What do you do if your non-profit program development knowledge is outdated?

1 Assess your current level

The first step is to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a non-profit program developer. You can do this by conducting a self-assessment, asking for feedback from your peers, mentors, or supervisors, or taking an online quiz or course. You should also review your past and current projects and evaluate their impact, effectiveness, and sustainability. This will help you pinpoint the areas where you need to improve or update your knowledge and skills.

2 Learn from the experts

One of the best ways to learn from the experts is to join a professional network or association that focuses on non-profit program development. You can find online or offline communities that offer opportunities for networking, mentoring, training, and sharing resources. You can also attend webinars, workshops, conferences, or events that feature speakers, panelists, or trainers who are leaders or innovators in the field. You can also follow blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or social media accounts that provide valuable insights, tips, or case studies.

3 Apply new ideas to your work

Learning is not enough if you don't apply what you learn to your work. You should always look for ways to incorporate new ideas, methods, or tools to your program development process. You can do this by experimenting with different approaches, testing new hypotheses, or using new technologies. You can also seek feedback from your beneficiaries, partners, funders, or colleagues on how to improve your programs. You should also document and reflect on your learning outcomes and challenges, and share your lessons learned with others.

4 Collaborate with others

Another way to update your non-profit program development knowledge is to collaborate with others who have different perspectives, backgrounds, or experiences. You can do this by forming partnerships, alliances, or coalitions with other organizations, groups, or individuals who share your vision or mission. You can also join or initiate collaborative projects, campaigns, or movements that address common issues or goals. You can also participate in peer learning, coaching, or mentoring programs that allow you to exchange ideas, feedback, or support.

5 Keep an open mind

Finally, you should keep an open mind and be willing to learn from any source, situation, or opportunity. You should be curious, flexible, and adaptable to the changing needs and demands of your field. You should also be humble, respectful, and appreciative of the diversity and complexity of the non-profit sector. You should also be open to feedback, criticism, or failure, and use them as opportunities to grow and improve. You should also celebrate your achievements, successes, and contributions, and acknowledge the efforts and impacts of others.