NEWSPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Millions have been tuning in each week for the new ABC hit show, Flash Forward. It's a fascinating drama that makes everyone think about the future. The main premise of the show is that:

A mysterious event causes everyone on the planet to simultaneously lose consciousness for 137 seconds, during which people see what appear to be visions of their lives approximately six months in the future - a global "flashforward". A team of Los Angeles FBI agents, led by Stanford Wedeck (Vance) and spearheaded by Mark Benford (Fiennes), begin the process of determining what happened, why, and whether it will happen again.

Watching the show, you can't help but wonder what your own life will be like in six months. Where will you be financially, romantically, health-wise, career-wise? So let's play along with the drama for a moment. What do you want your nonprofit career to look like in six months? Visualizing what you want is the first step to making it happen. Otherwise, you can be stuck in the same pattern you're in right now. You may even end up feeling bruised and bloody like the photo of Flash Forward's main character above if you don't do something about your career right here, right now. What do you see for yourself in six months?

• More responsibility? Get promoted.
• Better pay? Ask for a raise. Or, consider a slash career.
• Greater leadership experience? Join a nonprofit board of directors.
• Improved management skills? Get some professional development or learn from your peers.
• Bigger network of colleagues? Join the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapter in your city.
• More benefits? Negotiate these five additions.

For more ideas, check out this list of 44 ways to advance your nonprofit career. Now get busy! There is a lot you can do for your nonprofit career in six months.

Photo credit: Sci-Fi Scoop

The good folks over at Idealist.org have launched a new initiative that’s going to be great for the nonprofit sector in getting the next generation of leaders involved with careers in social change. According to their website:

Nonprofit Career Month promotes the number and diversity of career opportunities in the nation’s nonprofit sector. Driven by the collective contributions of the nonprofit community, the campaign dispels common myths about nonprofit work, provides individuals with entry points to the sector, and allows current and aspiring nonprofit professionals to share expertise.

The new website boasts a plethora of resources for people looking to learn more about nonprofit careers, including guest blogs written by folks currently working in the nonprofit field. Check out some of the goodies below:

• Making the Most of your Nonprofit Internship by Elizabeth Clawson
• Launching a Career in Social Change: Résumé and Cover Letter Tips for College Grads by Allison Jones
• Resources to Jump Start Your Nonprofit Career by Tera Wozniak Qualls

I highly encourage you to check out the Nonprofit Career Month website if you want to make the leap into nonprofit work. The initiative is in its pilot year, so go ahead and let Idealist.org know what you think!

Want a free hour of nonprofit career advice? Next week, use your lunch break to enhance your job search during a live chat with me and other nonprofit leaders from Idealist.org!

Breaking Into a Career in the Nonprofit World

Thursday, October 8, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

An intensely competitive job market is making it harder than ever for recent graduates and established business professionals to break into careers in the nonprofit world.

People who seek nonprofit jobs today are confronting a tight market and competition from many worthy competitors.

What can you do to stand out from the crowd? What can you do to be sure you are an attractive candidate for a great new role when conditions improve? And if you do land a position, what should you do to make the most of your opportunity?

Join us on Tuesday, October 8, when we assemble a panel of career experts to take these and other questions about breaking into a career in the nonprofit world.

Related Articles

• A Few Charities Buck Layoff Trends by Hiring Workers, Creating Jobs (10/1/2009)
• Young Nonprofit Workers Encouraged to Embrace New Opportunities (5/7/2009)

The Guests

Meg Busse is director of high school and college transitions at Idealist.org, in Portland, Ore., and is other of The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers. As part of her role, she works to connect students with career opportunities in the nonprofit world.

Rosetta Thurman is a leadership development consultant and the director of development and special programs at the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington. Ms. Thurman is also author of the popular blogs Perspectives from the Pipeline and Jobs for Change.

Steven Joiner is director of the Mid-Career Transitions program at Idealist.org in Portland, Ore. In that role, Mr. Joiner provides online resources for professionals who seek to move from the for-profit world into nonprofit work.

Click here to submit a question in advance.

Photo credit: Communications of the ACM

If you've been working in the same nonprofit job for years, it can be difficult to keep the fire alive. After a particularly bad or hectic day, it can seem impossible to stay resilient with all the challenges brought on by the economic downturn. Many of you are doing the work of two positions, causing your workload to increase. All the while, you may be asking yourself, 'why am I doing this again'? Even though you may not be feeling the love right now, here are a few ways to get it back.

Volunteer
Get close to the day to day mission of your organization by volunteering for your nonprofit. Presumably, it's the cause that caught your eye in the first place. Sign up to be a tutor for a day with the kids you serve  or feed the homeless one evening after work. If it seems like extra work, it is. But being face to face with the people who benefit from your nonprofit's mission can be incredibly refreshing, and make you look forward to Monday instead of dreading it.

