Changing of the Guard

There are some exciting leadership changes happening here at YNPN San Diego. With the summer months upon us, YNPN San Diego is bringing in a new wave of next gen leaders to run our amazing organization. Some of these folks will be familiar to you, yet but be sure to reach out to them and learn more about them and all they do.

After two years, the executive committee at YNPN San Diego is changing hands. We couldn’t have made it anywhere without Megan Lim, Jeremiah Sacksteder, and Caitlyn McTaggart. They dedicated countless hours of time, talent, and treasure making YNPN San Diego possible in the community and growing it to the size it is now!

We are proud to welcome Jaci Feinstein (co-chair), Mariel Berry (co-chair), Joe Buehrle (Secretary), and Cynthia Skogerboe (Treasurer) into these new leadership positions. The transition process has been tremendously smooth due to the foresight and planning efforts of Jaci Feinstein and the Board Development Committee. For the past three months we have overlapped incoming and outgoing executive committee members to facilitate organizational learning and maintain organizational history. It is one of the best processes I have ever seen!

As many of you may already know, this will be my last month on the board of YNPN San Diego. I am stepping down as Chair of YNPNSD and will be replaced by Mariel and Jaci on July 1. It has been an amazing two years with the organization and two and half years in San Diego, but now I am going to return to the majestic mountains of Colorado – my home for 12 years before coming to San Diego.

None of what I have done or been involved with in San Diego would have ever been possible without YNPN San Diego, the incredible board leaders, and our members. I’m constantly amazed at the phenomenal committees and volunteers that keep YNPN San Diego running. We collaborate and partner with organizations that further our mission in the community and serve our members. We have grown to 600 members! All of our programs and membership development has been completely volunteer-run!

It is my hope that the next chapter of YNPN San Diego brings nothing but success and growth. I know that the incoming and existing leadership at YNPN San Diego will strengthen the community and prepare San Diego for embracing leaders at every age. I’m proud of all the success we have had thus far and for becoming a model for other YNPN chapters and organizations locally and nationally. Kudos to everyone who has made this possible!

Please welcome the next executive committee by leaving a note here on our blog or posting something to our Facebook page. We would love to hear from you and get any feedback you have for the next year to come!

Finally, please consider making a donation to YNPN San Diego of any size. Keep the organization moving forward and serving this community in such a meaningful way. Your contributions will personally warm my heart and let me know the impact I and this amazing team continues to make! Read more on how to donate by visiting our website.

Notes from Career Building Workshop

Last week, YNPN San Diego was joined by Laura Gassner Otting from Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group at USD to talk about career advice in the nonprofit sector. Below you will find some great nuggets of information for you to use and share. Many thanks to Laura for her incredible time and dedication to the topic!

Starting the search for your career means being fearless. Share your dreams and fears. Ask yourself where you want to be in the next ten years. Here are some specific steps that Laura recommends:

Get a Full Toolbox

Focus on things you can do right now:

• Recognize if you are at the right place at the right time
• Fake it till you make it
• Recognize your interests and skill set
• Strategic reflection – don’t just take any job
• Use your platform to pivot
• How to translate your skill set
• Put yourself where you want to be
• Dream big!
• What’s holding you back – recognize trigger points

Recognize the Eight Motivating Factors:

• Skill acquisition/Development
• Money
• New challenges
• Colleagues and community
• Mission/Cause
• Scope of impact
• Leadership skills
• Geography

Address in your cover letter any gaps in your experience or resume. If you can’t cover your gaps then get the experience. If you don’t have the academic experience you can build that experience in other places.


Get on a Board
Boards will provide you with scaffolding for your experience. It should be a mutually beneficial experience. Know what you are bringing to the table before you join; know the expectations. Join boards that are strategic for you. Build your skill set, grow your network, and develop a platform. If you offer certain skills ask for others in return. Boards consist of givers, influencers, and doers. Boards often look for young, charismatic leaders. Consider joining a committee of an org’s board before joining a board.

Get Mentored
For-profits have management tracks, etc. Young people move around a lot and there isn’t enough money to invest in individuals so seek out mentorship opportunities. Look outside of what you do or analogous to what you do. Find different mentors for different purposes. Be interesting. Force yourself to think like a businessperson. What do you want to make? What is your strategic plan for 5 years? Mentors can be excited about your whole life and who you are not just your profession. Find people who are doing what you want to do and ask them for other people that you should talk to.

Get Noticed
Decide that you are the expert. We all have a pulpit to work from with social media so use it. Think about your personal/professional brand. Use social media to make “Frolleagues = friend-colleagues”. Is your goal to be a “thought leader”? Use social media to get to your goals, position yourself professionally.

