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Volunteering Above the Neck: Be a Nonprofit Board Member
By Diana Kern, Vice President of Programs for NEW
There are estimated to be over 1.5 million nonprofits in the United States. If every nonprofit has a minimum of four volunteer board members (most have many more than that) then over 6 million people are volunteering as nonprofit board trustees! In Michigan, it is estimated that there are over 2500 nonprofit board and committee positions vacant on any given day. Today, more than ever, nonprofits need volunteer board members who can provide their experience, their time, and specifically, their brain, to help the organization achieve and hopefully, exceed its mission. Those open board and committee positions are waiting to be filled with people who can provide their brain power.
Expelling Myths About Nonprofit Board Service
Today, many nonprofits are looking to diversify their nonprofit boards and volunteer committees. Nonprofit executive directors, community foundations, private funders and donors in local communities all want to see the right combination of individuals leading our nonprofits. BoardConnect, the board training and matching program that is operated by NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work) gathers data to find out why community members decide to serve on boards. We also hear the many myths that still exist about serving on a nonprofit board.
There are three distinct assumptions about nonprofit board service heard from people under 40 years of age:
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You have to be retired to serve on a nonprofit board
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You have to have a lot of money to give to be "placed" on a nonprofit board
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I don't have the time to give with my work schedule and my family commitments.
Many nonprofit boards need and want younger people to serve. Why? They bring new ideas, fresh approaches to marketing, technology, human resource topics and more. Most boards want a true mix of individuals and age is not a major factor.
When it comes to money, no nonprofit would turn away a board member who can also contribute, substantially, to the organization. That being said, ask most executive directors what they really want and they will say I need engaged, committed, trained and open-minded individuals who can either give money, get money or engage in activities to help fulfill the fundraising needs of the organization.
Best practices today call for 100% board member participation in annual giving. However, many nonprofits take the approach that board members should give as they can give. They accept sliding scales based on board members' financial ability to give. Some boards do have annual giving requirements and some of those boards do have large expectations. So, you can ask to determine if the giving policy works for you.
Finally, there is that concern about time. Depending on how often a board meets and the internal policy on committee structures, most community members can give as little as 6 hours a month to their nonprofit service and still provide exceptional leadership and oversight. Much of our role is to be an ambassador for the organization. This just means you talk about your organization and support its mission as you go about your normal, daily activities.
I often tell people to think about an activity or television program that they can give up so that they will feel they have time to volunteer for a nonprofit board or committee. Hey look, if you turn off Dancing With The Stars you will have 4 hours a month right there!
How Do You Find Boards to Volunteer For?
Join us for our Fall Into Service Event in Detroit at the MGM Grand on October 22, 2009. You can meet over 20 local nonprofits and learn about their mission and their board needs. Also, there are many places a community member can look to find nonprofits that are trying to fill open board seats. A free, national website exists that allows both individuals and nonprofits to search for the right match. Visit www.boardnetusa.org to explore this option. Also, contact your local United Way or Volunteer Center. They often have many requests from nonprofits for board members. Community Foundations often are aware of needs in the community as well.
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It Benefits You |
Save the Date |
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 Fall Into Service: A Speed Recruiting Event
Thursday, October 22, 5:30-9pm
MGM Grand Detroit
Now, more than ever, nonprofit organizations need talented and dedicated individuals to help them meet their missions. Fall Into Service is an event designed to create an environment where Detroit-area nonprofit organizations can meet candidates interested in serving on their governing boards and committees. This is powerful work and you can make a real difference!
More than 20 organizations will be on hand to meet potential candidates for service on their boards--people who believe in Detroit, in serving the public good and helping a nonprofit meet its mission.
This innovative event will include lightning round introductions,
networking with some of the brightest and best in Detroit and insightful information on making a difference for local agencies. There will even be some local celebrities in the house!
More information. Contact Yodit Mesfin Johnson, Outreach and Education Manager at NEW, ymesfin at new.org (734-998-0160 x238).
Funding Resources Face-to-Face Conference
October 14 - 15, 8am-4pm
Greater Grace Temple, 3500 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit
The Michigan Nonprofit Association is hosting this fifth annual event that brings nonprofits and funders together for two days. Participants may register for one day or both.
Registration.
