Here's how you can effectively communicate your nonprofit vision and goals using emotional intelligence.

Regularly thank your supporters and acknowledge their contributions. This makes them feel valued. You can also share your milestones and achievements with your community. Celebrating together strengthens emotional bonds and shared purpose.

I believe that focus group sessions help, it allows the community to feel part of the conversations and maybe some lower level decisions within the non-profit. It also gives a sense of togetherness when it feels like they are being heard

In order to connect authentically with you audience, it's important to really know who they are. When designing your communications plan, start by taking the time to get to know your audience and their values. You can do this through listening tours, surveys, focus groups, and informal conversations with those you're trying to connect with. Once you have a clear picture of who your target audience members are you can find ways to bridge their interests to your work.

Communication is a two way street. Don't approach your communication strategy as a tool to help you speak to audiences. That's only half the equation. Your communications strategy should also identify ways for your audience to talk back and for you to listen ~and~ respond. If you're audiences want to see more content related to a particular value-area, find ways to deliver or even empower (and hopefully compensate) your audiences to co-produce that content with you.

Listening to understand and comprehend is so different to just listening to reply. Making sure your audience feels heard is vital at all times. It could change the whole trajectory of the conversation for the better and further enhance your impact

When trying to connect with audiences, it's important to remember to lead with impact and people first language. If your organization is meeting a particular need, it's important to name that. But it's even more important to communicate the impact your organization has on real people by filling that need. For example, "Company A advocates for and builds affordable housing." That's great. How many people now have access to housing that didn't before? What impact does affordable housing have on their lives? "120 families have access to affordable housing, economic stability, and educational opportunities thanks to Company A's advocacy and building efforts."

Be your authentic self! When sharing the charity goals I always speak about my ‘why’ - what pushes me to keep going even when I have limited mental space. When you have a purpose it makes the story telling element so much more compelling

Don’t forget that you are your non-profit, you are your brand.. people will be able to identify very easily whether it is an authentic mission. Don’t be ashamed or why you started or where you are. Progress of any kind is to be applauded