Q&A Spotlight with Community Council Member Rebecca Alvarez

Earlier this week one of YNPN San Diego's Advisory Board Co-Chairs (Mariel Berry) had the opportunity to talk with Rebecca Alvarez, one of our Community Council members to ask her a few questions and learn about what motivates her to be part of the San Diego non-profit community.

Mariel Berry: What is your current role in the nonprofit community?

Rebecca Alvarez: I am Executive Director and one of the founders of NP Strategies, a nonprofit strategy consulting organization here in San Diego. I'm also on YNPN's Community Council and a volunteer at my son's school.

MB: How did you come to be involved with nonprofits?

RA: I have been involved with nonprofits as a volunteer since my youth, but professionally I first became involved when I was doing management consulting in the for-profit sector. One of my clients (for a merger/acquisition project) was a large ($150 million) nonprofit in Washington D.C. It was a very interesting/challenging project and peaked my interest in the nonprofit sector. Working with San Diego nonprofits began when I made a career transition from the for-profit to nonprofit sector and began as the founding ED of NP Strategies.

MB: What motivated you to get involved with YNPN San Diego and their Community Council?

RA: I think its a great organization and plays an important role building a community/network of emerging sector leaders. I see it as one of the "infrastructure" organizations that plays a role in strengthening the nonprofit sector overall, and that is something I'm passionate about.

MB: How do you see YNPN San Diego impacting the nonprofit community?

RA: See above -- how I see it impacting the community is the reason I got involved -- connecting leaders with future leaders, future leaders with one another [etc.]....Also the listserve is a great resource because it serves as a central place for sharing information about what's going on in the sector.

MB: What advice would you give to emerging young professionals in the nonprofit sector?

RA:Don't focus your learning on what is specific to nonprofits -- there is plenty to learn there, but a LOT can also be learned about just general management, leadership and strategy -- topics that are not unique to the sector.

MB: Is there anything else that you would like to share about the YNPN San Diego network or the San Diego nonprofit community?

RA: Keep up the great work!

Thanks for the great words and unique perspective you have shared with us, Rebecca. We are lucky to have your experience and positive attitude cheering us on!

Signing off,

YNPNSD

As Classy As Ever

Would you believe me if I told you that one year ago a bunch of guys who decided to earn money by growing mustaches raised $42 million and gave it all away to support cancers affecting men? Well, it’s true.

An innovative charity, called Movember, challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache…yes, a moustache. Participants from around the world begin each November clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month.

According to Adam Garone of Movember, “The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised to support men’s health. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.” In case you weren’t taking notes, men + moustaches = BIG $ for charity. Now, before I explain why this idea is so striking to me, I’d like you to know where the merits of this unique initiative were espoused.

On Sunday, November 13, Mariel Berry and I presented an honor for Outstanding Young Nonprofit Professional at the 2nd Annual CLASSY Awards at San Diego’s Civic Theatre. This award show, hosted by local social fundraising company, StayClassy, recognized the top philanthropic achievements by charities, businesses, and individuals in eight major cities across the US. CLASSY Award winners included Nourishing NYC, who won for Charity of th

e
Year, and San Francisco-based The Office of Letters and Light, who earned the award for Most Innovative Use of Social Media.

It was a distinct honor for YNPN San Diego to participate as a partner for this year’s award ceremony, and I for one was inspired by the compelling stories shared by each presenter and award winner.

As I sat with Mariel watching the show, one presenter that really stood out was Movember’s Adam Garone, who traveled all the way from Australia to San Diego to present at the CLASSYs.

I was taken aback when he told the story about sitting at a bar with a few “mates” who thought it would be really cool to bring back the moustache as an homage to the 70s. The first year, the guys all spent a month growing groovy moustaches and then had a party at the end of November to show them off. The next year they decided that rather than just growing moustaches to grow moustaches they would get friends, family, and colleagues to donate money to support their efforts. This money would be pooled together to support Australia’s Prostate Cancer Foundation.n That year –2004– 432 men earned $55 thousand to support the organization, which, as it happened, was the largest donation it had ever received.

The more I listened to Adam Garone’s story, the more I thought about the number of untapped fundraising opportunities that exist, and the value of infusing creativity and fun into raising money for local nonprofits. Often, we think only about the importance of cultivating major donors, which of course is essential, but as young nonprofit professionals we can follow the Movember model and take a fun activity and turn it into an opportunity to make a meaningful financial impact on a great cause. Just think, only seven year ago a $42 million fundraising initiative was nothing more than some friends sitting around a bar discussing the finer points of bringing the moustache back into fashion.