Crain's Healthcare Leadership Summit
Thursday, October 15, 7:30am-5pm
Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, $99
Crain's will host this meeting to start a conversation about what is good about the health care delivery system, what should be discarded, and what needs to change to reduce costs and improve quality.
Agenda and registration
Health Insurance Seminar
Tuesday, October 20, 11am-noon
MNA's Detroit office 28 W. Adams, Suite 1500, Detroit
Free for MNA members, $10 for non-members
A new partnership between Priority Health and Michigan Nonprofit Association is producing large cost savings opportunities for MNA members, making health insurance for employees more attainable and freeing up dollars to drive mission. Learn more.
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Get Connected: Navigating the New Local Media
Monday, October 26, 3-5pm
New Center, 1100 N Main St., Ann Arbor
Presented by United Way of Washtenaw County and NEW.
How can my nonprofit best publicize its mission? Who can I connect with to get our story out? Can I still get ad space? Who's listening? Since our old world of daily newspapers is a thing of the past, how can I take advantage of the newer online media venues?
Learn from and speak with representatives of AnnArbor.com, Ann Arbor Chronicle, Concentrate, and the Observer. Meet local bloggers who are also a piece of the puzzle. Build relationships and take away tips for communicating with the public through these new media outlets.
Particularly relevant for Washtenaw County nonprofit organizations. Attendance limited to 40 participants.
Register online $10, phone or fax $15
Independent Sector Annual Conference
November 4-6, Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
Challenging Times, New Opportunities is the theme of this year's Independent Sector conference, presented in partnership with the Michigan Council of Foundations. Take advantage of the Detroit location and plan to attend. Add your voice to three days of transformative exchanges among leaders from across the nonprofit community. See local leaders answering "Why Detroit?"
NEW's CEO, Neel Hajra, will certainly be there. Neel was recently selected as one of only 12 American Express NGen Fellows nationwide. This program enhances IS's NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now program, which is designed to expand and improve the nonprofit talent pool by developing the leadership skills and networks of emerging leaders under 40. Look for Neel's ruminations about his experience on NEW's blog.
National Philanthropy Day Dinner
Thursday, November 12, Dearborn Hyatt, 5:30-9pm
Join the AFP Greater Detroit Chapter to honor many deserving volunteers. More information. http://www.stayinvolved.com/frontdoor/main.asp?sRedirect=
Public Policy Forum: Stimulus Dollars at Work in Michigan
The Michigan League for Human Services
Thursday, October 29, 10am-noon
Lansing Community College West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive.
$20 - $35
The forum will feature Leslee Fritz, Michigan Economic Recovery Office Director, who is overseeing the stimulus program here in Michigan. A panel of presenters will talk specifically about how stimulus money is being used to address the state budget deficit, in local communities and schools and in health care centers across the state. More information. http://www.milhs.org/ Also available as a webinar. |
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The Bulletin Board |
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Subscribe to National Council of Nonprofits' newsletter Network News. Their first issue directed us to their 'toolkit' H1N1 Flu Preparedness for Nonprofits that includes action steps, sample policies, communication templates and more.
Ann Arbor Thrift Shop Seeks Proposals
The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop requests proposals from qualified social service agencies [designated 501(c)(3)] for the Anne M. Hayes Fund disbursements (typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000) to be made in December, 2009. Applications are available to agencies serving clients in the Ann Arbor School district and are due by November 16. Download an application from the Thrift Shop website, pick one up at the store (3530 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor), or email hayesgrants at annarborthriftshop.org
Affordable work station space available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits at the NEW Center in Ann Arbor. One rents for $150/month and the other for $175/month. Free broadband, access to color copier, fax, postage machine; featuring full kitchen, conference rooms, free parking, and more! For details contact Lia Stevens: 734-998-0160 ext. 209 lstevens at new.org
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npServ™ News |
Resource of the Month |
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Social Media for Fundraisers: Hype or Reality?
A program of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Detroit Chapter
Wednesday, October 28, 11:30am-1:30pm
The Michigan First Credit Union, 27000 Evergreen Rd, Lathrop Village
AFP Members $25; Non-Members and Guests $35
Guest speaker is Ms. Linh Song, Director of npServ at NEW. The hype surrounding social media and social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook has grown in the past year, but what does this technology mean to the nonprofit community? Has your organization jumped on the social media bandwagon?
