LIBAC Case Study

Revitalizing a WANING Community Organization

Executive Summary

As Public Relations Chair (2021-2023) and strategic advisor (2024-2026) to the Liberian Community Association of Greater Charlotte (LIBAC), I led a multi-year organizational transformation of a 50-year-old diaspora nonprofit serving one of Charlotte's fastest-growing immigrant communities. This work spanned crisis response during COVID-19, communications strategy, and ultimately, a comprehensive organizational development initiative positioning LIBAC for long-term sustainability.

Timeline: 2021-2026 (5 years)
Scope: 501(c)(3) serving thousands of Liberian immigrants in the Charlotte metropolitan area

The Challenge

Context: A Community at a Crossroads

Founded in 1996 (originally as LICOMA) to unite Liberian immigrants fleeing civil war, LIBAC had become critical infrastructure for Charlotte's Liberian diaspora—one of the largest in the United States. But by 2024, the organization faced an existential crisis.

Organizational Challenges:

Leadership Crisis

  • Founding leadership aging out without succession plan

  • Board burnout and disengagement

  • No institutional knowledge transfer system

  • History of contentious leadership transitions

Mission Drift

  • 1990s mission no longer relevant to 2024 community needs

  • Programming disconnected from second-generation Liberians

  • Unclear value proposition to potential members

  • No strategic vision beyond annual cultural events

Operational Dysfunction

  • Financial instability (event-dependent revenue model)

  • No strategic plan or measurable objectives

  • Fragmented communication (no centralized database, reliance on word-of-mouth)

  • Minimal partnerships with other Charlotte organizations

Community Disconnection

  • Declining volunteer participation

  • Low awareness of LIBAC activities outside core members

  • Second-generation Liberians (U.S.-born youth) felt disconnected from organization

  • No formal needs assessment of community priorities

The COVID-19 Catalyst (2020-2021)

The pandemic intensified these challenges while also creating urgent community needs:

  • Liberian immigrants (many in service industries) faced job loss

  • Language barriers complicated access to unemployment benefits

  • Lack of centralized information on COVID resources

  • Isolation exacerbated mental health challenges

  • Community members needed burial assistance as COVID deaths mounted

LIBAC needed to respond to immediate crisis while building long-term capacity.

My Role & Approach

Phase 1: Crisis Response & Communications (2021-2023)

Role: Public Relations Chair & Membership Chair

As an appointed committee member, I led LIBAC's pandemic response and external communications strategy:

Humanitarian Aid Coordination

  • PPE Distribution: Organized donation drives and distributed masks, sanitizer, and hygiene products to 100+ families

  • Food Security: Coordinated need-based food vouchers for families experiencing job loss

  • Housing Assistance: Connected members to mortgage/rent relief programs

  • Burial Support: Established fund to assist families with funeral expenses (contributed to 8 burial expense funds)

  • Senior Care Packages: Delivered canned goods and hygiene products to elderly community members

Communications Infrastructure Building

  • Social Media Revitalization: Rebuilt dormant Instagram (@libac) and Facebook presence

  • Database Development: Created first centralized contact database (transitioned from paper lists to digital system)

  • Newsletter Launch: Established regular email communications to keep community informed

  • Community Resource Guide: Compiled "places of worship, recommended businesses, city/state information" for new immigrants

Membership Growth & Engagement

  • Volunteer Recruitment: Launched campaigns to rebuild volunteer base

  • Event Promotion: Marketed youth development programs (back-to-school events, scholarship recognition)

  • Cultural Celebrations: Promoted Independence Day festivities, bowling events, and community gatherings

  • Economic Empowerment: Spotlighted Liberian-owned small businesses

Results:

  • LIBAC became go-to resource for Liberians navigating pandemic

  • Rebuilt trust through transparent, consistent communication

  • Demonstrated organizational value during crisis

  • Set foundation for larger transformation

Phase 2: Strategic Assessment (Sept-Dec 2024)

Role: Volunteer Strategic Advisor

After stepping off the board to focus on my MPA studies and corporate career, I was invited back in 2024 to lead LIBAC's organizational renewal as the 2020-2024 administration prepared to transition.