Get Head-hunted
If there is a search that is right for you and them, call the search firm. Don’t worry about being annoying, be persistent. Be prepared with your elevator speech for their voicemail. Explain why you are right for the position. Look for people who do searches in your field. Pass along information to the network that is relevant – mention that you are looking for a job. Do something for them and they will do something for you. Open up the conversation. Create a network and connection with people who are the hubs of information.

Leadership Skills that we look for: ( CompassPoint and the Meyer Foundation, 2006)

• Leadership and influence: How do you influence people without monetary rewards. It’s a tough place to work in the nonprofit work. So how do you keep people energized about it?
  
• Managing up, down, and sideways – we are made up of teams, not individuals trailblazers. Managing a board, the team, with stakeholders, with funders - do you know how to do this? Anyone within the sphere of influence.
• Delegating with kindness and accountability – how are you measuring results, making sure you are getting results, asking partners and staff to be accountable?
• Communications – know how to talk with all different kinds of people in the organization - everyone is motivated by different things
• People who can manage lots of balls in the air - can you multitask?
• Knowing how to get to you “yes” – how do you stalk a prospect? What to ask for and when you ask for it?
• Managing dotted line relationships as well – make nice with friends, enemies, etc. How do you figure out how to create collaborations? Need to start with trust.
• Delivering impressive results – need that actual numbers and results (scope, breadth, and depth). What wouldn’t have happened if you were there?
• Long term view – npos move slower in change and need to have a longer term view
• Have a distinct passion – passion will drive fundraising.
• Learn how to spin your skills and passion - be the spin doctor
  

Service of Oneself – A Holistic View to Creating and Living Within Your Care Circle

YNPN San Diego Professional Development Workshop
Facilitated by Dave Macek, Executive Director Red Lotus Society

While you may have heard it first on an airplane, the rule still applies out of the air: please put on your own oxygen mask before you assist anyone else. Stated another way - only when we first help ourselves can we effectively help others. Easier said then done, right?

Join YNPN San Diego and leaders from the San Diego nonprofit community in a unique dialogue on the importance of self care; breaking through any obstacles preventing you to creating a healthier and happier YOU; and small steps to take you in that direction while sharing resources and tips of successful self care practices.

During our July Professional Development workshop, you will leave the workshop with:

• An expanded awareness of practices and tools of self care
• Easy practices to implement in your own life
• A declaration of your personal self care
• Tips and resources of self care practices

REGISTER HERE!

About the facilitator, Dave Macek

Dave's goal is simply, To Serve, and Red Lotus Society is the perfect vehicle for him to carry out that mission. He has been the Executive Director of RLS since June of 2009. Dave is a native of Massachusetts and has been living in San Diego for the past 5 years. During his 'pre-yoga' college days, he played football and weighed 90 pounds more than his present weight. After encountering some back problems from years of power lifting, Dave decided to give yoga a try thanks to the encouragement of his dear friend, Melissa. After taking just one class, Dave knew he was home. Although the initial benefits he experienced were mainly physical, the mental, emotional, and spiritual transformations that followed are beyond words. Upon returning from backpacking Europe last summer, where he worked on an organic farm/yoga retreat center in Greece, Dave knew his next step was to enroll in teacher training. Dave's focus when teaching is to help students experience in their yoga practice what we each look for in every moment of our lives: Joy, Peace, and Love. Having the opportunity to instruct yoga students and be part of Red Lotus Society has been one of the most precious joys of his life.

About Red Lotus Society:

Red Lotus Society, a 501c3 educational non-profit organization founded in 2006, promotes peace by creating environments for education in mindfulness, community, and cultural awareness. RLS envisions a more peaceful, compassionate, and sustainable world in which mindfulness is a common practice of everyday life. The organization restored the nearly-condemned, historic Ideal Hotel (Est. 1912) in downtown San Diego into a vibrant community center with a meditation and yoga studio, tea room, and communal residency program. Visit www.redlotussociety.org for more information and a schedule of classes and events.

Details

When: Thursday, July 15, 2010
Where: Red Lotus Society (540 3rd Ave, San Diego CA 92101)
Free Parking Options:

• Free (3 hr) Parking at Horton Plaza (Make sure you validate ticket in mall BEFORE coming to workshop). Lot is just one block away (2 minute walk) at 3rd Avenue and G Street
• Anytime after 6 PM street parking is FREE (meters/yellow/green). You can even park in yellow commercial zones. Red/Blue curbs however are not acceptable.
  

Paid Parking Options:

• There is a large ‘5 Star’ parking lot on the corner of 2nd Avenue & J Street. It charges a $5 flat rate after 5pm Sun – Thur.
• You may also opt for the 6th & K Parkade, a 4 story structure with 1000 spaces. It is open 24/7. The flat evening rate is $3 Sun – Thur.
  

Fee: $10
Who: YNPN San Diego community - members and nonmembers of all ages
Schedule:

• 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Sign-In and Networking
• 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Program
• 7:30 – 8:00 p.m. Intro to Meditation (Red Lotus Society)
• 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. Tea Room Open and Networking

REGISTER HERE!

