How to Stay Mission-Aligned When the Landscape Shifts Under Your Feet
“Words matter. If we’re not intentional, we’ll water down our purpose before we even realize it.” – Dr. Arlene Siller
On Friday’s LinkedIn Live, we tackled a truth many nonprofit leaders are quietly struggling with: DEI is under fire, and even the most values-driven organizations are feeling pressure to “tone it down.”
Maybe you’re watching funders shift their language. Maybe your board is nervous. Maybe you’re just… tired.
This conversation was for you.
What’s Happening Right Now
Let’s be real: the political and funding landscape has shifted dramatically.
Legislation, executive orders, lawsuits, and cultural backlash are forcing nonprofits to ask:
- “Can we still say ‘equity’?”
- “Are we alienating funders?”
- “Are we compromising our mission?”
This isn’t just about words. It’s about identity.
The Language Shift: Adaptation or Retreat?
Many nonprofits are swapping “equity” for “belonging,” “justice” for “community investment,” or “racial equity” for “fair access.”
These shifts are meant to be strategic—but are they creating clarity, or erasure?
As Dr. Arlene Siller put it:
“Adaptation isn’t bad—but let’s be honest about why we’re doing it, and who we’re centering in the process.”
📌 Example (before vs. after):
| Original | “We empower girls of color from underrepresented and low-income communities by centering racial and gender equity in education, leadership, and opportunity.” |
|---|---|
| Reframed | “We support girls from historically marginalized communities by ensuring they have the tools, opportunities, and support systems to thrive academically and personally.” |
Bottom line? You can evolve the language without erasing the intent.
Operationalizing DEI (Even When You’re Quiet)
If DEI only lives on your website, it will be the first thing to go under pressure.
Real DEI lives in:
- Hiring practices
- Board representation
- Pay equity
- How feedback is received
- How strategy is made
Don’t let external pressures hollow out your internal commitments.
Tone it down outside if you must—but double down on impact inside.
Legal Risk ≠ Mission Drift
Yes, it’s scary out there. Some states are rolling back DEI mandates. Some funders are “revising” priorities.
But fear doesn’t mean abandonment. Dr. Siller’s advice?
- Stay informed. Know what’s happening legally.
- Talk to counsel. Don’t assume—get clarity.
- Document outcomes. Prove your DEI work works.
- Diversify funding. Don’t rely on one “DEI-friendly” stream.
“Mission, values, and compliance can coexist. But it takes intention.”
Leadership Burnout Is Real
Nonprofit leaders—especially those with marginalized identities—are walking a tightrope.
They’re being told to “stay bold” while also “staying fundable.” It’s exhausting.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest is part of the strategy.” – Dr. Arlene Siller
If you’re feeling tired, you’re not alone. The answer isn’t to go silent—it’s to stay anchored.
So… What Now?
What do you do when the words themselves are risky?
Dr. Siller’s advice for the next 6–12 months:
- Don’t default to silence.
- Define your terms. If “equity” is risky, explain it another way.
- Reframe—but don’t retreat.
“This is a moment to recommit—not to rebrand your values out of fear.”
You Still Need This Work—Even If You Don’t Think You Do
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a trend—it’s a test.
Your mission is being stress-tested.
Your language is being filtered through politics.
But the communities you serve? They’re still facing the same systemic gaps.
They’re still here.
So the question is: Are you still with them?
Join the Conversation
Follow us on LinkedIn @Ascend Nonprofit & Business Solutions and Drop a comment below or DM me—we’re building a community that’s both strategic and real.
👉 How is your organization navigating the DEI landscape right now?
And don’t miss our next LinkedIn Live:
🗓 June 27, 2025 | Grant Budget 101: Building with Confidence
Let’s keep showing up—for the work, for the people, and for the mission.