2021: A Year Of Rebuilding
2020 was a rough year, but we made it through.
Our supporters gave their way to a record end of year giving season. Coupled to The Renewal monthly giving family being at the largest size in our history, Operation Broken Silence is well-positioned to make a comeback.
But getting the programs we support in Sudan back to normal funding levels is going to take hard work and determination.
As I mentioned frequently throughout 2020, Operation Broken Silence’s support base was hit disproportionality hard by job losses and paycheck deductions. This has improved over the past few months, but we still have quite a few supporters forced to the sidelines by the economic crisis.
There are a number of other obstacles in our path. The pandemic will be with us for most of 2021, restraining our ability to have impactful, in-person events. Political instability here in the United States is the new normal for the foreseeable future. The dual threats of COVID-19 and war loom large over the Nuba Mountains and Yida Refugee Camp.
Still, when one of our supporters asked me last week how I feel about 2021, my answer was “Cautiously optimistic.”
Because of your generosity at the end of 2020, the worst appears to be behind us. There are encouraging signs outside of our control as well: the vaccination effort is ramping up and another round of US federal stimulus, if passed, will lead to a much shorter recovery period than the 2008 financial crisis.
In the coming months, Audrey and I will roll out several ways you can help us rebuild. Some actions will be familiar, such as joining our monthly giving family The Renewal. Others will answer your questions about beloved events like our annual gala, which is tentatively slated for May.
There is something we need your help with right now though.
A private donor is boosting our rebuilding efforts by generously matching all donations made to our Endowment Fund, up to $25,000 total.
You’ve already claimed $5,760 of this match. Great start! We’re hoping to secure the remaining match over the next several weeks. Can you pitch in $50 right now?
If you didn’t know we have an Endowment Fund, that’s entirely understandable! This isn’t something we talk about much. You can learn more about why this special fund is so important here.
Considering that there is still so much uncertainty in the world, growing our Endowment with this unique opportunity makes sense right now. The sooner we knock this out, the sooner we can move on to meeting the other rebuilding items on our agenda.
Thank you again for sticking with us through 2020. I’m excited for what lies ahead this year. We have our work cut out for us; but, together, I know we can meet the challenges that lie ahead. Take care.
Onward,
Mark C. Hackett
Executive Director
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more here.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.