Board Member Spotlight: Mariel Berry

What are your roles within the nonprofit community (staff, volunteer, philanthropist, etc.)? Currently, I work at San Diego State University as the Associate Director of Development for the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. I spend most of my volunteer time with YNPN San Diego. I am about to start as a new volunteer with the Hearts & Hands Doula Program at UCSD Medical Center, assisting and supporting women during childbirth. I've also spent significant time volunteering as a coach for Girls on the Run, and as an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow at Volunteer San Diego.

Tell us about what you’re currently involved with in YNPN San Diego. I sit on the Advisory Board and serve as the Secretary on our Executive Committee. I co-chair the Partnerships Committee and help lead our Community Council, a group of tenured nonprofit leaders that help support the Advisory Board and launch of new YNPN programs. I've also been very involved with shaping YNPN's new Mentorship Program.

What advice would you give emerging leaders who are interested in the nonprofit sector? Carry confidence in what you bring to the table-- your skills, abilities and opinions. Don't be afraid to get involved, especially if you're passionate about the cause. Getting involved, no matter what your role, will benefit and help make change in our community.

Just for fun – what’s the best joke you’ve ever heard? Hmm. This is a tough one.... It's actually more of a riddle but here goes---"Railroad crossing without any cars, can you spell that without any cars." My Dad stumped me for a solid day with this one when I was little! I still enjoy sharing it with new people...and stumping them! :)

YNPN SD Tools You Can Use: The Listserv

While it may be true that many listservs out there are full of extraneous information and community requests, I can personally attest to the authenticity and value of the YNPN San Diego listserv. This daily compilation of San Diego-based events, workshops, and job announcements is different from its many contemporaries for two reasons: the quality of its content is consistently high and the worth of the postings often far outpaces the initial effort required to follow up on a given lead.

With a membership base of nearly 600 nonprofit professionals hailing from organizations that specialize in areas ranging from human rights to business development to community services, I have observed over time that YNPNSD listserv notices consistently cover a wide interest area while still maintaining the ability to captivate an equally diverse audience. Joining the listserv is easy; all you have to do is be a YNPNSD member. Visit the YNPN San Diego website to complete a membership form - it's easy! Read how you can modify your subscription on the YNPN San Diego website as well as learn about the listserv guidelines and policies. Being a contributor to the listserv is what helps to maintain and increase its relevancy among users. It is also a great way to bring greater reach and/or leverage to your organization. It's easy to use the listserv as a member - simply send your email to sandiego@lists.ynpn.org!

In gauging listserv relevancy, I considered several factors: daily interest level (“significance”), user interaction, and payout. From conversations I have held with people both inside and out of the YNPNSD circles, the events, workshops, and jobs posted to the listserv are noteworthy in that they are all directly related to furthering nonprofit leadership in our community. If San Diego is a microcosm of the world, then this listserv is an excellent way to get a sampling. Since there are so many community contributors—including those who have just heard of its reach, and are starting to learn more about the organization—the listserv is a means for capable individuals to represent themselves as the community-minded and motivated people they are to in turn exemplify the organizational membership.

Payout is measured by only one means—results. One particular case study comes to mind when I think of listserv results: Vietca Do, a member of the YNPNSD’s Member Relations and Meet & Greet communities, found her calling via YNPNSD tools. Two years out of college and with all the prospects of the world before her, Vietca was caught in the troubled times of an economic recession. Still, she remained enthusiastically involved in her community commitments—she now maintains the official Facebook page --and one day found a job lead. Her YNPNSD experience had both helped to build her skill set and increase community connections, resulting in a hire.

The listserv is but one facet in the YNPNSD toolbox, so I encourage you to start learning more about member benefits. Next month I will be back with another post, so follow our blog if you're a fan. After all, if the opportunities to improve yourself and your community are endless, then the chance to be a part of a movement is just beginning.

- Danielle Reyes-Acosta, YNPN San Diego Member Relations Committee Member

AmEx NGen Leadership Award

From the Independent Sector:

Independent Sector is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the inaugural American Express NGen Leadership Award. This award will honor one under-40 nonprofit professional who has had a transformative impact on addressing society’s critical needs.

All nominees must be under-40, work for a U.S.-based nonprofit or non-governmental organization, and have had a transformative, measurable impact within his or her field, beyond just one organization. The winner of the American Express NGen Leadership Award will be announced in late August, and will be recognized during the IS Annual Conference in Atlanta, October 20-22. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, June 14. Self-nomination is not admissible for this award.

