YNPNSD's New Volunteer Management Style

In the last few months, we've been trying an approach that Mariel Berry (Board Co-Chair) and I learned about from YNPN San Francisco Bay Area at the YNPN National Leaders Conference in April. What approach is this, you ask? Formal volunteer management--after all, we are an ALL-VOLUNTEER-RUN organization. I'd say it's a rather important element, wouldn't you?

We meet with all new prospective volunteers to offer a kind of orientation about the organization and to assess what position would be the best fit for the volunteer. We've even recruited a new volunteer to help with this management process. Jocelyn Garcia of Volunteer San Diego brings a fabulous set of volunteer recruitment/management skills.

Here's how it works: A new member joins YNPN San Diego and expresses interest on his or her application in joining a committee. If there are open opportunities on that committee, then Jocelyn and I arrange a meeting at which we get to talk about all the fabulous things YNPN San Diego is up to now that we've had an AWESOME strategic planning session with NP Strategies (your org really MUST do this). Then, we talk about the new member's expectations and wishes for a volunteer opportunity, and, based on his or her availabilty and needs, we find the right position on the right committee. The next step is an "E-Introduction" (this is coming to be quite popular for networking) to to the Committee Chair who then invites the volunteer to a committee meeting.

After the new volunteer fills out a quick email survey a few weeks later (very few questions, but...just enough I'd say), we figure out exactly what needs to happen to ensure a satisfying volunteer experience. I'm not gonna lie...people almost always want more :) That's why we have board recruitment twice a year--hint hint...we are currently in the middle of recruitment now, so the time has never been better to send in your application if you're interested in some excellent hands-on professional development as a 2010-11 YNPN San Diego Board Member. Learn more about applying to the Board by clicking here.

What do you think about this process? How can we change or improve?

Blog post by Jessica Rodgers. Interested in contributing to this blog? Email us at ynpnsandiego@gmail.com.

Donor Spotlight: Kimmi Long by Danielle Reyes-Acosta

Danielle: What attracted you to YNPN San Diego and our last program?

Kimmi: The thing that attracted me to YNPN San Diego is that there is nothing like it in our entire county! What keeps me coming back are opportunities to grow and learn like the workshops and the amazing networking opportunities that YNPN San Diego makes possible.

Danielle: What prompted you to give to YNPN San Diego for the first time?

Kimmi: As soon as I attended an event, I saw the immense value in both experience I would gain and people I would meet through YNPN San Diego and I donated what I could on the spot.

Danielle: How are you involved with the San Diego nonprofit community?

Kimmi: I have worked with a variety of nonprofits throughout San Diego County, many focused on helping homeless youth and then the peripheral groups working to help raise money for the core organizations. I've been a founder and Executive Director (ED) of an nonprofit organization (NPO) here in San Diego, a grant writer, a public relations liaison, a volunteer at over 50 fundraising and program events during the past eight years, as well as worn many other hats to help out whenever I could. The list of NPOs I've helped out with include, but aren't limited to: YNPN San Diego (of course!), Surfrider Foundation San Diego, Stone Brewing annual fundraiser (five years), Ivey Ranch Riding program for kids with autism and other challenges, Second Chance, StandUp for Kids, The Monarch School and San Diego Youth Services.

Danielle: What was the most creative development workshop in which you have ever participated?

Kimmi: Danielle, I'm horrified to admit that I have not yet participated in one of the workshops! I have been to many of the networking events and then with my commitment to Member Relations Committee over the past two years, I haven't yet had time to also do a workshop!

Danielle: 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?

Kimmi: I was looking all over for a support system and set of resources as I began the journey as founder and ED (and everything else) for the NPO I was starting eight years ago (The Grom Project.) There was nothing to be found...until several years later I came across Emily Davis who was starting YNPN San Diego. I've been a devout member ever since! The YNPN San Diego programs that exist and ones that are in the making are all about connecting young nonprofit professionals not only with each other, but also with seasoned nonprofit leaders in our community. That is incredible on both counts and really helps the younger generation not only learn and grow, but feel really comfortable with the idea of true collaboration and cooperation. I believe such collaboration on projects, events and even with grant opportunities will truly help build an incredibly strong San Diego nonprofit community.