Creating the Introduction Deck (Sept 2024)

I developed a comprehensive "Introduction to LIBAC" presentation to:

  • Articulate LIBAC's history, mission, and current programming

  • Create materials for partnership development (potential funders, city officials, corporate sponsors)

  • Establish LIBAC's credibility for grant applications

  • Serve as onboarding tool for new board members

Key Content:

  • Historical Timeline: 1970s informal gatherings → 1996 incorporation → 1990s-2010s civil war refugee influx → Today (thousands of registered members)

  • Current Achievements: Youth development, humanitarian aid, community services, economic empowerment, cultural preservation

  • Leadership Profiles: Introduced President Rick W. Mensah (registered nurse, former LACBRASKA National VP) and VP William Z. Russ (entrepreneur, faith leader)

  • Desired Impact: Aspirational programming (community center, youth mentorship, job training, civic engagement workshops)

This deck became LIBAC's first professional marketing collateral and was used in presentations to potential partners including city council members and corporate sponsors.

Comprehensive Organizational Assessment

I conducted a multi-method needs assessment:

1. SWOT Analysis with Leadership

  • Facilitated board workshop identifying organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats

  • Key insight: LIBAC's strength was cultural credibility; weakness was lack of systems

2. Community Engagement

  • Surveys: Distributed questionnaires to 100+ community members

  • Focus Groups: Hosted small-group discussions (elders, youth, women, entrepreneurs)

  • Town Halls: Organized open community meetings for input

Key Findings:

  • What community wanted: Youth programming, professional networking, immigration support, mental health resources, advocacy

  • What they didn't want: Events limited to annual cultural celebrations

  • Generational gap: Second-generation felt LIBAC was "for my parents, not for me"

  • Equity concerns: Women and youth felt underrepresented in leadership

3. Financial Audit

  • Reviewed financial records with treasurer

  • Identified unsustainable revenue model (90% event ticket sales)

  • Discovered no grant funding despite 501(c)(3) status

  • Found minimal expense tracking and budget planning

Phase 3: Strategic Planning & Roadmap (Oct 2024 - Jan 2026)

Developed Comprehensive Strategic Plan

I designed LIBAC's first written strategic plan with measurable 3-year goals across five priority areas:

1. Membership Growth

  • Goal: Increase active members by 40% by 2027

  • Strategies: Recruit second-generation leaders, create young professional network, launch family membership tiers

2. Youth Engagement

  • Goal: Launch youth leadership program reaching 50+ young Liberians annually

  • Strategies: Mentorship matching, college prep workshops, cultural heritage education, Liberian Youth Council

3. Financial Sustainability

  • Goal: Diversify revenue streams beyond events

  • Strategies: Establish membership dues structure, pursue grants, secure corporate sponsorships, launch annual giving campaign

4. Community Impact

  • Goal: Partner with 5+ Charlotte organizations to expand service reach

  • Strategies: MOUs with immigrant resource centers, faith-based organizations, workforce development agencies

5. Advocacy & Civic Engagement

  • Goal: Position LIBAC as voice for Liberian community on policy issues

  • Strategies: Citizenship workshops, voter registration drives, partnership with local elected officials, immigration policy advocacy

Created Implementation Roadmap

Oct-Dec 2024: Foundation

  • Conduct assessments

  • Engage community

  • Evaluate leadership

  • Redefine mission/vision

Jan-Mar 2025: Strategy Development

  • Finalize strategic plan

  • Improve communication infrastructure

  • Launch fundraising initiatives

Apr-Sep 2025: Implementation

  • Begin executing strategic priorities

  • Enhance operational systems

  • Rebrand if necessary

Oct-Dec 2025: Sustainability

  • Succession planning

  • Leadership pipeline development

  • Knowledge management

Jan 2026: Transition Support

  • Equip incoming administration with tools, playbooks, and transition documents

Governance Restructuring

Board Competency Matrix: Identified skill gaps and created recruitment priorities:

  • Needed expertise: Fundraising, legal/compliance, communications, youth programming, financial management, grant writing

Committee Structure: Designed five committees with clear charters:

  1. Fundraising Committee: Grant research, donor cultivation, corporate partnerships

  2. Community Engagement Committee: Event planning, volunteer management, membership recruitment

  3. Program Development Committee: Youth programs, cultural initiatives, educational workshops

  4. Communications Committee: Social media, newsletter, website, PR

  5. Advocacy Committee: Policy monitoring, partnership building, civic education

Advisory Council: Recommended creating advisory board of subject-matter experts (immigration lawyers, nonprofit consultants, corporate sponsors) to provide guidance without governance responsibilities

