Monthly Archives: June 2010

Have A Little Faith

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“I am in love with hope.”  – Mitch Albom, Have a Little Faith

In my post from June 7, Bringing Faith Back Into the Picture, I explored the need for organizations to use the faith based communities in making their organizations stronger.  After some more exploration, I realized that it is not just organizations which need to examine faith but also individuals.  Recently, I finished reading Mitch Albom’s newest book, Have a Little Faith, which explored Mitch’s journey while he was trying to write a eulogy for his childhood rabbi.  The nonfiction book examines the lives of Albom’s rabbi and a pastor in Detroit and how Albom’s work with both changed his life.  Both clergy men have very different stories on how they arrived to their profession but the underlying theme is their faith.

After finishing the book, I began to ask myself why people decide to work in the nonprofit sector.  Is it because they were touched by a certain event in their life (ie. a family member dying from a disease) or is it for the recognition?  Or is it because of our faith?  Not necessarily our faith in a certain religion but our faith that our work will change the world.  In my masters program, there are people of all different faiths and ideas on religion.  The one thing that connects all of us is our desire to bring change to our communities or to international communities.  Each of us believes that with more education, we will have the skills needed to be stronger individuals to bring a greater change.

Faith is an underlying theme in everything we do.  We move for a job because we have faith that our lives will improve by taking the risk.  We start dating someone because we have the faith that they will help us become better in our own lives.  We buy certain products (ie. Apple Ipods) because we have faith that the product will live up to its name.

For Mitch Albom, he grew up Jewish, attended a Jewish day school and married… a non-Jew.  He felt he would let down his rabbi because he hadn’t kept his faith.  However in exploring the rabbi’s life and meeting the pastor, Albom began to believe again.  He saw how people’s faith is tied to hope and how with a little work, a community can begin to change.  With his new found appreciation for faith, Albom formed an organization to raise money for the pastor to patch a hole in his sanctuary.

Instead of running from our own faith, we should use it to benefit the nonprofit world.  We should not be ashamed of what we believe in or how it is helping us make a difference in our community.  So what if our faith comes from our belief in a higher being?  Each of us believes in something or we wouldn’t be doing what we do.

Have a little faith that what you are doing will bring change to your community, your organization and you!

Board Member in Name Only

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There is an interesting phenomenon happening in the nonprofit sector.  Many board members are board members in name only.  They never attend a meeting but there name is listed on the list of board of directors.  How does this benefit your organization?  Does it make your organization look better because you have Joe Smith, President of XYZ Power, listed as a board member?  Or does it benefit Joe Smith?

As the nonprofit sector changes and more people gain more education about the nonprofit sector, we need to start asking how this benefits us and our organizations.  Is it beneficial to receive funding from Joe Smith?  Of course it is, but as a board member, Joe Smith has a responsibility to the board.  According to Board Source, a board member needs to “attend all board and committee meetings, be informed about the organization’s mission, serve on committees or task forces, make a personal financial commitment and inform others about the organization.”  It is the responsibility of the board and the organization to hold their board members accountable for these tasks.  If an individual cannot commit to all these responsibilities, they are not a good fit for your board.

As nonprofit professionals, we need to work towards bringing change to the sector through expecting more from our boards and board members.  Rather than allowing anyone who wants to join the board, there should be a system where perspective board members are questioned and given a trial period.  In a recent conversation with an executive director, her organization only accepts someone to the board after they have served as a volunteer and a committee member.  Other organizations give board members a one year trial period before they can serve a full term.  In many professions, you get a trial period before being accepted for a full contract why not pass this onto our boards?

Start asking questions now to help bring change for tomorrow.

Being Inclusive while also Exclusive?

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Last night, Adrienne Mansanares from the Denver Foundation’s Inclusiveness Project came to Regis University and talked about the importance of nonprofits becoming more inclusive (not diverse).  The Inclusiveness Project’s mission is to “engage with Metro Denver nonprofits, including philanthropy, to become more inclusive of people of color.”  (www.nonprofitinclusiveness.org)  The project is trying to bring direct change to the nonprofit sector through training organizations on how they can become more inclusive.  The project has published a workbook for nonprofits to evaluate how inclusive they are and how they can improve their organization to be more inclusive.  As described in the mission statement, the project is focusing on people of color, not gender issues, not GLBT issues and not faith based issues.

Adrienne’s genuine passion for the work of the Inclusive Project was evident in her presentation about the need for our organizations to become more inclusive.  In theory the Inclusiveness Project is am amazing idea.  Let’s put money into organizations to provide them with training and an understanding of how to become more inclusive of people of color.  However, in practice I am baffled by the mission of the Inclusiveness Project.

Having worked for the last four years in the Jewish community, I cannot say that any of our organizations would ever receive money from the Inclusiveness Project. For the Jewish community, our constituents are not people of color so having staff members or board members of color would not benefit our overall mission.  The Denver Jewish community is very exclusive (there is not a mainstream rabbi in Denver who will perform an interfaith wedding).

Limiting the Inclusiveness Project just to people of color limits the importance of becoming “inclusive.”  Over five years ago, I led an alternative spring break trip to Seattle.  Prior to the trip, all the group leaders spent a weekend in downtown Denver exploring the homeless shelters and organizations.  Of the six which I visited, all six were based on Christian beliefs and each one required the people who received shelter to study the bible.  As an outsider looking in, I questioned how “inclusive” this was.  Would I, as a Jew, ever want to sit on the board of one of these organizations?  What if a Jewish person was homeless, where could they find shelter without having to change their beliefs?

Another example is when I left class last night, I was talking to one of my classmates about this topic.  She described how she used to work for two conservative “white” cities who decided they wanted to be more inclusive in their police departments by hiring people of color.  The cities sent people to Kansas City to find people to make the police force more inclusive.  Each of the police officers hired only lasted six months before leaving the force and the city.  How is this bringing inclusiveness to our exclusive organizations and cities?

Is it even possible to be inclusive while also being exclusive?  If using the mission statement of the Inclusiveness Project I would say no.  With the addition of gender issues, GLBT issues, disability and knowledge of faith based limitations, I think the Inclusiveness Project would begin to train people how to be inclusive of difference.  By being aware of the fact each organization is different and each shareholder group is different, the Inclusiveness Project can begin making real change.  Inclusiveness is not just a racial issue but an issue across the board.

I commend the Inclusiveness Project for taking a step in the right direction and I challenge you to ask yourself, (not your organization) “am I being inclusive?”

Across the Country in a Kart

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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.

Walking Away

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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.

Nonprofits & Sports

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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.

Bringing Faith Back Into the Picture

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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.

Nonprofit Professionals: The Need to Join a Board

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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.  Evaluate an organization’s Web site and staff biographies to see if the organization has a staff who you believe in.  Check out nonprofit rating Web sites (Guidestar or Charity Navigator) and see how transparent the nonprofit organization is.   

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.

Hands On, Fingers Out

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“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.