Filoli’s Post

https://lnkd.in/eptu8K4S You'll hear a Mark Twain quote in this episode. "The two best days are the one we are born and the one where we figure out why." That quote captures this episode with Texas EquuSearch's team as they tell their stories, how they found this organization, and how honored they are to find their why. This is the first half of the interview with Tammy Phillips, Director – Business Operations; Angelina Farris, Deputy Director; Ken Sandor, Field Operations Manager; Mary Allbright, Research Analyst and family Liaison; and Mark Edwards, Field Operations Manager. This is part of the MrBallen Foundation series, introducing you to non-profits and volunteer opportunities nationwide. About TXEQ Texas EquuSearch is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer search and recovery organization. Texas EquuSearch never charges a family or law enforcement entity for their services. Headquartered near Houston, Texas, resources have evolved far beyond the original horse-mounted searches. Today, searches include the use of ground searchers, side scan sonar, ground penetrating radar, boats, aircrafts, drones, and ATVs. Many law enforcement agencies across the United States call on the resources of the organization’s highly skilled searchers to assist in their lost, missing or murder victim cases. Throughout the years, Tim Miller and the organization have received numerous awards from law enforcement agencies and grateful community groups, recognition from media partners, and countless thank you’s from families of missing loved ones. Texas EquuSearch has assisted in thousands of cases throughout the US and abroad giving some form of resolution to distraught families as well as closure to many criminal cases. There is no doubt that Executive Director, Tim Miller and his team lend credence to the age-old saying… “Volunteers are not unpaid because they are worthless. They are unpaid because they are PRICELESS!”. How TXEQ Started “Don’t thank me, thank Laura.” – Tim Miller Many great and meaningful things have been born from adversity. In some cases, the response and resiliency to that adversity has resulted in monumental benefits to humanity. Such can be said of Texas EquuSearch after the tragic and senseless kidnapping and murder of 16-year-old Laura Miller in 1984. Laura’s father, Tim Miller, knows all too well the heartbreak and trauma that other families feel when a loved one goes missing. In August of 2000, Tim Miller founded and became the Executive Director of Texas EquuSearch which began as a horse-mounted search and recovery team. Through the years, like-minded volunteers have given their own time, talents, resources, and dedication to help recover and return lost and missing loved ones to their families. @susanfinchsolutions @binkypatrolcomfortingcoversforkids

April is National Volunteer Month where employers can recognize the contributions of volunteers and encourage more employees to get involved in their communities through volunteer work. Below, we address why an employer would want to promote volunteer service and how to do so. How can an employer encourage volunteer service? As an employer, there are several approaches you can take. Here are some options to consider. Lead by example. To foster an environment in which employees volunteer and give regularly, company leadership should promote their company’s commitment to the community. To do so, consider developing programs and policies that target community interests, and devote the appropriate resources to your programming efforts. In addition, executives can encourage charitable efforts by participating themselves, championing volunteer and giving programs, and recognizing employees’ efforts. The encouragement of leadership is key, but employers should remember that participation in these programs should be strictly voluntary. Help employees find nonprofit organizations that match their interests. Keep in mind that employees are typically more likely to commit to organizations that match their interests. Employers can help employees find nonprofit organizations by pointing them to resources that post volunteer opportunities. Other options include hosting a volunteer fair or obtaining brochures from a variety of local nonprofits.

Opportunity

We talk a lot about using employment information to uncover match-eligible donations, but what are the other use cases? Something that I see a lot of nonprofits doing is also using that employment information to source new corporate partners. 🤝 Why? Companies want to support the interests of their employees, so showing any pre-existing connections makes your partnership request compelling. As the year-end giving season inches closer and closer, now is the perfect time to scan your donor employment data to see if there are any hidden partnership fits. 🗓️ I want to hear from you... 👉 Have you been able to source new corporate partners through your donor's employment data? 👉 What other approaches have you found to be effective in sourcing new partners? Let me know below. ⬇️Would be great to know your thoughts on how you source corporate partners and grow those relationships, Robin Webster, Nigel Fuentes!

As someone who believes that all development starts in our neighborhoods, I’m eager to understand how local corporations impact our communities. I’m launching a Corporate Impact Survey with only three questions to gather insights on businesses that are genuinely making a difference. What I’m interested in: Societal Benefit: Which corporations do you feel have initiatives that benefit society, such as community development programs, charitable donations, and volunteer efforts? Stakeholder Engagement: In your opinion, which companies actively engage with stakeholders to understand their concerns and foster open communication? Employee Well-Being: What organizations do you feel are implementing programs that promote diversity, inclusion, fair labor practices, and professional development? 📊 How to Participate: Scan the QR code in the flyer or click the survey link. List your top five corporations in each category. Submit your responses to make your voice heard! Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this critical discussion. Together, we can spotlight the businesses that are genuinely dedicated to improving our communities! #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CommunityEngagement #YourVoiceMatters #NeighborhoodDevelopment

