Non-Profit News

American Red Cross - WordPress Blog is coming, thanks to yours truly!

Working with the American Red Cross Polk County chapter, I had the opportunity to develop a Wordpress blog for their PR department! It was awesome to use a small ability that I have for another organization. The blog isn’t public yet, but as soon as it is I will be sure to link to it!

2008 04 15

Volunteer Management: Multiplying Your Successes

Lakeland, FL – The nonprofit sector is a hard business to remain in, particularly where funds are concerned. And obtaining the staff to run a nonprofit certainly doesn’t help. But according to Jackie Meyer, a nonprofit professional, that’s where the beauty of volunteer management comes in.

Jackie Meyer, currently serving as a program specialist for Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, has her fair share of nonprofit experience. Having been in the business for the past 31 years, Meyer says nonprofits cannot overestimate the importance of their volunteers. As a matter of fact, Meyer believes working with volunteers is the best job in the world, and the most beneficial.

“I like to look past even the tangible results of having volunteers, like being able to stay in your budget. Instead, I think the intangibles are more important: the time, experience, and passion that the volunteers bring with them” said Meyer.

In spite of the benefits in employing volunteers, both tangible and intangible, many nonprofits struggle to recruit and maintain their volunteers. But according to Meyer, that shouldn’t be an issue.

“Volunteers, and the population as a whole, are always looking to be a part of something bigger than them. The recruiter must go into volunteer management with that mindset” said Meyer.

With experience ranging from church ministries to hospital volunteer management, to a program specialist with Girl Scouts USA, Meyer has learned the ropes of volunteer management. She advises all nonprofits to equip their volunteers to make a difference. That, she says, will ensure that they do.

“Provide an environment where they can be successful and match them with the department that suits them. Then give them a real job because they are not there just to stand around; they are there to make a difference” said Meyer.

After recruiting volunteers, Meyer explained that nonprofits often have difficulty holding onto their unpaid help simply because they forget to connect with their volunteers.

“Make sure to thank them along the way because instead of a paycheck, you give them a connection. You have to connect with them to make volunteer management work” said Meyer.

Finally, Meyer advised nonprofit professionals to remember the power and influence their volunteers hold. According to Meyer, the benefits of volunteers cannot be overrated.

“Your job is not to get the job done for your organization. Your job is to fulfill the volunteer’s need to serve something bigger than them. Once you do that, the volunteer will get the job done” said Meyer.

2008 04 14

Comments (2)

http://www.headlinespot.com/subject/industry/nonprofit.htm

Nonprofit News is on the Rise!

I was completely unaware that there were so many nonprofit help sites - there is an amazing amount of resources available!

Here are some sites full of articles, book reviews, testimonials, and classifieds. They are definetely a helpful source for those in the nonprofit world.

http://news.gilbert.org/

http://www.ncna.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=184

http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/

2008 04 08

Atlanta is Luring Nonprofits

Atlanta, GA (April 1, 2008) - Some are dubbing it the new nonprofit Mecca, and Atlanta’s civic leaders are just fine with that label.

Atlanta has always been a draw for nonprofits. There are 7,500 nonprofits in the metro Atlanta area, according to the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. And during the past 15 years a number of national nonprofits moved headquarters operations to the city.

Points of Light & Hands On Network announced at the end of January that the newly merged organization would locate its headquarters in Atlanta, the original home of the Hands On Network. Habitat for Humanity International, which has always been based in Americus, Ga., about three hours south of Atlanta, announced in 2006 that the nonprofit would move its administrative headquarters to the big city.

Other mega nonprofits have made their home in Atlanta for years: the Arthritis Foundation moved to Atlanta in 1977, the American Cancer Society in 1987, CARE in 1993 and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1994.

“Clearly, Washington (D.C.) has been headquarters for many. But to see other national nonprofits making their home here in Atlanta — that made it a logical opportunity for us,” said Michelle Nunn, CEO of the Points of Light & Hands On Network, of the organization’s recent decision to operate the merged staff in Atlanta — Points of Light had been in Washington, D.C.

