The Worst of Times…
Leading a nonprofit organization, especially a social service organization, is an honor and singular opportunity to positively impact the lives of those going through tough times in your community. We all should be so fortunate to have the chance to use our leadership skills in such a meaningful way. However, leading a nonprofit these days is about as challenging as leadership gets.
Think about it…as you sit there alone in your leadership seat. Maintaining and growing revenue levels is tough in these uncertain economic times; expenses must be aggressively managed; employees and volunteers are probably experiencing burnout due to increased responsibilities, hours, and pressures. Oh, then there are the clients. So many new ones, in addition to your “regulars”, who now need your services, too. In fact, they are counting on you even more now.
You may feel like you are drinking water from a fire hose.
It’s only natural to feel alone, ill equipped, and under-resourced yourself. But this poor economy that has challenged your organization to the limits also offers opportunity. Think dark cloud with a bright silver lining!
And yet, The Best of Times…
In your community there are many people with high-level professional skills that are either under/unemployed, retired from work, or just looking for ways to make a difference in their community. These highly talented people represent a rich stockpile of kind-hearted soles that are ready, willing, and able to volunteer and help you solve some of your problems, if you only asked them.
Whether you need a few extra hands in one of your departments, have some projects that need a champion to lead them, or face some tough challenges that would benefit from a little outside of the organization thinking, these high capacity pro’s are a ready source of talent available to you and your leaders.
Accountants, marketing/advertising professionals, Internet and IT savvy technicians, HR professionals, retired executives, and more. They are out there and if you just reach out to local sources I am betting you can develop a terrific cadre of new and enthusiastic partners ready to pitch in.
Who knows, they may see this as a unique networking opportunity of their own and welcome the chance to join you. I know, because this is how I first became involved with my local nonprofit community and eventually was asked to join one organization’s board.