Holding Space: A Path to Collective Care
You may have first encountered the idea of holding space during the now viral interview, where Cynthia Erivo reflected on how her rendition of Defying Gravity invites listeners to connect deeply with its powerful lyrics. However, for those of us working in nonprofits—especially those centering equity—this idea is a familiar cornerstone of our practice.
We understand the importance of being intentional in holding space for new voices, fresh ideas, ongoing learnings, and even the difficult work of unlearning. But what does “holding space” truly mean?
What Is Holding Space?
Heather Plett, who popularized the term in 2015, describes it as the practice of being fully present and supportive for someone without judgment, unsolicited advice, or trying to control the outcome. Holding space means creating an environment where others feel safe to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences freely.
Key elements of holding space include:
Presence: Being fully attentive and engaged in the moment.
Non-Judgment: Accepting others’ emotions and experiences without criticism.
Support: Providing emotional or physical assistance without imposing solutions.
Empathy: Demonstrating understanding and compassion.
Respect for Autonomy: Allowing others to navigate their own journeys without interference.
Holding Space in 2025
As we approach a new year, the practice of holding space must remain central in our interactions—with those we serve, our peers, and our teams. The road ahead brings both predictable challenges, such as federal budget cuts, policy changes, and shifting regulations, as well as unforeseen hurdles we have yet to encounter.
Thankfully, the lessons of recent years have equipped us with tools to navigate these moments. The pandemic underscored the necessity of self-care, burnout prevention, and work-life balance. These principles should remain non-negotiable, as they form the foundation for our ability to care for others.
Imagine we are on a plane, and the cabin loses pressure. The oxygen masks drop, and we put ours on first. Only then can we turn to help others with theirs. Now, it’s time for self-care to evolve into collective care.
Key Differences of Self-Care vs. Collective Care
Collective Care in Action
At Mission Capital, we often describe ourselves as serving the “first responders” of our community. Behind the curtain, as stage managers, or perhaps as the pit crew, ensuring everything functions smoothly, we are honored to fill that role and support the true heroes on the ground: the leaders and organizations directly serving those most in need.
With our masks securely on, we are now turning our attention outward to hold space for collective care. Whether you need to build community, your organization needs to refine strategic direction, or you want to participate in conversations to tackle systemic challenges, we are here to listen, learn, and co-create solutions with you.
Before our team went on break, we held a luncheon for nonprofit leaders where our CEO, Ira Williams, III, led a fruitful conversation. Attendees shared their thoughts on succession planning, expected upcoming policy changes, and fostering deeper collaboration within our sector.
We invite you to join the conversation. We want to hear from you about these topics or whatever else is on your mind. What can we do for you that we’re not doing already? What should we keep doing? How can we show up differently for you in 2025?
Let's come together, Central Texas, in a spirit of unity and compassion, and hold space for each other as we tackle what’s to come.
Sources:
Plett, Heather. “What it means to “hold space” for people, plus eight tips on how to do it well” Heather Plett Blog, 2015.
Collective Care Resources:
Brown, adrienne maree. Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds. AK Press, 2017.
hooks, bell. All About Love: New Visions. William Morrow Paperbacks, 2000.
The Nap Ministry. “Rest is Resistance.”