Is there something that you’ve laughed about with your friends that could be something more? Is there a fun activity that you enjoy that could be transformed into a major money maker for a local charitable organization? At the CLASSY’s I realized the importance of thinking outside the box, and I encourage you to do the same.

Written by Shana Hazan

YNPN San Diego's Saturday with Vavi

By Jessica Rodgers...

On Saturday, October 16, eight volunteers from YNPN San Diego lined up at Vavi’s soccer, volleyball and flag football event at Mariner’s Point. All of our volunteers wore green to show off YNPN San Diego colors. Next time, we’ll be sure to have some signage and brochures to let everyone know a little more about us! Every one of the volunteers bought raffle tickets, and almost everyone walked away with a prize—Vavi had so many prizes to raffle!

Anne Bolzoni, a fundraising consultant for Vavi and also Executive Director of SANDAN (San Diego Association of Nonprofit), organized the day. Rahul and I arrived to unwrap the mini-fridge (that he later won in the raffle) and to lie out the rest of the prizes. Crysta and Rahul helped out all morning, and Quinn, Myrna, Ana and Liz carried the efforts from late morning until the end. Thanks to Vavi for sharing their pizza with our volunteers free-of-charge.

Two of the guys in charge of Vavi are also on the Board of San Diego Parks and Recreation, and they have fundraisers at each event to help increase funds. They partner with an organization at each event to get the manpower to sell raffle tickets.

Did you know that Vavi has 34,000+ participants in San Diego? Spread the word about YNPN San Diego—we’re well on our way ☺

I even saw Liz, one of our volunteers from the Vavi event, at our Meet and Greet the following Thursday. Glad to see new members joining the ranks!

Member Benefit Spotlight: Online Networking

As a current or prospective member of YNPN San Diego do you know all the benefits of being part of our community? Whether you are a new member or have been around since our chapter's genesis, here are some highlights of the YNPN San Diego member benefits. If you know someone who is not a member, but would enjoy being a member, please feel free to forward them this blog post.

YNPN San Diego is open to ALL nonprofit professionals of every age including staff, board members, and volunteers. We believe it is important to strengthen the sector my creating a network for nonprofit individuals and their organizations. The YNPN San Diego mission is focused on developing and supporting the next generation of nonprofit leaders, but this happens in concert with members of every generation. We believe that multi-generational conversations lead to richer understanding and growth of the sector in San Diego.

At this time, joining the YNPN San Diego network is FREE, but we do ask that all of our members complete a membership form to help us serve the community the best way we can. Click here for the membership form. You can also help to keep services free and low cost by making a donation today through our Facebook Cause!

Online Networking
The backbone and perhaps the biggest program at YNPN San Diego is our online networking. There are a number of ways that YNPN San Diego provides information on the nonprofit sector and next gen issues to the San Diego community. Some of these online networking tools are open to all individuals and for others it requires membership. Here is a breakdown for our online networking resources, how you can access them, share information, and more...

Listserv
The YNPN San Diego listserv is our most popular online networking tool and the starting to point for most YNPN chapters around the country. The listserv is simply an email distribution list that includes over 650 subscribers and is growing every day! The listserv postings go out every morning at 8:00 a.m. To learn more about how to post to the listserv, see our recent blog post.

What can I post the listserv? We frequently get this question about YNPN San Diego in addition to being asked to post to the listserv for individuals. It is very important that if you have something to share you post it yourself. Sharing information about nonprofit events, nonprofit news, resources, and opportunities such as board and staff openings are all great examples of what you can post to the listserv. You can learn more about what we ask members not to post and our guidelines on our website through our online sharing policy.

LinkedIn Group
The YNPN San Diego LinkedIn group has nearly 400 members and is an excellent tool for sharing news links, asking questions, and posting resources for the nonprofit community as well. You can connect with the YNPN San Diego community through the LinkedIn Group and search for the YNPN San Diego profile. The YNPN San Diego profile is linked to our Twitter account so you will see more information we share by connecting through our profile today. The LinkedIn Group is open to all nonprofit professionals and does not require membership although we prefer you to be a member of YNPN San Diego as well.

Facebook Page & Cause
Becoming a Facebook Page fan is another great way to get news about YNPN San Diego and local, regional, and national resources in the nonprofit world. We often post our free programs through our Facebook Fan Page as well. Our fan base on Facebook is growing to 300 and we often link our Twitter and Facebook Fan Page posts. We share not only the news you will find on LinkedIn and the listserv, but also partner announcements. If you are interested in pursuing a partnership with YNPN San Diego, please check out our website.

