Does technology move my organization forward? Ask the Amish.
I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to question how much all these social media platforms are actually helping my clients’ nonprofits and businesses. I mean REALLY moving the needle forward into building a thriving organization.
Anyone else starting to think this way?
The dizzying array of available social media options and new technologies can send nonprofit leaders and solopreneurs like you into a tailspin. What to embrace to move the needle forward and what to avoid? How is one to know?
Well, the Amish might have a clue.
That’s right. The "horse-buggy-driving-power-grid-avoiding-bonnet-wearing" Amish have some sharp advice for your organization.
I was recently reminded from Cal Newport that the Amish people have a thoughtful and elegant approach to technology that has allowed the their culture, communities and traditions to thrive despite the encroaching outside world and all it’s noise and distractions.
When a new technology appears, the elders test it. Then they decide whether to adopt it or shun it based on one critical question:
Does this technology move us toward stronger family and community bonds?
If yes, then they adopt it.
But If answer is no - then they shun it forever.
Cars are one example. The Amish tried them. They noticed that when people had free time, they drove away from the community instead of visiting neighbors or supporting local shops. So they chose not to keep them.
The questions they don’t ask are even more interesting.
They don’t ask:
"will this technology make my life more convenient?”
“will this technology make make my business more profitable?”
“will this technology make things easier?”
“is everyone else using this?”
“will it be more fun?”
Because the answer to all these could be a re-sounding “YES” and still the new technology could be hurting your organization in the long (and short) term.
So let’s ask the bigger questions.
Is this technology serving your guiding principles and mission?
Or is it creating busy work and distraction?
Can you measure the difference?
Have you taken the time to articulate and write down your big goals and guiding principles like the Amish have done?
Here are some examples of possible Guiding Principles for a nonprofit start up:
Mission First – Every decision supports real impact.
Lead with Dignity – Serve in ways that empower people.
Build Community – Create belonging, not transactions.
Sustain the Team – Care for the people doing the work.
Keep It Simple – Clear systems help us grow.
Now let’s apply this to a “technology” like social media — say, Facebook.
Does being on Facebook move your mission forward?
Or is it better for staying connected to people who already support you?
Is it a place to grow awareness — or simply nurture community?
Should you even be there?
If yes, are you using it intentionally — like a focused group for the people you actually serve?
Does the time you spend on Facebook reflect your guiding principles?
Or would that time be better spent face-to-face in your community — or creating content that lives longer, like on YouTube?
If it doesn’t clearly serve the mission, kick it to the curb or at least reconsider it.
I’m not suggesting you cast off all technology, buy a wide-brimmed hat, and move to a farm. I am suggesting you track how much time you’re giving to shiny apps — and ask whether they are measurably moving your organization toward its big goals.
Just because everyone else is doing something doesn’t mean you should. In fact, when everyone is doing something, that might be the moment to pause.
Maybe it’s time to go Amish on your business.
Tell me your guiding principles. Then let’s explore which tools truly help you live them.