JPS Nonprofit Strategies’ Post

Feeling stressed and looking for a good excuse to get out of the office this summer? Here's one: Plan a community service event. Let's count the benefits from such an event. First of all, it's fun. And during this tough business climate, injecting more joy and a sense of purpose into work is essential. It may seem counterintuitive when your team is already stretched thin, but taking a break from work duties to help others can inspire your employees. After all, service is at the core of the insurance industry. Volunteering together also builds team camaraderie, boosts job satisfaction and grows your agency's reputation—all while helping your community. Read the full article below! https://hubs.la/Q02ykgnk0

During my sabbatical, one of the several pieces of advice Siddharth Sharma gave me was to "be of service". My surface interpretation of this dictum was to go volunteer. But it's only now that I've realised the depth and import of those words. One of the important lessons I've learned over the past couple years in both work and volunteering is, in Donella Meadows' words, to listen to the wisdom of the system: "Aid and encourage the forces and structures that help the system run itself. Don’t be an unthinking intervener and destroy the system’s own self-maintenance capacities. Before you charge in to make things better, pay attention to the value of what’s already there." I've always wanted to make impact from day one in a new environment, be it at work or the non-profits I've volunteered at. It's not a bad intention, but it's certainly a loaded one. Ambitious people are often tempted to want to fast-forward their orientation periods and get straight to the change-making. But these periods are all-too-necessary: they allow you to observe your environment carefully and appreciate how it works. They also give you a chance to earn valuable credibility by doing not what you want, but what is asked of you. Only then, can you truly "be of service".

I enjoyed reading this short article which discusses the benefits for corporations when they invest in the community - especially through longer-term initiatives, skills-based volunteering and programs that strive for true impact in partnership with nonprofits. These programs mean a lot to employees and help them feel a sense of purpose and connection with the company’s values. One of my favorite stats? The fact that even if employees don’t volunteer, they still “feel proud about their affiliation to a socially-conscious company’. That means that corporate volunteer programs serve more than just the employees who directly participate in them - so cool! Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gcB3ADnr 

Attention nonprofit leaders. Don't miss this important opportunity! October 28-31, our CEO, Whitney Herrington will deliver a FREE 4-day class on nonprofit compensation. You'll receive four, 5-minute videos right to your inbox. Register at: https://lnkd.in/g6z7wsvu Transform how you approach compensation—and see the impact on retention, equity, and fairness across your organization. Day 1: Understanding Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) Boost retention and fairness, even on a limited budget. Day 2: Using Compensation Surveys for Fair Pay Ensure competitive wages without reinforcing inequities. Day 3: Handling Employee Pay Complaints Navigate tricky conversations with clarity and transparency. Day 4: Implementing Performance-Based Pay Reward staff while maintaining equity and collaboration. We look forward to the conversation!

Managing volunteers and managing employees isn’t that different! Check out this blog for some volunteer management strategies to make nonprofit HR a breeze: https://lnkd.in/ePfUb5SQ

Becoming a nonprofit executive director is an exciting career move, but there are also challenges that come as part of the package that are impossible to foresee. I know that I didn’t understand the challenges until I experienced them firsthand. You see, the life of a nonprofit executive director can be isolating. The board, team, volunteers, communities we serve, and donors all depend on you for direction and also want (actually “demand” is more accurate) a significant voice in the major decisions of the organization (which they deserve).  But, as you sit in the middle of all the opinions and advice, where do you work your thoughts out before they are ready for prime time? You don’t want to start a panic or avalanche of advice before you’re reasonably sure about what you want. Fear not.  The executive director role can be wonderfully fulfilling ... with the right support. Check out my thoughts on being “stuck in the middle” and strategies for getting unstuck at the link below. https://lnkd.in/eHPgFBa8 What questions or strategies do you have? I'd love to see them in the chat and learn from all my smart colleagues.

Actual Hot Take: Volunteering for an association where you pay membership fees is essentially paying to do intellectual labor. I used to feel honoured and privileged to volunteer on committees and even run for the board of associations. But I realized that many of these organizations aren’t truly about bettering the industry; they're more focused on retaining their own power and influence. Now, I see it for what it is: giving away your skills, experience, and intelligence to an entity that charges you to be a member. From now on, I only pay for events or memberships if they add tangible value to my career, business, or personal development. And if I'm asked to volunteer, I provide my hourly rate—they’re welcome to hire me as a consultant (which some have done). Don't discount your value and time by succumbing to these time vampires. If you want to volunteer your time for the greater good, focus on helping those in need, not associations with plenty of money, power, and influence. #JustSayNo

Check out this useful set of trainings from the amazing folks at Ascend People with Whitney Herrington!

Great to read this article this morning showing four out of five people believe their volunteering improves their wellbeing. These results won’t be a surprise to those of us in the sector. So many people volunteer for social connection, or to support a cause they really care about and the benefits to wellbeing reflects the power those motivations have to change lives. It’s particularly encouraging to read that almost 7 in 10 people feel they have gained new skills and knowledge through the training they’ve received through volunteering. Not every role requires lots of training, but this shows rightful investment in volunteers’ safety, enthusiasm and development. Where would we be without volunteers? #Volunteering #VolunteerWellbeing #Research https://lnkd.in/euaXAAwv.

My Reflection on volunteering as a hobby which turned to become a full-time career. Volunteering is a noble act that can bring immense joy and fulfillment. It's an opportunity to give back to the community, make a difference, and connect with others. However, there's a risk that volunteering can become a source of ego rather than service. The Ego Trap: - Comparison: Comparing oneself to other volunteers or the causes they support can lead to feelings of superiority or inadequacy. - Recognition: Seeking praise or public acknowledgment for one's volunteer work can shift the focus from service to self-promotion. - Power Dynamics: Feeling a sense of power or control over those one is serving can create an unhealthy dynamic. Avoiding the Ego Trap: - Focus on the Cause: Remember why you're volunteering in the first place. Keep the focus on the needs of others and the impact you can make. - Be Humble: Acknowledge that everyone has something to contribute, no matter how small. Be open to learning from others and working as a team. - Practice Gratitude: Express gratitude for the opportunity to serve and the experiences you gain. This can help shift your perspective from self-centeredness to humility. The Power of Selfless Service: By being mindful of these factors, volunteers can ensure that their efforts are truly selfless and contribute to a more compassionate and just world. When we volunteer with a genuine desire to help others, we not only make a positive impact on our communities but also enrich our own lives. #volunteering #service #selflessness #community #impact #humility #gratitude #socialgood