 North to Alaska
I usually share a flower photo here, but I just got back
from visiting a friend in Anchorage, Alaska and wanted to
share some gorgeous scenery from "the last frontier." I'm
still processing all I saw and learned on the trip...much of
which I didn't expect: moose roaming freely in the city
park, mountains on either side of the ocean inlets, belly
dancers at the public market, mid-July temps that didn't peak above 60 degrees, strange sea creatures in mystical tide pools, and occupied housing that would not meet code ANYWHERE in Nebraska. It's a fascinating, inspiring place to visit, but it's good to be home.
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Board service IS public service
I continue to be awed by the level of commitment shown by volunteers active in the nonprofit "community benefit" sector. This is public service at its finest and board members often fail to get the recognition they deserve for the uncompensated time they spend in service to their communities. Kay Matthews, the Development Director of Friendship Home once told me, "Time is the most precious gift of all because you cannot make more of it...once you give an afternoon, it is gone forever." That's a sobering thought to remember when planning agendas for board and committee meetings. Contact us for a list of tips to make your meetings more effective.
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Let's talk a bit more about "board giving"
Some of the most uncomfortable conversations board and staff members ever have revolve around the topic of "board giving." Many funders are now encouraging and/or requiring that organizations show that 100% of board members are financial contributors as well. While I can see the reasoning behind this ("If board members won't make financial contributions to their own organization, why should we?"), I've also seen how "giving requirements/expectations" (even sensitively-worded ones) can make people with limited incomes or those experiencing tough times feel like they don't belong on a board. What do you think about board giving requirements? How have you handled those conversations? Click here to share your story or solution. |
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Over the past few months, I've had the good fortune to help develop marketing materials for Prairie Gold Homes, Inc., a new Nebraska nonprofit corporation that operates a construction job training program for inmates in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. I've teamed with Jason Varga to produce a variety of print materials, David Frye of widesky.biz to build an easy-to-navigate website, and Doug Boyd to create three different videos designed to recruit inmates into the program, sell the affordable modular housing units built by the inmates to support program costs, and tell the organization's story to the community. The organization's volunteer Executive Director, Bob Peterson, and its stellar new Board of Directors exemplify selfless dedication and commitment to a mission they truly believe in. Check out their website prairiegoldhomes.org to see what they are all about. And if you are looking to purchase a well-made, affordable, energy-efficient home for your lot, they are the folks to contact.
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