Back to the People: Reclaiming the Heart of Community Work - February 2026

Somewhere along the way, many nonprofits drifted from the very people they aim to serve. They began prioritizing what looks impressive over what actually makes a difference. Photo ops and social media posts have replaced something far more essential: listening. And when listening is lost, the work becomes hollow, busy, visible, but no longer rooted in community. Before we plan, before we launch, before we celebrate, we must pause and ask a simple question:

Have we heard from the community? Because without their voices, even the most beautiful ideas can miss the mark.

The Problem with Planning in Isolation

Too often, I see events and programs that look great for the organization, but do not reflect what the community actually needs. Not because the ideas are bad, but because they were developed in isolation by a small group of staff, volunteers, city or state leaders who have not spent real time in the very neighborhoods they are planning for. Or, as the old folks say, "I hadn't seen you in a month of Sundays."

Here's a hard truth. You cannot plan for a community you have not taken the time to truly listen to.

Real planning requires real voices. If the community is not at the table, or at least thoughtful feedback from the community, then what exactly is the purpose of the meeting?

When Only the Internal Circle Shows Up, Something Is Wrong

Here is something we do not talk about enough:

If only members of your organization are attending your events, where are the community members? Wasn't the event for them?

If the room is filled with the same staff, board members, volunteers, and dignitaries every time, that is not genuine community engagement. That is an internal gathering with a community label placed on it. It may look successful on social media, but it does not reflect impact. If we look back at the attendance and realize that only a handful of community members were present, we have a problem. We have to change our approach.

Don't get me wrong, attendance in general is good, but let’s be honest. If the majority of the room is internal and only a few people from the actual community show up, something is not working. The numbers tell the truth. If the people we claim to serve are not in the room, then the event did not reach its intended audience, and that should concern us.

We win when the community shows up. Their presence is the real measure of connection, relevance, and impact.

Service Over Status

Our community deserves leaders who demonstrate a commitment to service that predates their titles. True leadership is characterized by proactive engagement and a genuine dedication to uplifting the community, even before holding a position. People in the community recognize the faces of those truly making a difference behind the scenes, not just in the spotlight. When individuals only become involved after attaining a title, we lose the chance to foster authentic connections and create meaningful change. Effective leaders understand the importance of early and continuous engagement, actively listening to community needs, and working collaboratively to address challenges. This approach not only builds trust but also sets the foundation for a more resilient and vibrant community.

A Model That Works

There is a nonprofit organization in Baltimore, Maryland, that gets this right. They host community conversations, and I have attended several of them. I watched residents step up to the microphone and speak their truth. I heard their concerns, their hopes, their needs. That is what authentic engagement looks like. No optics. No performative outreach. Just people being heard. This is the model we need to return to, not because it looks good, but because it is good.

We also need to make sure that when we conduct public forums, they are not just for the photo ops and social media posts. Community engagement cannot be a “one and done” effort. People can feel the difference between being listened to and being managed. They know when you’re there for the ops, not the impact.

Listening is only the first step. What matters just as much is what happens after the microphones are turned off.

We must have a plan to address the needs raised during the conversation and a clear way to communicate the response back to the community. That communication can happen through neighborhood associations, trusted community partners, or direct follow‑up. What matters is that people know their voices did not disappear into a void. They deserve to see that their courage to speak up led to action, not silence.

Research Matters: Look at the Data on the Communities You Serve

Every non-profit organization should have a research team, if the budget permits. Before we design programs, plan events, launch initiatives, or celebrate outcomes, we must take a hard look at the data on the communities we serve. What does it actually say?

Look at the demographics. Look at the income levels. Look at literacy rates, housing stability, school performance, health indicators, and employment trends. Look at who has access and who does not. Look at the political leaders in that community. Are they active, visible, and responsive? Look at the current legislation regarding that community. 

Much of this information is already available on City, County, and State websites, as well as on school district dashboards, at local libraries, and in public census data. These sources contain numbers that show what communities are facing and where the gaps truly lie. I am not naive enough to think that every problem can be solved, but if it is within our power, we can alleviate some of the burdens. Data helps us see where those burdens are heaviest and where our efforts can make the most meaningful difference. When we ground our decisions in real evidence rather than assumptions, we position ourselves to serve with intention, integrity, and impact.

Data also reveals patterns that our assumptions often miss. It shows us which neighborhoods are consistently overlooked, which families are struggling the most, and which barriers keep people from participating. It also shows where trust has been broken and where engagement has historically been low.

If the data shows declining participation, widening gaps, or unmet needs, then our strategies must change. If the data shows that certain groups are not being reached, then our outreach must shift. If the data shows that the community’s priorities differ from the organization’s agenda, then the agenda must be realigned for the community, not the agenda of your nonprofit leader.

When we combine data with authentic community voices, we get a clearer picture of what is truly needed. And when we ignore the data, we risk repeating the same ineffective practices and calling it progress. The community deserves more than assumptions. They deserve informed, intentional, data‑driven action. If we really care, we will do the REAL work!

Back to the People

We need to get back to the people.

Not clout chasing.

Not award chasing.

Not programs designed for photo opportunities.

Not praise from board members.

We need true, boots‑on‑the‑ground community work.

Work that includes the people, centers the people, and is shaped by the people.

If we say we empower communities but never ask them what empowerment means to them, then we are not living our mission. We are simply repeating a slogan.

A Call to Action

Let's stop planning FOR communities and start planning WITH them. Let us stop repeating the same ineffective practices and expecting different results. Let us commit to listening first, planning and implementing second, and serving always. Meaningful change only happens when the community’s voice leads the way.

#thankmelatercommunityseries