John Lewis and his lessons for nonprofits

If ever there was an example of how to benefit a cause, how to live a mission, John Lewis lived it. As I listened to the tributes at his funeral, I thought, that’s who all of us in the social sectors want to be. John Lewis lived a life of purpose, a life with meaning. He was willing to risk everything, including his life, to “do good. “ His mission was helping to create an America where there was real equality for all, regardless of color or economic status. His mission was a country that lived love and respect for all. Our missions may have narrower foci, but his lessons are there for all of us.

First, he knew the brutal facts of opposition to his mission, and in his case ‘brutal’ was a literal fact. He faced brutality with compassion, caring, and “good trouble.” We must follow his lead, we must live his legacy.

Let our goals be deep meaning over great profits. Let us pour our resources: our time, our talents, our dollars into causes that we are passionate about, that benefit others, that collectively we can do better that anyone else.

Let us practice the nobility of service rather than personal gain, as John Lewis did. Let us confront our brutal facts with tenacity, courage and grace, as he did.

Let us stay focused on the core of our mission, putting achieving the mission’s goals above our personal achievement.

Let us live and work in ways that leave the world a better place. Let us leave the next generation the tools and inspiration needed to continue making “good trouble” until the mission is complete. John Lewis did.

Thank you, Senator Lewis, for showing us and the world a kind, a caring, a peaceful way to “do good.”