Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Nonprofit Gold; Moving
The Nonprofit Gold blog has been moved to http://npgold.wordpress.com. Check out the new location today!
Across the Country in a Kart
In the summer of 2008, Jeremy (the Powerball in the new Colorado Mega Millions commercials) and Andy, decided they would travel cross country to explore different forms of art. Instead of the traditional car trip, these two friends decided they would do it in a golf kart. Not just any golf kart but a piece of art which traveled at a top speed of 35... if they were lucky. Now you might ask what does any of this have to do with nonprofits?Jeremy and Andy wanted to explore what makes people tick. They met artists who played music. They met artists who made political statements. They met artists who just thought they were artists but most of all, they wanted to showcase how art helps build community. In many of the cities, they found strangers who would open up their homes to them and allow them to stay the night for free just for the love of art.
In the beginning, Jeremy and Andy thought their trip would be one of a fun summer traveling across the county. After 108 days in the kart, they touched the lives of hundreds, got pulled over numerous times (no tickets), showed how art is at the heart of communities across the country and showed us that community begins with us. Without the strengths of us, many of our nonprofits would not even exist.
These two friends took a chance on their golf kart just as many of our executive directors took a chance on making a difference by forming our organizations. Take a chance and help create change in your community.
P.S. - Help Jeremy and Andy finish creating their documentary by supporting them at http://www.kickstarter.com.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Walking Away
When is it alright to just walk away from a struggling organization? How long can someone stay sane in an organization which is dying or treats its employees in a negative way? When does an organization have time to hire a new employee or read the numerous resumes which will be sent? How can the nonprofit sector prepare to walk away from an employee or when can an employee feel comfortable to walk away from a position.
The answers to these questions are causing waves in the nonprofit sector. Many employees are staying longer in a position they do not desire because of the small job market out there. Others are afraid if they walk away they will remain unemployed. On the other hand, organizations are staying with the their employees even if some are under performing. Many organizations are worried about their bottom lines and when an employee leaves, they are refocusing the duties of that position to other employees.
How does any of this benefit the employee or the organization? The employee feels negative when entering the work place and then is not as effective as they need to be. The organization could accomplish more with a new employee but to go through the hiring process now is a nightmare. What executive director wants to sift through 50-100 applications for an entry position? Employees who stay with a sinking ship (either financial or leadership problems) feel resentment for the added work when an employee leaves.
In this economy, individuals are being forced to continue working in a job they don't like. Imagine how efficient organizations would be if they had employees who loved what they were doing. In no way is it easy for anyone in this economy to walk away from a position (in my own situation, it took a year and a half to leave my prior organization). As a professional in a negative situation, it is your responsibility to get out. Would you stay with a partner who was treating you poorly? So why do we stay in organizations which treat us badly? Is it for the paycheck or the benefits? In the long run, it is important for us to be happy and if it means finding a different job which pays less than we must do it.
Take a chance and apply for that position which you might think is out of your reach. What's the worst thing that happens to you? You don't get the job. There are other places where you will be happier.
The answers to these questions are causing waves in the nonprofit sector. Many employees are staying longer in a position they do not desire because of the small job market out there. Others are afraid if they walk away they will remain unemployed. On the other hand, organizations are staying with the their employees even if some are under performing. Many organizations are worried about their bottom lines and when an employee leaves, they are refocusing the duties of that position to other employees.
How does any of this benefit the employee or the organization? The employee feels negative when entering the work place and then is not as effective as they need to be. The organization could accomplish more with a new employee but to go through the hiring process now is a nightmare. What executive director wants to sift through 50-100 applications for an entry position? Employees who stay with a sinking ship (either financial or leadership problems) feel resentment for the added work when an employee leaves.
In this economy, individuals are being forced to continue working in a job they don't like. Imagine how efficient organizations would be if they had employees who loved what they were doing. In no way is it easy for anyone in this economy to walk away from a position (in my own situation, it took a year and a half to leave my prior organization). As a professional in a negative situation, it is your responsibility to get out. Would you stay with a partner who was treating you poorly? So why do we stay in organizations which treat us badly? Is it for the paycheck or the benefits? In the long run, it is important for us to be happy and if it means finding a different job which pays less than we must do it.
