I have been thinking about isolation for quite some time and I realized that the evolution of isolation did not start with the pandemic. Isolation begin with many technological advances that include phone apps, self check out, and other automated features that have transformed the customer service industry. While these advances provided more convenient and timely responses, they did create isolation.

Instead of calling to make an appointment, you can use a phone app. Instead of calling for questions about a product, you can chat online. Instead of searching just on Google, now you search on YouTube, Twitter, and Pinterest. With the advances of technology, we have been slowly removed from human contact which is a form of isolation. 

During the pandemic, isolation took a sharp turn and created medical reasons to isolate as well as created remote positions reducing the impact of a strong work culture. Most managers did not respond and kept the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. This disengagement created more isolation with employees, donors, and volunteers. 

For nonprofit organizations, it has been easy to fall into isolation instead of innovating all levels of communication to keep up with all advances and ensure your mission and participant/donor interactions have increased, not decreased. 

With technological advances, so are communication advances that are seldom realized. Each organization must explore current and future modes of communication that involve virtual technologies. A good example, is a virtual event featuring peer to peer fundraising. A bad example, is using automated AI technology to make fundraising calls. The organization must decide on how to build a intrinsic relationship using the most advanced tools available. The organization should also identify the modes of communication and accepted technology used by their employees, donors, and volunteers. This will help guide an improved communication strategy. It is recommended to invest financial and human resources to improve communication and stay ahead of advances. This investment will pay for itself and properly engage those that impact the organization.  

Some of you may not be considered technology savvy. That is not an issue because there are many professionals that dedicate their lives to implementing advanced communication strategies. Avoid going online and trying to figure things out. Engage a communications professional to guide you which will save you both time and money. 

While it’s important to stay ahead of technological advances to ensure the organization has a prominent communication strategy, it is also important to not forget styles of communication that have not changed for a reason, because they are incredibly effective. Hand written notes sent in the mail to show gratitude are increasingly popular with all generations. Reaching out on the phone or in person versus a virtual message may take more time, but can leave a lasting impression and help build stronger intrinsic relationships. Let’s be clear; an intrinsic relationship is the catalyst behind all development efforts and as far as technology will advance, this fact will never change.