18th Jun 2024 Gemini 1.5 Pro
Nina Simons, co-founder and chief relationship officer of Bioneers, reflects on her three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, highlighting the importance of fostering a relationship-based approach to fundraising. Simons emphasizes the need to shift from a traditional donor-grantee paradigm to one rooted in partnership and shared values. She underscores the importance of valuing the opportunity for investment being offered by the nonprofit, equating it with the invitation to invest.
Simons underscores the importance of authenticity and transparency in these interactions, advising fundraisers to shed the "cheerleader" persona and instead embrace an honest and dignified approach. By approaching potential donors as partners, nonprofits can foster relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. She advocates for multi-year commitments and general operating support, recognizing that nonprofits need financial stability to thrive and effectively pursue their missions.
I think we've been very fortunate with Bioneers because both Kenny and I so deeply believe in the mission of it that, you know, I think I learned early on to shed the trappings of a cheerleader as a fundraiser or someone who was trying to talk someone into anything. And one of the pointers that I learned from Lynn Twist, again, was to offer anyone I'm talking to an opportunity to say, if this is right for you, great. And if it's not right for you, that's fine. It's only good if it's good for both of us. And that just establishes a kind of equal footing, because in this society anyway, the class structures tend to be so rigid and it's great, it's great to break out of them right away and to carry the mission of the work with so much dignity that it's an opportunity for partnership and that it's real partnership. It's not just financial ideally.
Simons delves into the significance of donor circles, emphasizing their role in fostering a more collaborative and equitable philanthropic landscape. Drawing from her personal experiences participating in various donor networks, Simons highlights the unique dynamics and benefits they offer. She emphasizes the value of these networks in providing support, education, and a platform for shared learning among philanthropists.
Simons underscores the importance of such networks in addressing the challenges faced by women and people of color in philanthropy, particularly in overcoming historical barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment. By engaging in open dialogue, sharing experiences, and learning from one another, donors can develop a deeper understanding of social justice issues and leverage their resources more effectively.
And what I think you're speaking to also is that there has been a tendency in philanthropy for a long time for it to be very male-dominated and very white-dominated. And at least in this country, which is the one I know best, the culture of white supremacy is very deep in our bones. And, you know, I feel like I have been working for a long time to peel away layers of that conditioning in myself, even though I considered myself on the right side of those issues since childhood. But the conditioning is sort of, it's so deep, it's kind of in our DNA.
Throughout the podcast, Simons underscores Bioneers' commitment to amplifying the voices of women, people of color, and indigenous communities. She discusses the organization's efforts to provide a platform for these groups to share their perspectives, experiences, and solutions. Simons acknowledges the challenges and mistakes made along the way, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, humility, and a willingness to listen.
Simons reflects on the deep-rooted societal conditioning that perpetuates inequality and shares her personal journey of unpacking her own biases. She highlights the importance of white allies taking responsibility for their own education on issues of race, gender, and oppression, rather than relying on marginalized communities to educate them.
Simons draws parallels between the oppression of women and the exploitation of Mother Earth, emphasizing the need for a more holistic and interconnected perspective. She discusses the historical persecution of women as healers and wise women during the Burning Times, suggesting that this period marked a significant shift in human consciousness and our relationship with nature.
Simons argues that reclaiming the feminine principle, both within ourselves and in society, is crucial for navigating the current ecological crisis. She emphasizes the vital role women play as stewards of the earth, drawing attention to their leadership in environmental movements and their deep understanding of interconnectedness and sustainability.
And then when you amplify that for other marginalized people from other marginalized backgrounds, it's really painful, because we can empathize and come to really have compassion for what that feels like. And that's not the future I want to co-create. So mistakes we made? Tons. I, you know, on a on a relatively superficial level, I think I've made mistakes by assuming that women from other cultures would be like me when they're not.
Simons envisions a future characterized by a relationship-based economy, moving away from the extractive and exploitative systems that dominate the present. She emphasizes the need for economic models that prioritize collaboration, community ownership, and the well-being of people and the planet.
Simons highlights examples of alternative economic models, such as worker cooperatives, community investment funds, and caregiving networks, that demonstrate the potential for a more equitable and sustainable future. She underscores the importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, recognizing the interconnectedness of our well-being and the health of the planet.
And, you know, I'm just so aware with the war going on in Ukraine right now of how, how women become weapons of war. And she said, one of the patterns that she witnessed, because there are women starting revolutions all over the place, and so we were talking about that, how the incredibly courageous women of Iran have been protesting, even though it's life-threatening to do so, because they are not willing to live without their freedom anymore. And so there's something about the way that the feminine, not only in women, but in all of us has a capacity to stand on behalf of life and freedom that is very powerful and that resists oppression in a very strong way.
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