The Value of Volunteers

This week the Corporation for National and Community Service released Volunteering in America 2009, a report on volunteering trends and demographics. It’s important for nonprofits to review and use a report such as this to help with volunteer engagement. Consider how your organization can use the results to motivate and engage current and [...]

Nonprofit Best Practice: Advocacy

Advocacy for nonprofit organizations is as simple as speaking up for the mission of the organization and those they serve. Advocacy is a best practice nonprofits should (and can!) participate in. As entities that serve the public, nonprofits should be engaging in public policy and advocacy to promote constituent, organizational and sector interests. [...]

Service for a Year and for Life

At the end of December, we all take a moment to reflect on the year past and set goals for the year coming. We acknowledge goals accomplished, mourn for the ones lost and are hopeful for the year to come. Reflection is an important part of life, and if done with deep intentions, has the [...]

Health Care Reform Proposals Misunderstand Nonprofits

While the Confirmation Hearings for Sonia Sotomayor and the health care reform debate rages on in Congress, many nonprofit leader were on the Hill talking about nonprofit capacity building. The Kennedy Hatch Act provided for $5 million in capacity building funds to help nonprofits in their ability to deliver services. The funding was omitted [...]

Member Perspective: Mapping Michigan for the Future

“There is a need in my community. I want to help by starting a nonprofit.” This question or some variation of it comes in daily to the main line at Michigan Nonprofit Association. While the caller is almost always different, the response is generally the same. “First, is there anyone else working [...]

Will “All for Good” be Good for All?

Those seeking to share volunteer opportunities with others have a multitude of options when it comes to the use of technology. Over the past several years, I’ve seen service opportunities posted via VolunteerMatch, Volunteer Solutions, 1-800-Volunteer, Idealist, Network for Good and even Craig’s List. Nonprofit organizations have invested in software and web site development using [...]

Member Perspective: The Power of Nonprofits

I’ve attended hundreds of recognition dinners, receptions, galas and events. A few weeks ago, I was lucky to be part of two particular events that reminded me that volunteers and employees who dedicate their careers to the nonprofit sector are the ones that power the nonprofit sector. I was invited to attend the [...]