Follow the Yellow Brick Road (And Try Not to Trip Over Your Ruby Slippers)

Nonprofits remind me a lot of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. They’re well-meaning, full of heart, and a little unsure about how they ended up in the mess they’re in. One minute, they’re trying to make a difference, and the next, they’re surrounded by flying monkeys, questioning all their life choices, and wondering if someone—anyone—will just hand them a clear path to success.

But here’s the thing about Dorothy: she didn’t actually need the Wizard. She had the power to get home all along, thanks to some sparkly shoes and the reminder that sometimes, the only way out is through. Nonprofits? Same deal. You don’t need a wizard. You don’t need an Emerald City grant or a billionaire to magically swoop in and fix everything. You already have the power to make real, lasting change.

Let’s break it down, Oz-style.

The Scarecrow: Brains (You’ve Got Them, Even If You Don’t Feel Like It)

Nonprofits spend a lot of time worrying that they’re not smart enough, not strategic enough, or not whatever-enough to compete with “the big guys.” But just like the Scarecrow, they’re wrong. Brains aren’t the problem. You’re out there solving massive, systemic issues on a shoestring budget with a team that probably includes at least one person who only answers emails after 9 p.m. That takes smarts.

You’ve got the ideas, the ingenuity, and the ability to turn nothing into something. The challenge isn’t a lack of brains—it’s remembering you have them when the Wicked Witch of Self-Doubt comes calling.

The Tin Man: Heart (You’re Drenched in It)

Nonprofits don’t lack heart. If anything, you’re drowning in it. Your work is rooted in compassion, empathy, and an unwavering belief that things can get better. You’re the emotional core of movements, the ones who make people believe change is possible even when the world feels like one big dumpster fire.

The trick? Stop thinking heart is the only thing you need. Passion is great, but it works best when paired with strategy. Heart gets you moving. Brains keep you going.

The Cowardly Lion: Courage (Yes, You Have That Too)

Courage isn’t about feeling fearless. It’s about showing up even when you’re terrified. Nonprofits do this every day, whether it’s advocating for systemic change, asking for donations, or running headfirst into challenges that feel impossible to solve.

The thing is, courage doesn’t always feel heroic. Sometimes it’s as small as saying no to a project that doesn’t align with your mission. Sometimes it’s asking for help. And sometimes it’s just surviving another budget meeting without bursting into tears.

The Ruby Slippers: Spoiler Alert, You’ve Had the Power All Along

Let’s talk about Dorothy’s shoes. (You know, the ones that could’ve saved her a lot of trouble if someone had just told her how they worked.) Nonprofits spend a lot of time looking for the next big thing—grants, partnerships, programs—thinking that’s what will unlock their potential.

But here’s the truth: you already have what you need. Your mission, your team, your resilience—that’s your power. The question isn’t, Do we have what it takes? The question is, Are we willing to use it?

The Yellow Brick Road: The Path Is Built as You Walk It

Dorothy’s road wasn’t perfect. It was full of potholes, detours, and the occasional poppy-induced nap. Nonprofits, your path is no different. There’s no clear map to success, no one-size-fits-all solution. But every step you take matters. Every connection you make, every program you run, every small victory adds another brick to the road.

And don’t forget—Dorothy didn’t walk it alone. She had her team, flawed but committed. The same is true for you. Movements aren’t made in isolation. They’re built through collaboration, community, and the belief that, together, you can outrun the flying monkeys.

The Emerald City Is a Myth, but the Impact Is Real

Here’s the thing about the Emerald City: it’s not what you think it is. Nonprofits often chase the illusion of a perfect outcome—a world where the problems are solved, the funding is endless, and everyone goes home happy. But the real magic isn’t in arriving. It’s in the journey.

You’re making change every day, even if it doesn’t look like a giant, glittering city. You’re building something better, one step, one program, one person at a time. And that? That’s the kind of magic even the Wizard couldn’t pull off.

So, nonprofits, here’s my advice: stop waiting for the wizard. You’ve got the brains, the heart, and the courage. The ruby slippers are already on your feet. You’ve had the power all along.

Now, use it.

Want to uncover the power your nonprofit already has? Let’s follow the yellow brick road together—and make some real magic along the way.

👉 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 to find your nonprofit’s yellow brick road. https://lnkd.in/gwqHW7KS
👉 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 for more strategies to find your power. https://lnkd.in/eQrcxNKy