“if I only had a nerve…” - cowardly lion, Wizard of Oz

Thinking back over my career as a nonprofit professional, I can honestly say that there were many times one might have considered me to be courageous. Packing my bags and moving from the Midwest to California in my 20s to work at Stanford University, when I knew not one person in northern California, felt courageous. Asking for my first million-dollar gift, also, felt courageous. Presenting to the AFI board of Directors (a list of the who’s who in Hollywood) definitely required courage. 

But conviction “a firmly held belief or opinion” is something that I suppressed in the business world. My personal life demonstrated my conviction –political beliefs, activism, volunteerism, social choices, etc. – all clear demonstrations of my conviction, but not so much at work. At work, I held my personal beliefs close to the vest, for fear of judgement by those in power, donors, board members and sometimes even colleagues. For fear of job security.

My eldest daughter graduated college last year and is working in her first job - you guessed it, for a nonprofit organization, in Washington D.C. She isn’t a fundraiser, she’s on the program side of the shop but a nonprofit, nonetheless. I had the rare pleasure of coming to her work with her to meet her colleagues early in her tenure there. I am so proud (of course) - not just that this 22-year-old young woman has a job in her field and is financially independent, but much more important, to watch her think on her feet and challenge ideas even if they came from a superior. This simply wasn’t something applauded or even permitted in my upbringing. From my inquiry of my daughter and her friends, it is every bit the cultural norm of the Gen Z’ers. Bravo, I say! 

I applaud the courage and conviction of the new generation of nonprofit professionals. I am envious of their courage and conviction. I am witness to the freedom younger nonprofit professionals enjoy – freedom to choose which organization’s work will fill their soul and freedom to challenge societal norms and institutional procedures and even

freedom to challenge board members and donors if worthy. If I could give any advice to my former self, it would be to follow my heart and have the courage to stand for my beliefs without fearing repercussion. I am not complaining – I have had an amazing career with terrific organizations and inspirational leaders. I was lucky to work where I was respected, despite my inability to overcome fear around my convictions. 

It will take more than one generation of determined and brave individuals to change how we impact diversity and equity in this country, or social change, or climate change or any number of issues that challenge us. But I am cautiously optimistic, thanks to the courage and conviction of young leaders like my very own daughter. 

“One man (person) with conviction will overcome a hundred who only have opinions.”

“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.”

-Winston Churchill