Key Deliverables

1. Introduction to LIBAC Presentation

Professional deck used for partnership development, featuring:

  • Mission, vision, history

  • Current programming and achievements

  • Leadership profiles

  • Desired impact and expansion plans

  • How to support LIBAC

2. Revitalizing LIBAC Strategic Roadmap (12 slides)

Comprehensive organizational development plan covering:

  • Mission/vision refinement

  • SWOT analysis framework

  • Governance restructuring

  • 3-year strategic plan

  • Community engagement strategy

  • Fundraising diversification

  • Operational improvements

  • Sustainability planning

  • 15-month implementation timeline

3. Operational Toolkits

  • Board Recruitment Toolkit: Job descriptions, competency matrix, onboarding checklist

  • Fundraising Playbook: Grant calendar, sponsorship proposal templates, donor stewardship guidelines

  • Communications Templates: Newsletter templates, social media calendar, press release formats

  • Volunteer Management System: Role descriptions, recruitment materials, recognition framework

  • Event Planning Checklists: For cultural celebrations, fundraisers, workshops

4. Organizational Handbook

50+ page resource documenting:

  • LIBAC's history and evolution

  • Bylaws and governance policies

  • Committee charters and responsibilities

  • Financial procedures

  • Standard operating procedures

  • Institutional knowledge from outgoing leadership

5. Transition Package for 2026 Leadership

  • Strategic plan with Year 1 action items

  • Progress dashboard with KPIs

  • Stakeholder contact database

  • Partnership opportunities pipeline

  • Lessons learned and recommendations

Results & Impact

Immediate Outcomes (2021-2024)

AreaAchievementCrisis ResponseServed 100+ families during COVID-19 pandemicHumanitarian AidDistributed PPE, food vouchers, housing assistance; contributed to 8 burial fundsCommunicationsRebuilt social media presence; created first centralized contact databaseCommunity EngagementPromoted youth events, cultural celebrations, small business spotlightOrganizational CredibilityLIBAC positioned as trusted community resource during crisis

Strategic Planning Outcomes (2024-2026)

MetricResultStrategic PlanningFirst comprehensive 3-year plan in organization's 50-year historyCommunity Input75+ members engaged in needs assessmentGovernance DesignBoard restructuring with 5 specialized committeesDocumentation50+ pages of toolkits, templates, and SOPsKnowledge TransferFull transition package for 2026 administrationPartnership PositioningProfessional materials for funders, city officials, corporate sponsors

Long-Term Impact

1. Mission Clarity LIBAC now has a clearly articulated mission reflecting contemporary diaspora needs—making it easier to recruit members, attract funding, and communicate value

2. Governance Professionalization Board structure mirrors nonprofit best practices, positioning LIBAC to pursue institutional grants that require governance compliance

3. Financial Sustainability Pathway Diversified revenue model (membership dues + grants + sponsorships + events) reduces dependency on unpredictable event revenue

4. Intergenerational Bridge Strategic focus on youth programming and second-generation leadership creates pathway for organizational continuity

5. Civic Infrastructure LIBAC positioned as essential immigrant community infrastructure—able to partner with city government, school systems, and workforce development agencies

6. Cultural Preservation Documentation of LIBAC's history ensures that 50 years of community-building isn't lost during leadership transitions

What Made This Work Distinctive

1. Diaspora-Centered Design

I understood the cultural context in ways an external consultant couldn't:

  • Language nuance: Facilitating in ways that honored Liberian English and communication styles

  • Generational dynamics: Navigating tension between elders (who founded LIBAC) and youth (who felt excluded)

  • Trust-building: My Liberian heritage created immediate credibility and psychological safety for honest feedback

  • Cultural preservation vs. evolution: Balancing respect for tradition with need for innovation

2. Crisis + Strategy Integration

Rather than treating COVID response and long-term planning as separate, I used crisis as catalyst:

  • Humanitarian aid demonstrated LIBAC's value → rebuilt community trust

  • Crisis revealed organizational gaps → created appetite for change

  • Emergency response built systems (database, communication channels) → became permanent infrastructure

3. Capacity Building, Not Dependency

Every deliverable was designed for volunteer leaders to own:

  • Toolkits used plain language, not consultant jargon

  • Templates were editable (not locked PDFs requiring expert support)

  • Training was embedded in documents (not dependent on my ongoing availability)

