Balancing Power in Decision-Making - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

"The thing is, power dynamics themselves aren't the problem. It's that Western society teaches us that power belongs only to dominant groups, when in fact there are many layers and forms of power. There is also power that resides within each individual, and power we wield when we move together even amidst difference. The key is to activate these other forms of power in strategic planning."

"The key is to activate these other forms of power in strategic planning. Power Within: Holding Space for True Agency Every person possesses an inner flame of agency and internal sovereignty-a power within. It represents our ability to perceive, think, and act from a place of reflection, internal coherence, and grounding in self. It grows when we find internal harmony and a sense of self-worth."

Strategic planning must redistribute influence so beneficiaries and staff share meaningful power with positional leaders. Power appears concentrated in dominant groups due to Western social conditioning, but power exists in many forms, including individual internal agency and collective power. Activating power within individuals and power that arises when people move together helps counter privilege-driven bias in decision-making. Internal agency is an inner flame of reflection, coherence, and grounded self-worth that supports perception, thought, and action. Deliberate design of collaboration processes should center these varied power forms to ensure strategies reflect those most affected rather than solely positional authority.

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