Visit a Program
What does your organization actually do for your clients? Have you ever seen it in action? Take a few hours to go visit one of your nonprofit's programs. Sit in on a financial literacy class, watch as your counselors help the unemployed craft resumes, or attend a play your arts organization is performing. The idea is to see for yourself the impact that your efforts have on others. It will make you appreciate why you do your work every day, no matter how tough it gets.

Write a Passionate Letter
Sit down and craft a handwritten letter to one of your donors to personally thank them for supporting your organization. Even if this is the development department's job, you can never send too many thank you letters. Tell the donor what kind of impact their gift made and how much you love working with the kids/homeless/seniors, etc.

Make a Phone Call
Many of you are aware of the different kinds of legislation affecting your clients or your cause. It can be a powerful feeling to be an advocate for your cause by speaking out as a concerned citizen. When a bill is passed that helps you in your work, go ahead and call your local government official or congressional representative to thank them for supporting your cause. Their contact information is published right there on the internet, and every phone call helps them to know just how important the issue is to their constitutents.

Redesign Your Day
Maybe you're just tired of coming into the office at 8am. If your schedule is set for you to work too early or too late, have a talk with your boss to ask if you can change it. I used to work a typical 9am to 5pm, but I worked better later in the day, so I simply told my boss I wanted to start coming in from 10am-6pm. It gave me more time to sleep in the morning, and didn't harm the organization one bit. And I was a happier employee for it.

I know, you might be thinking, 'who has time for all this', especially if you're too busy putting fires out all day. But trust me, if you make time now, it will save you from burnout later. There's no need for you to give up on your nonprofit career too soon. It's never too late to fall back in love with your work!

If you're looking for a new nonprofit job, it can be tempting to only apply to the big organizations like Girl Scouts of the USA, Catholic Charities, Boys and Girl Clubs, American Red Cross, etc. Especially in this economy, applying to a larger nonprofit organization is usually a path to receiving a higher salary than you would at a smaller agency. But there are long-term benefits for your career if you choose to work for a small nonprofit with less than 10 employees. You may forego some perks, like having an HR department or having your own administrative assistant, but the experience you can develop at a small shop will help propel and prepare you for leadership positions in the future. In other words, if you're looking for your first nonprofit job or looking to switch jobs, I recommend you consider working for a small organization because the experience can put you on the fast track to leadership. Here's why:

You Gain Experience Outside of Your Job Description
Small nonprofits usually require all employees to work outside of their job descriptions. Office managers may get opportunities to write grant proposals and learn all about fundraising. Receptionists could be called upon to organize a group of volunteers for a rally on Capitol Hill. Joining the staff of a small organization can be hard work doing several jobs in addition to the one you were hired for, but you quickly become a generalist in many different areas of skill and knowledge. I didn't know anything about nonprofit insurance for boards of directors until someone handed me the task of setting it up for a small nonprofit I worked for.

This headline broke my heart today:

Nearly Half of Charities Have Cut Jobs, Survey Says

The article confirms what many have been experiencing as a nonprofit jobseeker in an economic downturn.

Nearly half of nonprofit organizations (47.5 percent) have laid off staff members to cut costs as donations dwindle, according to a survey by Campbell & Company, a group that consults with charities.

The survey found that a significant percentage of nonprofits have either cut jobs or salaries.

Fifty percent of groups in the survey of 45 charities have frozen salaries, 15.8 percent have put a freeze on hiring, and 10.5 percent have mandated unpaid time off or reduced salaries and other benefits.

This is very bad news for young people looking for jobs. And it would have been a totally depressing article if not for this little hopeful nugget:

The survey, conducted earlier this month, found that fund raisers were slightly less likely than their peers to be affected by the cuts.

Now there's a ray of hope. While many jobs are getting cut, nonprofits still value staff who know how to raise money. Do you know how to fundraise? If not, you better learn. Your job could depend on it. Here are some resources to get you started:

• Website: The Foundation Center has a fantastic website about fundraising and philanthropy, including this free grantwriting tutorial: http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/shortcourse. They have a variety of free search tools, tutorials, downloadable reports, and other information updated daily, including Philanthropy News Digest, its daily news service. Check out audio from their great events about fundraising and philanthropy and download podcast interviews with grantmakers and other experts in the field of philanthropy. Also follow them on Twitter @pndblog.
• Books: Donor-Centered Fundraising by Penelope Burk and  Winning Grants: Step by Step by Mim Carlson
• Blogs: Chronicle of Philanthropy's Prospecting, Donor Power Blog's Best Blogs for Fundraisers, and this list of 100 Incredible Philanthropy Blogs

Have you ever wondered why you've been in the same nonprofit position for what seems like forever? Has your nonprofit made senior hires from outside the organization without even considering you as an internal candidate for the position? While you may tink you're doing all the right things, you could be on a dead-end road to nowhere for many different reasons. I came across this eye-opening article on FabJob.com that highlights numerous reasons why you may not be getting promoted in your current job. Here are just three snippets with some simple solutions. Be sure to read the entire article for some incredible insight on why you won't be getting that corner office anytime soon.

