Power Shifting

Power shifting is a process to understand the power you have by virtue of privilege, founders’ syndrome, delegating, sharing and shifting power. While there are no formulas for shifting power, there are many things you can do to start the process.

“How do you shift power in a system?” It is a question I hear and entertain more and more lately, as many of us in nonprofits have worked for decades to create systems change, more often than not with little or underwhelming result.

This publication provides case studies and geospatial best practices for incorporating sea level rise into wetland conservation priorities to support adaptation.

"An increasing number of nonprofits are working to change that. They’re listening to the people they serve to shift more power to them. And their self-reflections on how listening is transforming their relationships with the people they serve."

Three land trusts sued six electric power corporations that own and operate fossil-fuel-fired power plants in 20 states for nuisance. The Court held that corporations cannot be sued for greenhouse gas emissions under federal common law because GHG emission management is delegated to the EPA.

William Ury explains how listening is the essential, and often overlooked, half of communication. His stories of candid conversations with presidents and business leaders provide us with impactful lessons, such as understanding the power of a human mind opening up.

It is vitally important that we acknowledge false stories, such as the discovery of an untouched wilderness; explore power dynamics (race, class, gender) that shaped the history of the conservation movement; and the adverse impact on people and communities of color and low-income communities.

Explore the complex dynamics of identity terms and their impact on understanding diversity and inclusion.