What Can Zohran Mamdani’s Win Teach Non-Profits?

Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election last night. Born in Uganda and raised in NYC, the charismatic mayor-elect is just 34 years of age and is now heading up arguably the most influential city on the planet.

It’s quite an accomplishment, and regardless of whether you align with Mamdani’s political platform or believe he can accomplish some of his lofty aspirations, the one characteristic I could never shake while observing this guy’s campaign was his smile.

I’d be willing to bet Mamdani has frowned. He might even wake up lethargic from time to time. Perhaps the dishwasher breaks, and he even lets out a &%#$!

But you wouldn’t know it. Mamdani’s smile is ever-present, not forced, and watching his campaign really struck me - this guy understands that even if life, our work, family dynamics, or whatever aren’t all coming up roses, it doesn’t cost a dime to arrive each and every day with a smile.

By the way, for those old enough to remember, Ronald Reagan employed a similar tactic.

Politics aside, in the non-profit world, if you’ve done a good job, a potential or current donor understands your organization is actively tackling the issue you’re working on.

What a potential donor doesn’t want, however, is to accompany you along that path with the PROBLEM front and center, and not the SOLUTION.

I started working with a new client recently who is building schools in Ghana. We have a couple of pending grant requests that I hope to share some good news on shortly :)

Ghana has its challenges. Rural populations, especially, struggle with access to fresh water, and schooling is often a tertiary issue. Children not in school are a daily reality for many villages, and the stories are absolutely heartbreaking. 

• Yes, there aren’t enough schools to meet the educational demand.
• Yes, many of the existing schools are in poor shape.
• Yes, every day that goes by, a child’s potential future earnings are being squandered.

And at the same time, miraculously enough … there is joy.

The children in this village are happy kids. They’re happy to see you, happy playing with each other, happy to talk about their days, and happy to dream.

Their problems are serious, but they show up each and every day with a smile.

Donors gravitate to “a better tomorrow” with a smile accompanying them along the way. Few folks want to be involved in an organization that focuses all of its weight on the “need” or the “problem.”

A donor wants to be part of the SOLUTION.

We understand the seriousness of the problems we face. When we give our time, treasure, or talent to making the world a better place, a cheerful nature and someone to walk along that difficult path who can challenge you to dream big shouldn’t be too much to ask.

Mamdani might fail, and Reagan had his critics. But positivity goes a long way.

Lean into your organization’s vision with a smile and always put the SOLUTION first.