Take a chance and apply for that position which you might think is out of your reach. What's the worst thing that happens to you? You don't get the job. There are other places where you will be happier.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Sports and Nonprofits
How can a sports team be a nonprofit organization? This is the question I asked myself when one of my co-workers told me about the Memphis Redbirds and how they were a nonprofit organization. After doing some research, I found out they are the Triple A affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals and they are completely run by a foundation.
The organization uses the money to revive baseball for inner city children. I am completely fascinated that an organization takes "America's Pastime" and uses it to help promote a very worthy cause. The thing which put it over the edge for me was the fact many of these players will then be sent to the major leagues where they will make millions of dollars for playing baseball. I hope these players carry on the tradition of giving back to the community when they strike it big. (I have many questions on how these players are paid and how the foundation really works but that is for another day.)
After reading about the Redbirds, I wanted to see if there were any other sports teams which are also nonprofits. I found out that the Green Bay Packers are community owned, elect a board of directors and act as a nonprofit but they are not recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit. I also found many community teams (youth leagues, adult leagues, etc.) which are nonprofit organizations. However the one which really caught my attention was the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association. This is a group of people who get together and play baseball the way the game was played in the late 19th century. Rather than trying to make money, they try and raise awareness about how the game used to be played and show that the game isn't just about money.
While sports teams do give charity to many organizations, I would love to see more nonprofits look at the sporting industry and explore ways to improve our communities through sports. Our society gravitates and lives to watch sporting events. Imagine the potential for your organization to benefit from all this exposure. Bravo to the Memphis Redbirds for continuing to exist as a nonprofit organization and giving back to the community so future generations will continue loving baseball.
The organization uses the money to revive baseball for inner city children. I am completely fascinated that an organization takes "America's Pastime" and uses it to help promote a very worthy cause. The thing which put it over the edge for me was the fact many of these players will then be sent to the major leagues where they will make millions of dollars for playing baseball. I hope these players carry on the tradition of giving back to the community when they strike it big. (I have many questions on how these players are paid and how the foundation really works but that is for another day.)
After reading about the Redbirds, I wanted to see if there were any other sports teams which are also nonprofits. I found out that the Green Bay Packers are community owned, elect a board of directors and act as a nonprofit but they are not recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit. I also found many community teams (youth leagues, adult leagues, etc.) which are nonprofit organizations. However the one which really caught my attention was the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association. This is a group of people who get together and play baseball the way the game was played in the late 19th century. Rather than trying to make money, they try and raise awareness about how the game used to be played and show that the game isn't just about money.
While sports teams do give charity to many organizations, I would love to see more nonprofits look at the sporting industry and explore ways to improve our communities through sports. Our society gravitates and lives to watch sporting events. Imagine the potential for your organization to benefit from all this exposure. Bravo to the Memphis Redbirds for continuing to exist as a nonprofit organization and giving back to the community so future generations will continue loving baseball.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Bringing Faith Back into the Picture
For the last year, I have been a student at Regis University in the Masters of Nonprofit Management program. I have gained more knowledge about nonprofits in the 40 weeks I have been a student than the over 4 years which I have worked in the nonprofit world but something is missing. Where is the class about reaching into the faith-based communities?
As someone who has worked for faith-based organizations for four years, I am surrounded by people who join together because of what they believe. These people give money to the organizations because of a religious connection. Many non-profit organizations are based on religious values or traditions but as a nonprofit sector, we do not do a good job reaching out to the faith-based leaders for support. Below are some areas where faith-based organizations could help your own organization.
Volunteers:
Imagine the number of volunteers your organization could get by reaching out to a synagogue or church. Yes, there are some organizations who have mastered reaching out to the faith-based organizations but many could improve. Recently, the synagogue I work at had over 70 volunteers help out with the 9HealthFair. The 9 Health Fair has found a way to break into the community and offer services where people are (churches, colleges, synagogues, etc.) Many of these people would not have volunteered on their own but did so because of the place where they worship.
