Utilizing Evaluation to Demonstrate Impact

As a former educator; I am long familiar with the pressure to and necessity of measures of performance and program outcomes. I’ve written many objectives, identified measurements, and collected and reported data designed to measure the success of educational programs. Now, as a VISTA Leader, I’m involved in evaluation from a different [...]

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 [...]

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: Take Time to Measure Performance and Celebrate Successes

We all know Michigan has had its share of woes lately, so I’m eager to share some good news: As a state, we’ve made real and substantial progress when it comes to getting children off to a healthy start in life. Those who work in nonprofits aimed at improving the lives of children have reason [...]