In a perfect world, we would be stress-free, killing it in our automated businesses, enjoying our just-because-we-can vacations while donating money we can do without to charities we love. If that’s already you, this blog isn’t for you. If that’s the dream – keep reading.

In light of current events, many of us who are privileged enough to be head down in our businesses are appalled at our lack of awareness when it comes to social injustice. It shouldn’t take marginalized communities across the world protesting for us to take action, yet here we are. That doesn’t make you a bad person. It just makes you human.

What determines the type of person you’re going to be are the actions that come next. Will we turn the other cheek and wait for the storm to pass? Or will we stand hand in hand with purpose-driven changemakers to create sustainable change? Impact comes from talented individuals whose values take action.

As Shannon says, we are “the women who raise capital, raise babies, raise standards, and raise awareness.” Focusing on the last two, here’s how we can help as service-based providers:

All Business Owners

Awareness is one of the key obstacles that nonprofits and charities face. Leverage your platform by raising awareness and help them call for donors or volunteers. Nonprofits are often looking for executive board members to guide their awareness efforts. Step into an organization whose values align with your own.

Photographers

Create content to teach nonprofit organizations how to develop their own brand photography through mood boards. What free apps, stock photos, or cell phone photography tips can you offer? How can shot lists help them elevate their brand photography? What kind of images do they need for their website to stand out? Set a goal of how many organizations you want to audit a month and reach out to a local charity whose brand imagery can use a little guidance.

Copywriters

Educate nonprofit professionals on the importance of brand messaging. Help them understand the importance of inspiring people to action by being more conversational. Often nonprofit content gets dismissed in the name of professionalism. Teach them the importance of speaking the language of their target audiences! Like photographers, you can set a goal of how many organizations you want to audit a month and reach out to a local charity whose messaging can use some guidance.

Graphic Designers

You are the experts that can bring inclusivity to the table. By removing your personal biases from your design process and critically thinking about the stereotypes you are reaffirming – your art can redefine culture. More than using more photos with people of color, aim to apply human-centered design to solve actual problems.

Marketing Strategists

In 2017, 31 billion dollars was donated on online giving platforms. Research has found that custom branded donation pages receive 6x more donations than generic funds. 55% of donors took action after interacting with an organization on Twitter. Chances are that if you work in the digital space – you already understand the power of an online presence. Use this power for more than capitalism. Use it for social impact.

Wellness and Mindful Coaches

Fighting for a more just and inclusive world is often thankless work. In the past few months we’ve experienced the trauma of civil unrest on top of a global pandemic. How can you support activists leading the cause? Overworked social workers?

As online business owners – we’ve seen how expertise and technology can bring a vision to life. Let’s use our platforms to lift others up. Everyone has a role.

To continue the conversation, find me in my little corner of the internet: ideasspeak.com

About Ideas Speak, a community by @tracidominique

Ideas Speak is a home for creative change-makers founded on the idea that no one creates movements alone. Every day there are heartbreaking stories published about the injustices of the world, but with every tragedy, there are also people fighting for movement. If you’re in need of a digital marketing strategy to help make your vision for change a little more tangible, or you’re in need of a safe space to retreat to when things get hard – Ideas Speak is a home for you. The world may never be rid of difficult times, but that should never dissuade us from trying.