Nominate YNPN San Diego!

YNPN San Diego needs your help! We are asking our members to take a few minutes to nominate us for the award, Most Innovative Use of Social Media, through the Stay Classy Awards. Share with Stay Classy how the online network and community YNPN San Diego provides helps you and makes a difference. The winner of this category will receive a $10,000 donation! YNPN San Diego could certainly use this to keep our services going.

While YNPN San Diego is run primarily by volunteers, we need funding to keep services and programming available for our membership. A lot goes into maintaining our online communications. Nominating us for a Stay Classy Award is a great way to support our efforts without spending a dime... although we would love that too!

All you need to do is complete a simple, short online form and let them know why YNPN San Diego should be nominated. Thanks in advance for taking the time to support your network of emerging nonprofit leaders!

Fall Meet and Greet with New Leaders Council on September 16th!

Please join YNPN San Diego for a special summer Meet and Greet with the New Leaders Council on September 16th at Bamboo Lounge! We will have guest speakers including Alberto Cortes, Executive Director of Mama’s Kitchen and our very own Megan Lim, Development Director at the San Diego Public Library Foundation.

The theme of this Meet and Greet is the importance of developing local leadership in San Diego’s civic and service communities. Bamboo Lounge has some great food, drinks, and a patio and should be a perfect venue for mixing and mingling with young professionals working throughout San Diego’s nonprofit and civic communities.

• When: September 16, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Short talk to begin promptly at 6:45 p.m., followed by more mixing and mingling!)
• Where: Bamboo Lounge, 1475 University Avenue, 92103
• Cost: Free to attend! (Cash Bar).
• What: We'll hear from local nonprofit leaders on the importance of developing local leadership in San Diego's civic and service communities.

Register today!

YNPNSD Recruiting Board Members!

Calling all talented young nonprofit leaders! If you are looking for an amazing opportunity to build and maximize your skills within the San Diego nonprofit community, consider joining the YNPN San Diego Advisory Board! 

With more than 600 members, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of San Diego is growing quickly.

We continue to seek the expertise and commitment of our members to guide our organization through its next phase of development. 

Board membership is an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a welcoming and interesting group of colleagues at the regional and national level, and develop one’s own leadership in and knowledge of the nonprofit sector. Use your talent and develop new leadership skills as part of the YNPN San Diego Advisory Board.

Applicants should be YNPN San Diego members and currently engaged as a professional or volunteer in the nonprofit sector and should display: 


• Commitment to YNPN San Diego’s mission of strengthening the next generation of nonprofit leaders by making nonprofit careers more viable for young people;
  
• Outstanding leadership skills. We are particularly looking for those with skills in: accounting, resource development and fundraising and database management; and
  
• Willingness to act as an ambassador for YNPN San Diego’s in the nonprofit community and the ability to meet the responsibilities outlined here.
  

The deadline for applications and resumes is August 27th. You can find the application and process on our website. The Board Development Committee will review applications and follow up with interviews. Prospective candidates will be invited to a YNPN San Diego Board meeting to get an inside look into how YNPN San Diego operates. If you have any questions, email us at ynpnsandiego@gmail.com.

August Encores of the Month

IdeaEncore Resources of the Month
IdeaEncore Network (www.ideaencore.com), a knowledge sharing website.

• Net2 Think Tank Round-up: Writing an effective social media policy, Shared by NetSquared (Free)
• Nonprofit Operations Toolkit, Shared by Nonprofit Alternatives ($21.04)
• 20 Tips Every Strategic Grantseeker Should Know, Shared by Internaut & Assoc, Inc (Free)
• Field Guide to Nonprofit Program Design, Shared by IdeaEncore Network (Off-site price: $32)
• A Brief Guide to Understanding the Social Sector, Shared by Olzak Management Consulting (Free Link)

Looking to find and share with colleagues?
IdeaEncore provides an easy way for your organization to share what it knows, learn from others, and earn unrestricted income. www.ideaencore.com.