decision to publicly engage with contentious issues. Seth Chalmer's expertise underscores the necessity of strategic clarity and compassionate dialogue within organizations to navigate the "messiness" inherent in nonprofit leadership.

Notable Quotes:

• Joan Garry [00:00]: "Nonprofit organizational leaders... are expected to have opinions on significant issues of the day."

• Seth Chalmer [07:08]: "There are hidden questions underneath that question... personal emotions layer... strategic layer for the organization."

• Seth Chalmer [10:11]: "Diversity of opinion is perhaps one of the more neglected forms of diversity."

• Seth Chalmer [45:34]: "We can hold those passions and those values just as tightly as ever, but maybe hold our certainties that we are right and others are wrong just a little bit more lightly."

For more insights and resources on nonprofit leadership, visit joengarry.com and nonprofitleadershiplab.com.