What’s Hope Got to Do With It? The Power of Hope During Times of Uncertainty

In an era of heightened uncertainty and shifting landscapes, nonprofit and social sector leaders face increasing challenges. This session will discuss hope science, an evidence-based framework that strengthens resilience and well-being, to help leaders strategically navigate obstacles, maintain focus on their goals, and cultivate innovative pathways for sustainability. Participants will explore how goal setting, adaptive problem solving, and willpower can serve as powerful tools to drive organizational success, inspire teams, and build a future that remains mission-driven, even in turbulent times.

Pre-Session Activity
Before the session, please complete the free strengths finder survey through VIA Institute on Character. This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. After completing the survey, just access the free report. It isn’t necessary to purchase the long report.

Resource for Further Reading
Hope and resilience as protective factors linked to lower burnout among child welfare workers
By Angela B. Pharris , Ricky T. Munoz , Chan M. Hellman
Children and Youth Services Review; 2022

Takeaways

• How to apply hope science principles—goal-setting, adaptive problem-solving, and willpower—to navigate uncertainty, sustain their mission, and strengthen organizational resilience
• The difference between hope and a wish
• How to assess you own hope and use question prompts to critically examine how the loss of hope may impact workforce, client, and community outcomes
• Strategies for nurturing hope