Michelle Jewsbury of Unsilenced Voices: 5 Things You Need to Know To Successfully Lead A Nonprofit Organization
Be open and vulnerable: You’ll have to network, share your story repeatedly, and generally be an open book to move people into joining your cause. A nonprofit leader must be willing to speak openly and honestly to connect with others and build a movement.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle Jewsbury.
Michelle Jewsbury is an international philanthropist, speaker, author, and breakthrough coach. In July 2017, Michelle founded Unsilenced Voices, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to live safe, happy lives using financial assistance, community education, and revolutionary blockchain technology. Today, Unsilenced Voices serves communities in the United States, Ghana, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.
Thank you so much for doing this with us. Before we begin our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?
Sure! I’ve been working in the humanitarian sector since 2014, when I volunteered at an orphanage in Guatemala. In 2015, I served as Vice President for Young Vision Africa, a nonprofit organization that encourages young leaders in Sierra Leone to make lasting changes in their country. I left Young Vision Africa in August 2016 to focus my efforts on ending domestic violence after surviving an abusive relationship myself. I wrote, produced, and performed a critically acclaimed play about her experience entitled But I Love Him. The play was so successful that I wrote and published a personal memoir of the same title. And in July 2017, I founded Unsilenced Voices, which has been my work ever since.
Can you tell us the story behind why you decided to start or join your nonprofit?
In 2011, I entered a relationship with someone I loved and trusted very much. A few months into the relationship, he physically attacked me for the first time, setting off the cycle of domestic abuse: violence — remorse/apology/love-bombing — forgiveness/honeymoon stage — build-up to next incident. He slowly and gradually removed each one of my lifelines to family and friends; he took every form of independence I had, including my job and finances; and he took every bit of self-respect or resolve I had left. It took me four years to finally escape from that situation, and when I did, I decided to use my background in nonprofit work to help other people trapped in abusive situations to get free, find their voice, and regain their lives like I did.
Can you describe how you or your organization aims to make a significant social impact?
We are building safer communities in multiple countries by providing domestic violence and sexual assault survivors with financial assistance grants, housing resources, vocational training, legal counsel, and mental health support. When survivors are given a hand up to stand on their own two feet, they really thrive and give so much back to their communities. We also work to educate the public, law enforcement, and other organizations on how best to respond to domestic violence reports and help survivors.
Without saying any names, can you share a story about an individual who was helped by your idea so far?
We’re one of the new nonprofits that incorporates Web3.0 technology into our strategies, for example, we held an NFT art competition in Sierra Leone to raise money for women and girls who had survived domestic violence there. The winner was a young girl who, at age 17, had already experienced horrific family abuse and cared for her younger siblings. She showed a real talent for drawing and painting, and with the money she earned through our organization, she can now attend vocational training school, buy school supplies and lunch, and her talent to make her and her family’s lives better for the future.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
- Rehabilitate abusers: There need to be effective, therapeutic interventions available and required for all convicted violent offenders.
- Educate law enforcement: Police and other law enforcement officials need to be properly educated on the warning signs of an abusive household, the cycle of abuse, how to respond, and how to follow up.
- Respect and believe survivors: As a society, we need to change the way we treat people who report domestic violence and sexual assault so that they’ll speak up. Right now, we consistently mock and accuse survivors of lying; we put them and their pasts on trial; we publicly shame and humiliate survivors, often with no justice at the end of it, which is why so many people don’t even bother reporting their abuse. They know they won’t be heard.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
A good leader is empathetic — they can put themselves in the shoes of the people who work for them and the people they serve. This skill is crucial to being effective at enacting any kind of change and solving any kind of mission as a team. A leader must work diligently to implement change that is accepted by society at large; they must not name-blame, shame or put others down when they make mistakes, but simply educate. A strong leader must also be courageous, willing to do what others won’t, willing to take a stand first, and willing to do the same things they ask of others.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 things a person should know before they decide to start a nonprofit”? Please share a story or example for each.
- It’s a lot more work than you think! There’s so much behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t get publicity or attention, but it’s all important in furthering your goal.
- Run it like a business: Maximize income, minimize costs. Being smart with your organization’s finances is not only good for you, but also the best way to serve your community.
- Learn about fundraising: You can’t implement any change without proper funding for your organization, so learn effective techniques from other nonprofits or mentors who do similar work.
- It’s very rewarding to see your work changing lives in real time. All the hard work and sacrifice really pays off in this sector.
- Be open and vulnerable: You’ll have to network, share your story repeatedly, and generally be an open book to move people into joining your cause. A nonprofit leader must be willing to speak openly and honestly to connect with others and build a movement.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your nonprofit? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
My dream collaborator would be, unsurprisingly, Oprah Winfrey! I’d also love to have the support of Reese Witherspoon. Both of those women do so much good in the world, particularly for fellow women and children.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson” Quote? How is that relevant to you in your life?
“Just keep swimming!” from Finding Nemo — Every day, I encounter someone who has experienced terrible trauma in life, and I try to leave others with the encouragement to keep persevering. I also say it to myself multiple times per day!
How can our readers follow you online?
You can visit our website at www.unsilencedvoices.org and follow us on Instagram @unsilencedvoices
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your mission.
Thank you for having me, I appreciate the support! — Michelle Jewsbury
Michelle Jewsbury of Unsilenced Voices: 5 Things You Need to Know To Successfully Lead A Nonprofit… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.