Call for Volunteers: Join Rolan Foundation and Make a Difference! Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you want to be part of a team that transforms lives and uplifts the less privileged? Rolan Foundation is calling on compassionate, dedicated individuals to join us as volunteers! Why Volunteer with Rolan Foundation? 1. Make a Tangible Impact: Your time and effort will directly contribute to life-changing initiatives like our cash relief programs, community cleaning projects, and more. Every action you take helps someone in need. 2. Gain Valuable Experience: Volunteering with us offers you the chance to develop new skills, enhance your resume, and gain hands-on experience in fields such as event planning, community outreach, and media communication. 3. Be Part of a Vibrant Community: You'll be joining a diverse group of like-minded individuals who share your passion for giving back. Build meaningful relationships, network, and grow both personally and professionally. 4. Flexibility: Whether you can dedicate a few hours a week or more, we have volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Your contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated. 5. Recognition: At Rolan Foundation, we value our volunteers. Your hard work and dedication won’t go unnoticed. You'll be recognized for your efforts and have the chance to be part of special events and initiatives. How to Get Involved: Ready to make a difference? Sign up to volunteer with Rolan Foundation today on our website www.rolanfoundation.org or Email us at rolanfoundation@gmail.com or call us at 07036687465. Let's work together to create a brighter future for everyone. Join Us Today – Together, We Can Change Lives! {Animation Credit: www.renderforest.com} #VolunteerWithUs #RolanFoundation #CommunityImpact #MakeADifference #GiveBack #TogetherWeCan #CommunityService #VolunteerOpportunities #ChangeMakers #BeTheChange

Interesting points in this post Anne Turner, M.A. This may be even more important for those smaller organizations without a lot of name recognition. In order to get people inspired by your mission, you need to show supporters who will become your donors and volunteers why what you do is so important for the community. Those inspired people will then become your ambassadors to spread the word and bring in even more people. This process not only will increase your reach but improve overall impact as more individuals and corporations join your efforts. #nonprofit #nonprofits #nonprofitorganization #volunteers #donors

I finished 13 Ways to Kill Your Community - and WOW! Some amazing insights as I am working on a "plan" for my community, replaying conversations about my community, and wondering what the future of my community looks like and if that future includes me in some way. I say "community" in a number of ways, just as it was mentioned in the book, because as I got further into the book, I found the principles mentioned could apply to my "military community" not just the Borough Community I currently work and live in. This was further realized in a conversation today on my way to work, talking about volunteering within the military community, especially for military spouses. Many of you know of multiple military spouses who use volunteer work to fill in a resume or skill gap as they seek paid employment. Military Spouses are not guaranteed work and they aren't guaranteed pay that matches their skills, education, and knowledge. However, they volunteer to keep skills sharp as they ebb and flow through different stages of their journey as a military spouse moving every few years. It occurred to me after finishing this book, volunteering is key for a community to thrive - be it our city/town, county/borough, and even our military community. Now I know some of my military spouse friends are out there reading this and saying, "Lisa, the DoD depends on the free labor of military spouses, we can't keep volunteering when we can't do ________ for our service members and families." This is absolutely true and I agree with you. I also understand volunteers play a vital role to success, inside and outside the fence line. The thing about volunteering is that we do it because we WANT to, NOT because we HAVE to. We CAN follow our passions, we CAN make our own schedule (usually), we CAN stop volunteering because our homes are not reliant on that income. As volunteers we have power (over ourselves and choices), freedom, heart, and passion on our side. We CAN say no, however, we CAN say yes too. I say all of that to say; we have a voice, even if we are "just" a volunteer. We have freedom to let go when that paid employee forgets we are a volunteer. We also have the opportunity to help our community come together by giving space, time, and effort outside of being paid and expectation of something in return, because we are following our hearts and our passions. Because we are following our hearts and passions, we get to pick what and where we spend our volunteer time, which looks different for everyone. Some may love animals while others may love schools, community events, or parks and recreational activities. Even though it is easy to get tied up in providing free labor, remember the power, freedom, heart, passion and CHOICE you have to pick where you give your free (labor) time. 🌟For our communities - CELEBRATE YOUR VOLUNTEERS! Show them how much you value their choice, time, commitment, and willingness to HELP your community grow, thrive, and welcome others.🌟

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"When you think about your legacy, the one you’re currently creating, you likely have hopes of creating a positive impact—something that will make a lasting influence for good. You’re working in the nonprofit space right now—to make a difference. According to the National Council of Nonprofits 2023 Nonprofit Workforce Survey, 33.8% of nonprofits are significantly understaffed and an additional 41% reported being unable to fill entry-level positions that provide direct service. The data identifies something most of us already know- there is a hiring crisis in the nonprofit sector. Recent local focus groups have confirmed the struggles nonprofits are experiencing in recruiting and retaining talent." What's keeping you from applying to a nonprofit job? Connect with Charitable Advisors and check out their job board: https://buff.ly/3ODzjik