Board Members:
Imagine if you could find one board member from each faith. Many churches and synagogues have boards with over 20 people and then they have committees which include another 20-40 people. Imagine if at the next board meeting for a synagogue, you came and talked about the work your organization was doing and that you were looking for someone from the synagogue board to join your board. You would be building a continuing relationship with the synagogue/church and they would know more about your organization.
Resources:
Faith-based organizations have many resources which can benefit your organization. They have people who have money and many of them like to give (in the Orthodox Jewish community, over 90% give money). These organizations also have people in every line of work who are always looking for ways to give back to the community. Utilize their skills by building a relationship with the rabbis, priests and lay leaders of these organizations. Many of these organizations also have space which can be rented or used for a lecture or discussion led by your organization.
Rather than avoiding the topic of religion for fear of being politically correct, I wish nonprofit professionals and educators would figure out a way to break into the faith-based communities. Lets push the boundaries and explore the volunteers, board members and resources we could gain from faith-based organizations.
Note: All new posts will now be written Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Special edition posts will be show up throughout the year.
As someone who has worked for faith-based organizations for four years, I am surrounded by people who join together because of what they believe. These people give money to the organizations because of a religious connection. Many non-profit organizations are based on religious values or traditions but as a nonprofit sector, we do not do a good job reaching out to the faith-based leaders for support. Below are some areas where faith-based organizations could help your own organization.
Volunteers:
Imagine the number of volunteers your organization could get by reaching out to a synagogue or church. Yes, there are some organizations who have mastered reaching out to the faith-based organizations but many could improve. Recently, the synagogue I work at had over 70 volunteers help out with the 9HealthFair. The 9 Health Fair has found a way to break into the community and offer services where people are (churches, colleges, synagogues, etc.) Many of these people would not have volunteered on their own but did so because of the place where they worship.
Board Members:
Imagine if you could find one board member from each faith. Many churches and synagogues have boards with over 20 people and then they have committees which include another 20-40 people. Imagine if at the next board meeting for a synagogue, you came and talked about the work your organization was doing and that you were looking for someone from the synagogue board to join your board. You would be building a continuing relationship with the synagogue/church and they would know more about your organization.
Resources:
Faith-based organizations have many resources which can benefit your organization. They have people who have money and many of them like to give (in the Orthodox Jewish community, over 90% give money). These organizations also have people in every line of work who are always looking for ways to give back to the community. Utilize their skills by building a relationship with the rabbis, priests and lay leaders of these organizations. Many of these organizations also have space which can be rented or used for a lecture or discussion led by your organization.
Rather than avoiding the topic of religion for fear of being politically correct, I wish nonprofit professionals and educators would figure out a way to break into the faith-based communities. Lets push the boundaries and explore the volunteers, board members and resources we could gain from faith-based organizations.
Note: All new posts will now be written Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Special edition posts will be show up throughout the year.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Nonprofit Professionals: The Need to Join a Board
The time is now for nonprofit professionals to begin making changes on nonprofit boards across the country. For too long, these professionals have sat idly by and watched as many boards become too involved with an organization or too complacent. There are many boards who have board members in name only but many of these board members don't even attend a board meeting throughout the year.
This can be changed. Joining a board allows nonprofit professionals the chance to instill knowledge on the roles of the board in relationship with the organizations. Across the country, colleges and universities are beginning to put an emphasis on educating the future leaders of the nonprofit sector. Rather than just using these skills in a professional setting, these students/leaders need to join boards and begin making changes there also.
Many times, I hear my peers and classmates discuss how they don't know how to get on the board or feel that since they cannot provide large financial donations they will not be considered for a board position. Others feel they are too young to be considered for boards. All of these statements are false. There are numerous agencies and organizations who would love to have people who have knowledge of nonprofit organizations on their boards.
The time is now, what board are you going to join?
Below, I am including some steps when looking to join a board:
1. Do your research. Find an organization whose mission you believe in. If the financial commitment for an organization limits your involvement, find one which better fits your budget.