You're not visible enough

It's not enough to do a good job; people need to know you have leadership potential. So do what you can to get noticed by the people who have the power to promote you. When something you've worked on goes exceptionally well, write a memo to management praising the team you worked with. You'll get your name out there and be seen as a leader.

Make sure you're visible in other ways too, such as volunteering to lead committees, contributing articles to the employee newsletter, coaching the softball team, or chairing the United Way drive in your company. You can do good for your company, your community, and your career at the same time.

Solution: Strengthen your personal brand, not just in your current job, but as a nonprofit professional overall. Because if Google can't find you, you don't exist.

You're a difficult person

It's good to stand out in the crowd, but not in a negative way. If you are high maintenance, complain a lot, sweat the small stuff, and generally make life more difficult for your boss or others in your company, chances are you'll be looking for a job with a new employer before you ever get a chance to move up with your current employer.

Solution: Check your baggage at the door. Leave your problems at home and come to work with a smile. The most successful nonprofit leaders are those that are likable.  Are you being difficult because you think your job sucks and you're getting paid peanuts? Well, it might be time to do something about that. If you don't like your nonprofit job, maybe it's not them, it's you.

You haven't mastered the job you're in

It's surprising how many junior employees perform poorly because they feel the job they're doing is "beneath" them. They figure it doesn't matter if the coffee pot runs dry, the report has a page inserted upside down, there are typos in an email, or they forget to mention that a client called. They feel such tasks are a waste of their time and they could care about work if only they were given bigger and better things to do.

Solution: Invest in your own professional development. Don't wait for your employer to send you to training, find some classes yourself. Low on cash? Check out these 10 ways to become a better nonprofit manager without spending a dime. Here are 44 more ways to advance your nonprofit career.

Welcome to YNPN Wednesday, my weekly blog series highlighting stories and advice from members of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapters all over the country. Today I want to highlight a fantastic leadership opportunity for young professionals across the country who want to be a part of a growing movement. See below for full details. Good luck!

The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) National Board is looking for outstanding young leaders to join us as board members. The National YNPN Board supports the mission and vision of YNPN chapters by leveraging partnerships, conducting national advocacy, and collecting and disseminating best practices to chapters and members.  If you are committed to the nonprofit sector, ready to take a leadership role, and want to help lead the growing YNPN movement, we encourage you to apply to join this working board.  Please note that we are a volunteer-led and run organization and the average time commitment expected is 15-20 hours per month.

Why Should I Apply for the YNPN National Board?

• Be a part of a national movement to build a stronger nonprofit sector that supports young professionals
• Play a critical role in the development and growth of YNPN chapters across the U.S.
• Help shape a growing national organization
• Gain excellent leadership and professional development experience
• Work with a fun and highly motivated team of passionate individuals from around the country

What is YNPN National looking for in Board Members?

Leaders with the following skills and experience:

• Organizational development and change
• Accounting and fiscal management
• Evaluation and assessment
• Fundraising
• Technology
• PR and marketing

YNPN National also seeks:

• Geographic diversity
• Racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and age diversity
• Representative of the individuals and communities we serve (at least 60% of the board will be affiliated with YNPN chapter

What is Expected of YNPN National Board Members?

National board members are expected to represent the interests and needs of young nonprofit professionals, to support YNPN's mission and strategic plan, and to support YNPN chapters in serving members' needs.

Specific expectations:

• Serve a two-year term from January 1 - December 31 two years later
• Commit 15-20 hours per month to YNPN business
• Participate in 1.5-2 hour board meetings every other month by conference call and attend 2 in-person board meetings/year
• Actively participate in decision making on conference calls and through e-mail
• Serve on at least one board committee, participate in monthly committee meetings, and proactively follow through on committee work
• Contribute financially to YNPN at a personally significant level of at least $100/year
• Be a positive ambassador for National YNPN in the community

How do I apply?

Please submit the following materials by October 1, 2009:

• National Board Application (boardmemberapplicationfall2009.doc)
• Resume

Selected applicants will interview with a YNPN Board member in October and be notified of their status by the board by December. Terms will start in January. Find more information about YNPN and the board member opportunity here.