We also have a Facebook Cause where you can make donations to YNPN San Diego. Financial support of YNPN San Diego is critical to keep our membership services affordable and to keep from imposing membership dues. One fun idea is to sponsor a young nonprofit professional with a recurring donation of $15 per month. Make a donation today and keep YNPN San Diego rockin'!

Twitter
YNPN San Diego has nearly 1500 followers on Twitter and that's where you will find the most and quickest resources related to YNPN San Diego, our partners, and in the nonprofit and San Diego networks. Access to information related to next gen philanthropy to social media, to nonprofit events and conferences. We try to post anywhere between 5 - 10 times per day. We would love to have you retweet our information if you are following us - it's a great way to support YNPN San Diego.

E-Newsletter
Each month around the 15th we send out a newsletter sharing YNPN San Diego news, partner resources, blog highlights and more. The e-newsletter is a great way to see a round up for information from the YNPN San Diego community if you do not want to be involved in the day-to-day communications. The e-newsletter is open to anyone in the San Diego nonprofit community.

Our Blog
Of course, our blog is a great way to get news, highlights, and more about YNPN San Diego. We often have guest bloggers sharing donor, board member, and other spotlights. We want you to know about the YNPN San Diego work we do and the best way is to tell our story. The blog is open to all and is another great way to engage in dialogue. Subscribe via email to get the blog posts as they come out and share your thoughts on our posts. The more feedback we can get from you the more we can tailor or work to serve our membership.

Want more information about our online networking tools? You can visit the YNPN San Diego website for more details. We have a whole Communications Committee to manage our online networking; to learn more about them click here. What do you like or what would you change about YNPN San Diego communications? We want your feedback... share your ideas and comments here!

October Meet & Greet: Book Swap

If you’re passionate about San Diego’s nonprofit community, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network San Diego (YNPNSD) is the perfect organization for you. Whether you are new to the nonprofit sector, or a long time supporter, YNPNSD allows nonprofit professionals around San Diego to connect with one another, share beneficial resources, and enhance their own professional development.

Attending a Meet & Greet is one of the best ways to come together and meet other professionals, while enjoying a cocktail or appetizer! This year’s final Meet & Greet will be hosted at the famous Starlite Lounge on October 21st from 6pm-8pm. We will also be having an optional “book swap”, so bring any book related to the nonprofit world that you’d be willing to exchange, then swap it with another that you’d like to check out! It’s FREE to attend, so bring a friend along and mingle with other professionals who support our nonprofit community. For more details on next week’s Meet & Greet or YNPNSD, check out YNPNSD October Meet and Greet: Fall Book Swap Night or visit www.ynpnsandiego.org.

November 9th is the Day to See Rosetta Thurman!

Please note the new date...

YNPN San Diego presents:
How to Build a Strong Professional Network (from scratch)
with Top Nonprofit Blogger and Author Rosetta Thurman
Sponsored by The Leichtag Foundation

You’ve heard this many times before. The key to getting your dream nonprofit job or moving up in the sector is to network, network, and network some more. You’ve heard it so many times because it’s true. But how do you network if you don't have much of a "network?" Well, back in the day, before Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, nonprofit leaders actually made connections face to face most of the time. These days, technology has made communication much less time-consuming, however the old-fashioned methods of networking still hold true. This interactive presentation will reveal nine practical ways to build your network from scratch - both on and offline.

Registration includes light appetizers and beverages. Join us on November 9th at 6:00 p.m. Registration is only $10 and the Powerhouse Community Center!

About Rosetta Thurman

Rosetta Thurman grew up in the public housing projects of Cleveland, Ohio, and if it weren’t for the nonprofits in her community who helped her family in times of need, she doesn’t know where she would be today. She currently works and lives in Washington, DC. After working in the nonprofit community for eight years within the fields of historic preservation, youth development and capacity building, Rosetta decided to branch out into consulting to contribute to the nonprofit sector as a whole. As a writer, speaker, trainer and coach, Rosetta is passionate about sharing resources, career advice and fresh ideas to educate and inspire young professionals and people of color in doing the work of social change.

Rosetta Thurman writes about nonprofits, leadership and social change on her popular blog rosettathurman.com and her mission is to empower a new generation of leaders. She is the co-author of How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar, 50 Ways to Accelerate Your Career, an accessible, do-it-yourself map of how to build a successful career in the nonprofit sector. Rosetta also blogs for the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Stanford Social Innovation Review, and hosts All Nonprofits Considered, an internet radio show featuring live discussions with social change leaders. Rosetta holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Trinity University and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has also completed advanced training programs at The Fundraising School at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and the Institute for Nonprofit Management at Columbia Business School.