City representatives and nonprofit executives who have made the move to Atlanta list many of the same reasons for the attraction. The highest on the list was quick and easy access to the country’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For those nonprofits doing global business, access to direct flights to Europe, South America and Asia was cited as a motivation to move.

For the full story: http://www.nptimes.com/08april/npt-080401-1.html

By Natalie Ghidotti

2008 04 08

A Woman’s Choice: Giving Teens a Choice When It Comes to Sex

Lakeland, FL (March 20, 2008) - “When it comes to sex, men are like microwaves and women are like crock pots.”

“Guys brains are like waffles; they are compartmentalized. Girls brains are more like spaghetti; they are great multi-taskers because their brain is interconnected.”

“Do you want sparkler sex, or fireworks sex? Sparkler sex is just a little flame that gets thrown away as soon as someone is done with it. Fireworks sex is much better; it’s the kind that lights up your life.”

These adages were just a few of the quips to be heard as Donna Davis, Director of Education for “A Woman’s Choice” discussed abstinence with adolescent females at the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Villa on March 19, 2008. This is one of many sessions that will take place as part of “A Woman’s Choice” abstinence education program.

Located just east of downtown Lakeland, “A Woman’s Choice” is devoted to providing comprehensive aid for women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. According to Krista Yurchak, the Executive Director, the abstinence education program is just another step in providing that comprehensive care.

“We are on a mission to impact the community” said Yurchak on March 20, 2008.

Incorporated in 1986, this organization has always been privately funded through area donors. Their services include free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling and material assistance, as well as the new abstinence education program. According to Yurchak, this first grant-funded project will allow a higher degree of community service, but she hopes the grant itself will not be needed for long.

“The grant was a way for us to get our foot in the door. Hopefully someday soon we will be able to fund our abstinence education another way” said Yurchak.

Yurchak explained that as a faith-based organization, “A Woman’s Choice” wants to infuse that foundation into all the programs they provide. With a government grant funding one of their projects, faith-infusion is a little more difficult.

As they look towards the future, this nonprofit strives to offer a comprehensive look at pregnancy and the options it presents. It is this nonprofit’s hope that the new abstinence education program will inform adolescents of the benefits in waiting for “firework sex.”

For more information on “A Woman’s Choice” and its services, follow the link to http://awomanschoice1.com/.

2008 03 31

Free Publicity from YouTube

YouTube offers some great free publicity for nonprofits. Check out all the tips in this video!

2008 03 20

Global Nonprofits - Branching Out

Found a video for a neat nonprofit:

2008 03 20

First time filming!

Great news (for the site and for my resume):

I just completed an on-camera interview with Krista Yurchak, the executive director at “A Woman’s Choice, Inc..” I am so excited about this organization and its mission in Polk County.

On a selfish note, I am also very excited for my next feature. I know that the video peice will help convey this amazing nonprofit in the best light.

Hold onto your seats; the finished product will be uploaded soon!

2008 03 20

Have a Heart for the Homeless Concert: Success!

Lakeland, FL (March 8, 2008) - The primary fundraiser for Talbot House Ministries just took place in Polk County. This million-dollar ministry depends on the “Have a Heart for the Homeless Concert” to provide funds for its night shelter, year-long program, and medical clinic.

The night started off with a silent auction at 6 p.m., and then Rebecca Renfroe, a well-known musical talent, hosted a musical variety show. All proceeds for the event will be used to support the Talbot House and its various ministries.

According to Anthony Fusaro, Director of Development for Talbot House Ministries, this major fundraiser was a success. Fusaro was pleased with the donations received, but was disappointed by the actual crowd present.

“It was one of the smallest crowds we’ve ever had. People donated to the ministry, but they couldn’t make it to the concert,” said Fusaro.

In all, the concert was a success, but you can bet Fusaro and his volunteers will be out to gain a bigger crowd next year.

2008 03 18