2. Get training. There are numerous organizations which provide training for board members (or future board members.) A national organization, Board Source, is a great resource on available training.
3. Volunteer. Many nonprofit boards look to their volunteers to become new board members. You can also volunteer with an organization first and see if it is a good fit for you and your values.
Check out www.metrovolunteers.org. (A Denver based organization which matches volunteers and organizations.) They have a great section on becoming a board member and can match you to an organization who is looking for board members.
This can be changed. Joining a board allows nonprofit professionals the chance to instill knowledge on the roles of the board in relationship with the organizations. Across the country, colleges and universities are beginning to put an emphasis on educating the future leaders of the nonprofit sector. Rather than just using these skills in a professional setting, these students/leaders need to join boards and begin making changes there also.
Many times, I hear my peers and classmates discuss how they don't know how to get on the board or feel that since they cannot provide large financial donations they will not be considered for a board position. Others feel they are too young to be considered for boards. All of these statements are false. There are numerous agencies and organizations who would love to have people who have knowledge of nonprofit organizations on their boards.
The time is now, what board are you going to join?
Below, I am including some steps when looking to join a board:
1. Do your research. Find an organization whose mission you believe in. If the financial commitment for an organization limits your involvement, find one which better fits your budget.
2. Get training. There are numerous organizations which provide training for board members (or future board members.) A national organization, Board Source, is a great resource on available training.
3. Volunteer. Many nonprofit boards look to their volunteers to become new board members. You can also volunteer with an organization first and see if it is a good fit for you and your values.
Check out www.metrovolunteers.org. (A Denver based organization which matches volunteers and organizations.) They have a great section on becoming a board member and can match you to an organization who is looking for board members.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Hands On, Fingers Out
"Hands On, Fingers Out." On a weekly basis my teacher, David Henninger, uses this phrase to describe one of the most important aspects of board governance. I never knew what he truly meant until I attended a recent board meeting for an organization I volunteer with. Nonprofit organizations are looking for a board to be hands on but doesn't want the board's fingers in every aspect of the day to day operation of the organization.
Many times, the board wants to come to the rescue of the organization and the issues facing the organization but the board hires an executive director to hire staff and to handle these situations with their best judgment. While I believe a board has every right in giving suggestions and acting as a sounding board for the staff (and executive director), I believe the action needs to come from the organization not from the board.
In the board meeting I attended, the board discussed a past program for over 45 minutes and how the board was going to handle the situation which arose from the program. As a younger board member, I felt silenced when I suggested coming up with policies and relationship building exercises which the organization could implement. In this situation, the board became emotionally attached to the situation and rather than guiding the executive director on a plan of action, the board wanted to handle the entire situation.
As a nonprofit professional and board member, I believe it is important for the nonprofit sector to start teaching the importance of being hands on, fingers out. With the help of educators like David, the future leaders of the nonprofit sector can start educating their boards and their staffs on the different roles which exist in organizations. I hope with more experience and knowledge I can begin changing the mentality many of our board members have towards their roles in the nonprofit sector.
Many times, the board wants to come to the rescue of the organization and the issues facing the organization but the board hires an executive director to hire staff and to handle these situations with their best judgment. While I believe a board has every right in giving suggestions and acting as a sounding board for the staff (and executive director), I believe the action needs to come from the organization not from the board.
In the board meeting I attended, the board discussed a past program for over 45 minutes and how the board was going to handle the situation which arose from the program. As a younger board member, I felt silenced when I suggested coming up with policies and relationship building exercises which the organization could implement. In this situation, the board became emotionally attached to the situation and rather than guiding the executive director on a plan of action, the board wanted to handle the entire situation.
As a nonprofit professional and board member, I believe it is important for the nonprofit sector to start teaching the importance of being hands on, fingers out. With the help of educators like David, the future leaders of the nonprofit sector can start educating their boards and their staffs on the different roles which exist in organizations. I hope with more experience and knowledge I can begin changing the mentality many of our board members have towards their roles in the nonprofit sector.
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