Podcast Summary: Ep 221: Building Organizational Capacity For Rapid Response (with Deepa Iyer)

Title: Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Host: Joan Garry
Guest: Deepa Iyer, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Building Movement Project
Release Date: February 1, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 221 of Nonprofits Are Messy, host Joan Garry engages in a profound conversation with Deepa Iyer, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Building Movement Project (BMP). The discussion centers on the critical need for nonprofits to build organizational capacity for rapid response in the face of escalating external crises, such as terrorist attacks, mass shootings, and natural disasters.

2. Understanding Crises in the Nonprofit Sector

Joan Garry begins by distinguishing between internal crises—like layoffs or scandals—and external crises, which encompass broader societal upheavals that increasingly impact nonprofits. She underscores the frequency and severity of these external crises, emphasizing that relying on reactive approaches ("Whack a Mole") is insufficient for effective crisis management.

Notable Quote:
Joan Garry [00:00]: "...our sector far too often plays that arcade game called Whack a Mole, a reactive approach that's just never going to be as effective as getting out in front."

3. Defining Rapid Response for Nonprofits

Deepa Iyer elaborates on what rapid response entails for nonprofit organizations. She explains that rapid response infrastructure involves proactive measures to anticipate and address crises swiftly and efficiently. This preparation is essential to support affected communities and maintain organizational resilience.

Notable Quote:
Deepa Iyer [12:33]: "We are usually not prepared. And part of what we're trying to do with the Building Movement Project is actually to change that a little bit..."

4. Building Infrastructure for Rapid Response

Deepa outlines foundational components necessary for rapid response infrastructure:

• Accurate and Timely Communication: Establishing robust communication channels to disseminate information swiftly and accurately.

  Quote:
  Deepa Iyer [15:13]: "A lot of disinformation or lack of information. And so how can organizations have a communications infrastructure that enables them to synthesize information and then provide it to their community members..."

• Collaborations with Frontline Responders: Creating a network of trusted local responders, including social services, mental health care, and legal support.

  Quote:
  Deepa Iyer [15:13]: "The second piece is to actually work with other local frontline responders who might be providing social services, mental health care, legal support and the like."

• Documentation and Data Tracking: Capturing real-time data to understand community needs and advocate effectively for resources.

  Quote:
  Deepa Iyer [19:45]: "We need the infrastructure to capture that and to document that and then to synthesize it and put it out there to those stakeholders..."

• Stakeholder Connections: Building relationships with decision-makers, including government officials and other nonprofits, to represent community needs accurately.

  Quote:
  Deepa Iyer [21:42]: "Connections to stakeholders... how are we in touch with them in a trusted manner such that we can represent our community's needs."

• Community Care Mechanisms: Implementing support systems like healing circles to address both direct and indirect impacts of crises.

  Quote:
  Deepa Iyer [17:00]: "The ability to care for our communities... providing support to communities that might not be directly affected, but are still affected in some way."

5. Case Study: Atlanta Spa Shootings

Deepa shares a poignant example of BMP's rapid response efforts during the Atlanta spa shootings in March 2021. She highlights how pre-established infrastructure, such as the National Asian American Leaders Table, enabled swift action:

• Immediate Community Support: Mobilizing resources for survivors and families, including financial aid and mental health services.

• National Amplification: Facilitating local leaders' participation in national discussions, such as Congressional hearings, to ensure authentic representation.

  Quote:
  Deepa Iyer [34:43]: "...ensuring that Phi Nguyen... had the opportunity to offer some video remarks because it was vital she couldn't leave, but she needed to also have her voice there."

6. The Social Change Ecosystem

Deepa introduces the concept of the "social change ecosystem," a framework identifying various roles within the sector essential for effective crisis response:

• Storytellers: Documenting and sharing narratives to raise awareness.
• Frontline Responders: Providing direct services like legal support and mental health care.
• Weavers: Connecting organizations across geographies to foster collaboration.
• Disruptors: Advocating for systemic change and holding power structures accountable.

Quote:
Deepa Iyer [35:04]: "Different individuals and organizations often play roles in an ecosystem... it's about shifting that mindset."

7. Networking and Coalition Building

Joan and Deepa discuss the importance of moving beyond siloed operations. Deepa acknowledges the challenges posed by funding competition and organizational constraints but emphasizes the intrinsic value of collaboration for sustained social change.

Notable Quote:
Deepa Iyer [39:33]: "We need funding, we need infrastructure, we need staffing. It just doesn't happen because, oh, it's a good idea."

8. Overcoming Challenges and Shifting Organizational Mindset

The conversation addresses the prevalent issue of larger organizations dominating the leadership landscape ("the biggest kid in the sandbox") and the necessity of centering marginalized voices. Deepa advocates for a paradigm shift where nonprofits prioritize community-led solutions over top-down interventions.

Quote:
Deepa Iyer [42:12]: "Centering the voices, perspectives and solutions of those who are most directly affected by an issue or a crisis."

9. Advice for Nonprofit Leaders

As the discussion wraps up, Deepa offers actionable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating the tumultuous landscape of external crises:

• Acknowledge the Pressure: Recognize the emotional and operational strain of operating in a constant state of readiness.

  Quote:
  Deepa Iyer [44:54]: "I acknowledge the pressure cooker environment that folks are in... it is absolutely normal."

• Define Response Boundaries: Clearly delineate which crises align with the organization's mission and capacity to respond effectively.

  Quote:
  Deepa Iyer [46:11]: "Start by asking what issues do we believe we should be in rapid response mode for because we can't do all of them."

• Integrate Collaboration into Organizational DNA: Foster a culture of partnership and shared responsibility rather than isolated efforts.

Joan Garry adds:
"Embed this into the DNA of your organization to be a collaborator, to be in relationship in your community..."

10. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Joan expressing gratitude for Deepa's insights and the invaluable work of BMP in empowering nonprofits to build resilient, proactive infrastructures. Listeners are encouraged to explore BMP’s resources and integrate rapid response strategies into their organizational frameworks.

Final Quote:
Deepa Iyer [47:19]: "It was wonderful to be in conversation with you."

Key Takeaways

• Proactive Planning: Nonprofits must move beyond reactive crisis management by establishing infrastructures that enable swift and effective responses to external shocks.

• Collaborative Ecosystem: Building robust networks with other organizations, stakeholders, and community members is essential for a coordinated response.

• Community-Centric Approach: Centering the needs and voices of affected communities ensures that responses are relevant and impactful.

• Sustainable Practices: Investing in rapid response infrastructure not only addresses immediate crises but also strengthens long-term organizational resilience.

For further resources and tools on building rapid response capabilities, visit the Building Movement Project and Nonprofit Leadership Lab.