Welcome to YNPN Wednesday, my weekly blog series highlighting stories and advice from members of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapters all over the country. I've blogged before about the benefits of joining YNPN as a way to expand your nonprofit network and access free or low-cost professional development. This week, I'm sharing just a few specific opportunities for how you can get connected to YNPN events and meet other young nonprofit professionals in your city. To join a YNPN chapter in your area, sign-up here with your contact information. Please feel free to add other opportunities you know about in the comments!

♣YNPN San Diego (follow on Twitter @ynpnsandiego)

Professional Development Workshop: Advocating for Yourself
July 16, 2009 from 5:30-8:30pm
Register online for free: http://ynpnsdadvocatingforyourself.eventbrite.com

Do you have brilliant ideas you want to share with your Executive Director or Leadership Team but don't have the nerve to start the dialogue?  How do you even start the conversation with your supervisor about a raise or development in your current position?  Once you begin the exchange, how do you make sure you are clear and precise about your needs? Whether you're currently employed, actively searching or determining your next move - its obvious we could all use new tips and confidence while advocating for our professional selves. During our July Professional Development Workshop, you will leave with...

• Confidence in asking for what you want in the workplace
• An ability to clearly communicate your professional needs
• Ideas and tactics on how to persuade change in your organization

♣YNPN Austin

Work/Life Balance Workshop: Part II
July 21, 2009 from 5:30-7:00pm
More event information and location online

Everyone knows a well-balanced diet is essential for a healthy life-style, right? But, what about a well-balanced life? This specific workshop has been designed to provide a more intimate discussion about the subject. The last work/life balance workshop focused on balancing work with family life. Part II of this workshop will be geared toward finding time for personal interests like volunteering and seeing friends. In the end, we hope you will walk away knowing what work-life balance is, what it means to you and how you can develop it in your own life.

♣YNPN Cleveland

Conversations Series at Visible Voice Books in Tremont
July 22, 2009 from 7-9pm
More event information and location online

Relax with coffee or a glass of wine for an informal program that gives you a chance to meet other young nonprofit professionals and talk about the issues that matter to you. Our first Conversations meeting on  Wednesday the 22nd will focus on what you love (or hate) about living and working in the Cleveland area.

♣YNPNdc

Social Media for Social Good
July 23, 2009 from 9:30am-3:30pm
More event information, location and registration online

Attend this day-long seminar to:

• Explore the social media topics that interest you most in in-depth workshops.
• Learn about specific tools, strategies, and applications that can increase your organization's impact in the community.
• Network with nonprofit professionals and social media service providers in the Washington metropolitan area.

As a new employee at a nonprofit, you never know what to expect. You may be hired for an entry-level position, but end up in charge of staffing a committee for the Board of Directors or meetings for your organization or community members. Especially if you're running meetings with board members who are typically busy executives, it's often hard to pin them down for meetings and then get them to perform their assigned tasks. And if you're in your 20s, I'm sure they also wonder who is this 'kid' trying to manage them or run a meeting for them? So, when you start your new nonprofit job, make you're prepared if you're ever asked to organize a meeting for the organization. No matter how unimportant the meeting may seem, if you do a good job, it will be remembered for a long time. I learned many of these meeting tips from Manager Tools, an awesome podcast about becoming a better manager. Even if you've been in your nonprofit job for years, I highly recommend you check out their episodes about running a great meeting. There's always room for improvement.

A Month Before the Meeting

• Determine date and time. If it is a series of meetings over a period of time, set the dates for the consecutive months all at once, so you don't have to hassle with scheduling each individual meeting date.
• Create a clear agenda.

A Week Before the Meeting

• Send out a friendly reminder one week before the meeting, with the agenda and any other relevant materials attached.
• Order some muffins and coffee if it's a breakfast meeting or some yummy boxed lunches from your local, affordable gourmet caterer. If you have a budget for food, go for it. Nothing gets people motivated to attend a meeting more than a free meal!

The Day of the Meeting

• Greet the meeting participants at the door with a smile.
• List agenda items on flipchart paper in colored marker to be posted during the meeting.
• Make sure the agenda builds in time for introductions. Have committee members or participants share something personal about themselves to lighten the mood and create a bond with the group.
• Start and end the meeting on time. If you say you'll end at 11:00am, have a goal to wrap it up by 10:55.
• Take good notes during the meeting, and send them out immediately so everyone has a record. Take the opportunity to remind them of the next meeting, if there will be one.

The Outcome
You will appear to be an organized member of your team and people will respect you for your management skills. Your commitee members or meeting participants will likely be more engaged and excited about your nonprofit's work. Your boss will think you're a rockstar and may even give you a high five.

Most meetings are useless, disorganized, and boring. If you can learn how to run great meetings, people will marvel at your skill and call upon you to lead more meetings in the future. And the more visible you are, the easier it will be to move up the nonprofit ladder. Conduct your first nonprofit meeting like a pro, and you'll be well on your way.