I have mixed feelings about Giving Tuesday. It’s timely in reaching consumers and making it convenient for them to engage in the “spirit of giving” at the beginning of the holiday spending season. It also adds to consumer frustration with increased solicitations through direct mail, special events, and online requests (e.g., GoFundMe campaigns, Facebook birthday
“Mission matters. The people behind the mission also matter, and their passion for the mission can never be taken for granted.” [from Share of Mind, Share of Heart: Marketing Tools of Engagement for Nonprofits.] This is why engaging
He’s a writer of a popular blog, a book author, and sports freak. He’s cofounder of a growing nonprofit that helps others live better. He’s an in-demand speaker for audiences that range from elementary schools to universities to pharmaceutical companies. He loves to travel with his girlfriend and his family. He’s Shane Burcaw, and his
Public relations (PR) is an essential part of a nonprofit’s marketing function because it helps educate the public on the organization’s mission, increase donations, and find more volunteers. With nonprofits allocating an average of five percent or less of their budget on PR and marketing, team members have to rely on less expensive options such
“Volunteers … work not for money but because they want to give back, make a difference, change the world.” Sally Helgesen While the need to give of themselves may motivate volunteers to get involved, it doesn’t ensure their continuing commitment. What keeps them involved is the quality of their experience with an organization. The best
I am one of more than half a million followers of Shane Burcaw’s Laughing At My Nightmare blog. I’m also greatly impressed with the nonprofit organization he co-founded with his cousin, Sarah Yunusov, with the mission “to spread a message of positivity while providing equipment grants to those living with muscular dystrophy.” The popularity and
One of the most challenging jobs I know of is held by people who work in nonprofits — they are as passionate about their work as they are stressed trying to accomplish much with limited resources. I explored this topic recently with a former nonprofit leader, Debrah Cummins, who is now Vice President of Development for Northstar
[Note: This guest post was written by Kim Plyler, a communications professional and media strategist. CEO and founder of SahlComm, Kim works with high level clients in the technology, finance, manufacturing, cyber security, NGOs and nonprofit sectors. Her company’s mission is to further the mission of others and help improve humanity.] 5 Ways to Boost Your
I’ve always enjoyed tongue-in-cheek translations of help wanted ads. Apparently, so does nonprofit executive and humorist Vu Le who compiled such a list for his Nonprofit with Balls blog. Here are some of my favorite employment translations from that list that are also applicable to for-profit organizations. Describing the organization A dynamic work environment: We are really disorganized.
Whether providing relief after a natural disaster or rendering humanitarian aid to countries in need, we’re familiar with the importance of international medical missions. The inspirational stories told by returning volunteers describe the desperate and challenging needs of the people served and their deep gratitude in receiving medical aid. The volunteers, themselves, are forever changed