Rosetta is an active member of the Organizational Development Network and serves on the Advisory Council for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of DC. Rosetta has also taught nonprofit management and leadership as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Professional Studies at Trinity Washington University.In 2008, she was named a “New Leader in Philanthropy” by Greater DC Cares. In her free time, she writes poetry, cooks fancy food and listens to old school jams. She also tweets. A lot.

The Nonprofit Rockstar Tour

The Nonprofit Rockstar Book Tour begins in November 2010 with stops in Washington DC, Indianapolis, Minneapolis and San Diego.

Top nonprofit bloggers Rosetta Thurman and Trista Harris have co-authored the first book of its kind to offer career advice beyond just getting your foot in the door of a nonprofit organization. How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar provides an accessible, do-it-yourself map of how to build a successful career in the nonprofit sector. As a result of reading this book, young professionals will be able to develop valuable nonprofit expertise, practice authentic leadership, and establish a strong personal brand.

Register here!

Start Voting Today!

YNPN San Diego is one of the TOP FIVE finalists for a Classy Award in the category of Most Innovative Use of Social Media. We need all of our members and their networks to vote for us before October 22. YNPN San Diego has spent the last few years building a network for the San Diego nonprofit community and now is the time you can give back! Help recognize our volunteer efforts to lead YNPN San Diego and provide you with all kinds of good information. We need your support today... please join us in recognizing YNPN San Diego's efforts!

VOTE TODAY!!

Meet Our New Board Members!!!

Welcome to the new members of the YNPN San Diego Advisory Board! Below you will learn a little bit more about these dynamic individuals who are a part if YNPN San Diego's leadership team...

Laura Purdom

Laura Purdom currently works at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC), a day program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. As the assistant to the Executive Director she is involved in all aspects of the organization, including operations management, event planning, marketing, board coordination, safety, assisting in the grant process and strategic planning. Prior to working at SMSC, Laura worked in the “corporate world” in a variety of fields, but most recently title and escrow services for new housing developments. During that time she was an Ambassador for the San Diego Building Industry Association.

Laura has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. She is a graduate of the 2010 East County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program and currently serves on their Marking and Recruiting Committee. When she has time, Laura enjoys volunteering at various organizations, cooking and reading a good book.

Danielle Reyes-Acosta

Danielle Reyes-Acosta is co-founder of a Carlsbad-based interactive design firm, where she interfaces with designers and developers to help non-profit, government, and corporate clients form sustainable brand identities. She also consults with Metric Systems Corporation, a Vista-based telecommunications company, assisting in their development of an international export sales campaign. In both capacities, she has been responsible for procuring and facilitating projects that encompass campaign management, web development, identity formation, and interactive application design.
Danielle has a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Global Studies, where she focused largely on international human rights issues. A longtime veteran of non-profit work, she served as Fundraising Chair of the International Convention on Human Rights to hold Santa Barbara’s inaugural Human Rights Day Festival in 2006. Studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain in 2004-2005, Danielle also worked with Amnesty International at a time when the Darfur conflict inspired heightened international outcry. While at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), she continued her studies in Spanish (Castellano), Catalan, and French, and traveled throughout Spain and France to hone her skills.

A Southern California native, Danielle enjoys surfing, snowboarding, being outdoors, and giving back to her community. In addition to serving on YNPN’s Advisory Board, Danielle is YNPNSD’s Communications Committee Co-Chair, and also volunteers for the Member Relations and Fundraising Committees.

Natacha Tullier

Natacha Tullier currently works for the Girl Scouts San Diego-Imperial Council in Balboa Park. As Fund Development Assistant, she oversees the Council’s donor database, generates donor acknowledgements, financial reports, and performs prospect analysis. She also takes part in the production of the Council’s largest fundraising events, including San Diego’s Cool Women and Urban Campout. Prior to coming to the Girl Scouts, Natacha worked at the San Diego Museum of Art as Membership Assistant, soon after discovering her passion for nonprofits through an internship at the San Diego Museum of Man in 2007.

Originally from France, Natacha has tutored students in both French and English, in addition to providing freelance translation services. She is currently enrolled in the Spanish for Communication series at UCSD Extension, and hopes to become trilingual. She holds a BA in Communication and a minor in International Studies from UC San Diego.