The Power of Gratitude in Nonprofit Work: Reflecting On The Power of Appreciation
If you've taken one of our classes, volunteered with us, or followed us on social media, you probably know a little about me. I'm the founder of Disability Partnerships, and over the past ten years, I've learned a lot about gratitude and kindness.
In 2011, I became physically disabled after a natural gas explosion in my home. The explosion caused serious health problems, and I became a T8 paraplegic, and I now rely on a wheelchair for mobility.
During my first year of recovery, I spent a lot of time in the hospital, even being stuck in bed for 23 hours a day at one point. After a major surgery, I couldn’t move much, so I spent my time dreaming. I thought about how I could turn my pain into something positive and help people with disabilities. I wanted to create a world where the barriers they face weren’t so overwhelming, and where they knew they had someone on their side.
That’s how Disability Partnerships was born. I officially launched the organization in 2016, even though I had no funding or big donations. I wasn’t sure if it would survive, but I knew one thing: I wanted to build relationships with people who could help improve the lives of people with disabilities. My first partnership was with Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation in Rockville, Maryland. That experience taught me a lot about working with volunteers and staff, and how to build a culture of kindness—even if you don’t have a big budget.
I also researched how to create successful nonprofits, and the advice I found was simple: build strong relationships. Engage with donors, volunteers, and staff. Be consistent, show kindness, and let your actions speak for who you are. That’s why I focused on compassion as a core value for Disability Partnerships.
Here are a few other lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Lead with Empathy: Understanding others' emotions and efforts helps build loyalty.
Create a Grateful Workplace: A culture of gratitude makes everyone feel valued and supported.
Gratitude Builds Trust: Trust is key in any relationship, and showing appreciation helps create that trust.
Gratitude Beyond Money: Recognize not just financial support, but also in-kind donations and volunteer time.
Stay Grateful Through Challenges: Even when times are tough, focusing on gratitude helps keep morale high.
Gratitude Builds Resilience: Practicing gratitude helps you and your team bounce back from setbacks.
Link Gratitude to Mission and Impact: Always connect the gratitude you show to the larger mission of your work, so people feel their contributions are meaningful.
Every lesson has helped shape the way we operate, and gratitude remains at the heart of everything we do. This holiday season I hope you experience the true benefit of living with a spirit of gratitude.