  • Recommendations prioritized low-cost solutions (free tech, volunteer labor) over budget-intensive options

4. Bridging Corporate & Grassroots

I translated Fortune 500 methodologies for a volunteer-led organization:

  • Strategic planning → Adapted 3-5 year horizons to volunteer bandwidth

  • SWOT analysis → Facilitated in culturally resonant ways

  • Board governance → Simplified Robert's Rules for practical application

  • Change management → Acknowledged emotional dimensions of organizational transformation

Challenges & Solutions

ChallengeSolutionVolunteer BandwidthDesigned "light touch" implementation—templates requiring minimal customizationGenerational TensionCreated youth advisory committee giving second-generation voice without threatening elder authorityResource ConstraintsPrioritized free/low-cost technology (Mailchimp, Google Workspace, Canva)Stakeholder SkepticismLed with community assessment data—framed recommendations as "what your community told us," not external impositionCompeting VisionsUsed mission/vision as North Star—every debate returned to "Does this serve our mission?"Fear of ChangeCelebrated early wins visibly (social media reach, event attendance) to build momentumCultural Preservation ConcernsEmphasized that modernization serves cultural preservation—better systems mean stronger organization to carry culture forward

Lessons Learned

1. Pro Bono Requires Boundaries (Even for Community Work)

As a Liberian-American personally invested in LIBAC's success, I struggled with scope creep. I found myself:

  • Attending every event (not just strategic meetings)

  • Drafting social media posts (not just strategy documents)

  • Mediating interpersonal conflicts (not just organizational design)

What I learned: Sustainable community leadership requires boundaries. I had to define: "I'm providing strategic advisory services, not operational support"—and stick to it.

2. Documentation Is an Act of Love

In diaspora organizations, institutional knowledge lives in elders' memories. When they step back, decades of relationships, history, and cultural wisdom disappear.

My approach: I treated documentation as community preservation—not bureaucracy, but honoring ancestors. This framing made people want to contribute to the organizational handbook.

3. Change Agents Need Permission to Lead

Some community members resisted my involvement: "She's young, she's been gone [living outside Charlotte], she's too corporate."

What worked: Rick Mensah (LIBAC President) publicly championed my work. His endorsement gave me permission to lead. Lesson: External consultants (even community members) need internal champions.

4. Second-Generation Engagement Requires Intentionality

U.S.-born Liberians felt LIBAC was "old people talking about Liberia." To engage them, we had to:

  • Create youth-specific programming (not just invite youth to adult events)

  • Use social media, not just WhatsApp/phone trees

  • Connect cultural heritage to identity formation (not just nostalgia)

Key insight: Diaspora organizations that don't adapt to second generation won't survive.

Why This Matters

This work matters beyond LIBAC. Strong diaspora organizations are critical infrastructure for immigrant communities—providing:

  • Cultural Preservation: Maintaining language, traditions, and identity across generations

  • Economic Mobility: Professional networks, business connections, workforce development

  • Civic Power: Collective organizing, policy advocacy, political representation

  • Crisis Support: Mutual aid during emergencies, burial assistance, housing support

  • Belonging: Social connection in contexts of marginalization and displacement

When diaspora organizations fail, communities lose more than a nonprofit—they lose a cornerstone of identity, solidarity, and collective power.

My work with LIBAC represents a commitment to ensuring that immigrant communities have the organizational capacity of any well-resourced institution—because strong communities deserve strong infrastructure.

Media & Recognition

  • LIBAC Website: Featured on organization's site

  • Community Town Halls: Presented strategic plan at public forums and hosted civic engagement event

  • Social Media: Instagram (@libac), Facebook, Telegram community engagement

Skills Demonstrated

  • Nonprofit Strategy & Organizational Development

  • Diaspora Community Organizing

  • Crisis Response & Humanitarian Aid

  • Board Development & Governance Design

  • Strategic Planning & Theory of Change

  • Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation

  • Fundraising Strategy & Grant Readiness

  • Communications & Marketing

  • Change Management

  • Cultural Competency & Cross-Generational Bridge-Building

  • Knowledge Management & Documentation

  • Volunteer Management

  • Pro Bono Consulting

This case study demonstrates my ability to bridge corporate organizational development expertise with grassroots community organizing—proving that strategic excellence serves social justice when applied with cultural humility and genuine commitment to community empowerment.

For more information about my approach to diaspora capacity building and community-centered organizational development, visit elletokpah.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.