Insight - August 31, 2011

Alex Noble really gets HSC. It is the spirit of the people which, Penny Green from the very beginning, has proven our greatest impact on the community. We are celebrating 10 years of progressive growth, development, prosperity, innovation, leadership, advocacy, collaboration and mentorship. HSC now serves as the connecting agent and core foundation of nonprofits in Prince George's County. We have become a true symbol for sustainability and viability. And, we couldn't be more proud.

Over the years, HSC has been instrumental in delivering groundbreaking tools to strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits, served as a huge resource for community and public policy affairs information, and become an authentic advocate promoting permanent transformation and significant results.

In the upcoming year, you can expect the same passion and enthusiasm from HSC as we continue to enhance local nonprofit organizations and better meet our collective need for high quality human services. Look forward to even more dynamic IDEAS&INFO luncheons, Meet the Policy Maker and other hot topic forums, a Nonprofit Bus Tour, and a new selection of individual and organizational trainings.

In This Issue of Insight

This month, we launch our year-long celebration of HSC achievement by giving attention to Volunteerism--the heart of most vital nonprofits. Local volunteers conceived, birthed, and nurtured HSC into the force for good it is today. So, we've collected some great information and resources to help you effectively engage and reward your volunteers. We're also giving you a 'sneak peak' of the 2012 programs and events HSC is working on. Finally, we're turning our attention to the upcoming Special Election in District 6-why it's so critical to nonprofits and what the outcome could mean for Prince George's County for years to come.

Yours in Excellence,

Penny Green, PhD

Training, Education and Programs Committee Chair

Service Organization: The Arc of Prince George's County

Volunteerism: The Key to Nonprofit Success

Volunteer: noun 1. a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking. 2. a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.

HSC turns 10, this year. And, while our outward demeanor is appropriately poised and professional, at our heart we remain a community-centered, back-to-basics organization. We were created and are sustained by committed, professional volunteers who share our vision and our passion for nonprofit excellence in Prince George's County.

Our Board of Directors, representatives from related agencies who are our program partners and countless others infuse HSC with new energy and ideas continually. We believe that yours do, too. Or, if you don't currently host volunteers, perhaps they could.

Here are just a few great ways to bring some amazing volunteers into your organization, as well as ways to train or honor those currently lending their support:

EVENTS

Governor O'Malley Volunteer Appreciation Day, Maryland State Fair

Season of Service (Corporate Giving)

National Neighborhood Day

RESOURCES

Prince George's Volunteer Services

Programs and support for local engagement and community outreach

Volunteer Maryland:

Resources to recruit and effectively manage your volunteers

Network for Good:

Engage volunteers for your organization or mission

Volunteer Match:

Maryland volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals

If this item has been helpful, or you're looking for something different, let us know: email insight@hscofpgc.org.

Training | Education | Programs: 2012 Overview

It's true. HSC has hit double digits!

Like all the older kids on the block, we're ready to push our limits by exploring new avenues. Based on what you've told us you'd like to learn and experience next, here's a sampling of our upcoming programs:

"IDEAS&INFO" LUNCHEONS

Our wide-ranging topics and guests include the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for Prince George's County Tom Himler outlining FY'13 county budget projections; Grant Reviewers in a panel discussion on "What Gets the Attention of Leading Funders;" and, Prince George's County Government department heads sharing their plans for the next fiscal year and how to become a partner in their work.

Training Season!

The HSC "ROUNDTABLE"

To make our trademark networking and peer-learning more impactful, HSC is putting a new spin on an old favorite. This year, HSC will host three "Roundtable" events where participants will sit at a table with a specific "theme" (e.g., how to marketing services, how to keep your staff motivated) of interest to you. You write down your specific question or challenge and "pass your notepad" to the nonprofit leader to your right. Each participant will give you their practical ideas and solutions to your need - and, you'll do the same for others!

COMMUNITY FORUMS

In the summer of 2010, HSC joined forces with several of the county's top nonprofit organizations (list) to introduce the candidates for Prince George's County Executive to our people. They called themselves "The Collaborative" and their combined effort was nothing less than phenomenal. A standing-room only crowd of residents, community leaders and media asked the county's next elected official about the civic and nonprofit issues that mattered to them.

This year, we look forward to continuing with forums that can change community life in positive ways. They include:

Diversifying Your Nonprofit Funding - how to do it well and why (link to training dates)
HSC Homelessness Survey - what are the results and what do they mean to you
Statewide Re-districting - the potential impact on Prince George's County

Let us hear from you. Share your brilliant ideas for new topics, events and guests. Email us at insight@hscofpgc.org.

"A Look Back: HSC Memories From Those Who Know It Well"

Bea Rodgers, Former HSC Board Director

"The Human Service Coalition has come such a long way since its very early beginning when it was part of a County-run agency in the 1970s and after a number of years of being dormant. When I returned to the County to work in 2003, I immediately became involved in the HSC again attending the monthly membership meetings and volunteering for committee work because I was impressed by of the vision, commitment and energy of the current leadership of the organization. I was elected to the Board the following year, joining a group of extraordinary colleagues whose dedication has led the organization forward to a position of leadership. I am proud to have been part of that movement. "

Got a great HSC story to share? Tell us: insight@hscofpgc.org.

Special Elections Signal Major Impact for Prince George's County

In just a few weeks, Prince George's County District 6 residents will vote in two special elections for a councilmember to fill the seat recently vacated by Leslie Johnson (D-MD). It is essential that the 76,000 registered voters in District 6 educate themselves about issues critical Vote! to their region-and, the County at-large-as well as the prospective candidates before they go to the polls in September and October. And, it is critical for ALL county residents to encourage them to do so.

This newly elected official could become the longest sitting member on the Prince George's County Council in its history. That incumbent will not only finish the current term (a little more than 3 years), but will also be eligible to run for two additional terms-a potential service tenure of more than 11 years on the Council.

Why does this matter?

Should the winner of this election become Chair of the County Council, a position second only to the County Executive, he or she could be selected to this powerful leadership role for multiple years. The Chair as the spokesperson of the County Council, has tremendous influence on committee assignments and sets the legislative agenda--legislation that crucially impacts the course of county business, the allocation of resources and the quality of life for residents.

The Special Primary Election takes place Tuesday, September 20, 2011 and the Special General Election will be held October 18, 2011. The polls for each election open at 7:00 A.M. and close at 8:00 P.M. According to the County's Board of Elections, there are 15 filed candidates as of this writing. For more detailed information on the candidates and voting precincts, visit the Prince George's County Board of Elections at: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/AgencyIndex/Elections/special-election.asp .

This election gives voters the chance to select from among fellow-residents a new member with a demonstrated understanding of the issues and proven commitment to excellence in public service. As nonprofit leaders, it is our responsibility to help ensure ethical standards and practices are the norm for every individual and agency with whom we do business. What better way than by rocking the vote!

Copyright © 2011 - Human Services Coalition. All rights reserved. Insight is published monthly by Human Services Coalition of Prince George's County, Inc. E-mail: insight@hscofpgc.org, Web site: www.hscofpgc.org. Phone: 301-429-0414.

Editor: Dawn Goodman Washington. Contributors: Jerry Adams, Dr. Penny Green, Lee Mason. Publication Advisor: Colette Gingles.