This award extends Independent Sector’s commitment to encouraging emerging leaders in the nonprofit and philanthropic community through the NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now program. We encourage all under-40 nonprofit professionals to join us for the NGen Program at the IS Annual Conference in Atlanta this October, which will offer expanded programming for emerging leaders, including targeted workshops, an advanced practice institute, speed networking, and other opportunities to interact with leaders of all ages. Registration for IS Annual Conference in Atlanta is now open.

We look forward to seeing you at the IS Annual Conference this year, and we hope you will nominate a young, transformative nonprofit professional for the inaugural American Express NGen Leadership Award.

Donor Spotlight: Laura Rice

1. What attracted you to YNPN and our last professional development workshop?
As a young nonprofit professional, I am always looking to expand my network and learn best practices in the field. YNPN’s mission falls directly in line with my career and goals, so I had to become a member. As one of my potential goals is to become an executive director, I was excited to see the apropos “Stepping Into the Spotlight: Next Gen Executive Director Panel” workshop offered for such a reasonable price.

2. What prompted you to give to YNPN San Diego for the first time?
YNPN is providing great services to our local nonprofit community on a shoestring budget. Having recently returned to work after a period of unemployment, I again have the means to support the organizations I value and want to be sure that YNPN can continue to broaden its reach.

3. How are you involved with the San Diego nonprofit community?
I have been involved with nonprofits in San Diego County for the past 8 years, and currently work for the American Red Cross. I also consult and am a grant writer for local nonprofits. I frequent AFP San Diego meetings and conferences that are applicable to my career and goals, and attend executive development events as an alumna of the Point Loma Nazarene University MBA program.

4. What was the most creative development workshop in which you have ever participated?
From a personal development perspective, my favorite workshop was a team building retreat I attended years ago during the beginning of my career. Being led through exercises such as the plane crash in the desert helped me to better understand my own strengths and perspectives as I learned how a team’s skills and abilities can either perform together or can oppose the work to be done.

5. How did you initially become involved in YNPN San Diego, and how do you see its programs as playing a role in the development of other young professionals?
Emily Davis shared about her work with YNPN at an AFP event last year, and I was intrigued by the organization from the start. I signed up quickly thereafter and was enthused by the creative discussion YNPN led at the workshop I attended. Creating venues for the next generation of leaders to discuss best practices and problem solve is a great way to forge personal development while enhancing the nonprofit sector.

Thank you so much to Laura Rice for being such an important donor to YNPN San Diego! If you want to share your story of donating to our organization, we want to hear from you. Email us at sandiego@ynpn.org.

YNPNSD Helps People Find Jobs

I have felt invincible at least twice in my life.

The first time, I was 8 years old and had jumped off the back of a friend’s moving bicycle. As I was rolling to a stop, I felt no pain, fear, embarrassment, and most importantly, no regret. I was even ready to do it again, if it wasn’t for the gash in my knee and forehead… as well as my mother’s inevitable scolding.

The second time was when I was 24 years old, and it was that nanosecond right before I was officially laid-off from a job I started a year prior.

Wait… what? I just graduated college… my student loan bills have already started coming in... I finally matured from ramen and Easy Mac for dinner (almost – they are pretty tasty). The moment it sunk in that I no longer had a job was when I felt my invincibility slip away. I felt no pain, fear, embarrassment nor regret, but the difference between this instance and that of 16 years ago was this time, I knew there weren’t enough band-aids to patch me up along with the other 10% of the country going through the same thing.

I really started reflecting about my career: should I stay in nonprofit, go back to school? I got my answer three weeks later when I was offered a job that paid very well, but turned it down because it didn’t feel right. Then, when I started getting rejections like, “You’re not qualified enough,” and, “You’re too qualified for this position,” I didn’t know what to think anymore. Am I in some kind of professional purgatory? Was I being punished for being picky?

Then, I saw it – a job posting through the YNPN listserv. After reading the description, I knew this is what I was looking for. So, in goes my application, but once again, out it comes with a red stamp on it, except, with a note from a fellow YNPN San Diego member who happened to be on the receiving end of my application. She referred me to Junior Achievement and two interviews, some squealing and celebrating, and 10 months later, I’m sitting here writing to you about how YNPN San Diego has helped me in my career.

I did not spend months just sending out resumes and applications. I dove into YNPN San Diego and got my hands dirty with the Member Relations Committee as well as the Meet and Greet Committee. I manage the Facebook Fan Page as part of their social media strategy, an asset valuable to my job description here and now.

I learned I am still invincible, and things will get better if I just work at it. I just needed to jump on that bicycle again, unafraid and un-regretful that I waited for what I wanted instead of settling. Thanks, YNPN San Diego for being my metaphorical door opening while all those gently closed behind me.

Many thanks to Vietca Do for her generous contribution to the YNPN San Diego blog and all her work on committees!! To learn more about YNPN San Diego, visit our website and read all about our committees. If you are interested in writing for the YNPN San Diego blog, email us at sandiego@ynpn.org.