More information.
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SPIN Project tutorials, produced by the Communications Leadership Institute, offer concrete advice on various aspects of strategic communications. Sample topics:
A good site for some self education before attending the October 26 Get Connected: Navigating the New Local Media.
NEW's ResourceConnect® database has service providers, web resources, and print resources leading to answers on all aspects of nonprofit management. Call us any time. 734-998-0160 x 218
Is your organization represented in the Directory of Nonprofits in Southeast Michigan?
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Selected Upcoming Trainings in Southeast Michigan |
Wakeup Webinar Series from BoardConnect
Log in to an early-morning session (7:30-8:30am) on essentials for board officers, taught by Diana Kern.
$40 (save $5 with online registration).
Thursday, October 15, Board Chair 101
Wednesday, November 18, Nominating Chair 101
Register Now! Provides valuable refresher material for experienced officers.
Leadership Skills Training: For the Experienced Leader
Friday, October 16, 9am–3pm, Marygrove College, 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit
Cost based on organization’s annual budget.
Designed for the leader who has three or more years of experience. Offered by Detroit Executive Service Corps.
More information and registration.
Serving on a Nonprofit Board
Tuesday, October 20, 3-6pm, NEW Center, Ann Arbor, Price varies.
For community members interested in serving on a nonprofit board. You will learn about the five main responsibilities of board membership and how to find a board match with a nonprofit that could really use your expertise. Develop your leadership skills and offer a valued community service through BoardConnect. More information, pricing and registration.
Get Connected: Navigating the New Local Media
Monday, October 26, 3-5pm
New Center, 1100 N Main St., Ann Arbor
Learn from and speak with representatives of AnnArbor.com, Ann Arbor Chronicle, Concentrate, and the Observer. Meet local bloggers who are also a piece of the puzzle. Build relationships and take away tips for communicating with the public through these new media outlets.
Basics of Social Media and Online Fundraising
Friday, November 6, 10am - Noon, NEW Center, Ann Arbor or
Friday, December 4, 2-4pm, Hannan House, 4750 Woodward, Detroit
How are nonprofits able to fundraise online and raise thousands of dollars within days? Learn how organizations use social networking and social media to promote their work and reach supporters globally.
New Vitality: Growing Volunteer Service in Challenging Times
Thursday, November 12, 8:30am-3:30pm, Hospice of Michigan, 400 Mack Ave., Detroit, $50
Internationally-recognized presenter Nancy McDuff will impart new perspectives and strategies to help us engage volunteers more effectively. Hosted by ARISE Detroit!, DESC, MDVAN and NEW. Description and link to registration.
Additional Webinars
Webinar: 6 Steps to Sponsorship Success: What Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know
Thursday, October 15, 3:30pm-4:45pm Eastern
$60; $50 for Michigan Nonprofit Association members
Taught by National Council of Nonprofits.
Webinar Series : Turning Economic Crisis Into Opportunity -- How Nonprofits Can Survive and Emerge Stronger
90 minutes each, 1pm-2:30pm Eastern
$45 each, Get one session free if you register for all four by October 14.
--Thursday, October 15: Assessing Your Nonprofit's Financial Health
--Tuesday, October 20: Survival Strategies for Your Nonprofit
--Thursday, October 22: Strengthening Your Nonprofit's Income Portfolio
--Tuesday, October 27: Beyond the Recession: Building Sustainability
Webinar registrants receive the presentation slides, details of a case study, and other downloadable handouts to help develop long-term sustainability. More details and registration.
Free, Live Web Chats on Managing through Tough Times
Join the Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Finance Fund on Thursdays at noon Eastern time. Submit questions ahead of time and set a reminder for yourself.
Employment Law Webinar Series
Presented by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
10-11am Eastern, $95 each
Keep abreast of new or changing issues critical to Michigan employers. Taught by Stephen Fishman of Bodman, LLP. More information
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--Wednesday, October 28 Dealing with Privacy Interests in the Workplace: Protecting the Employer
--Tuesday, November 10 Drafting the Ultimate Workplace Handbook
--Wednesday, December 9 Managing Workplace Costs through Unpaid Furloughs
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Thank you to Supporters of NEW
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Special thanks to NEW's founding partner
the McKinley Foundation
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NEWSNOTES is proud to celebrate its seventh year of publication.
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