The nonprofit leaders we work with share one thing in common: they believe deeply in the work they are doing.  Whether they are executive directors, board chairs, staff, or board members, they are motivated by what they do, by the people they work with, and by the vision of what they are striving to create.Satisfaction comes from this work and from knowing we are making a difference. When asked why a leader does the work she or he does, the response often falls out as a golden nugget.  Ask a leader you know, "Why do you do what you do?"  See what they say.

Here is how a number of leaders we know responded:  
 

Elaine Cale, Executive Director of Washington County Children's Program: "WCCP's services are vital to the children and families living in our community.  The work that we do makes a huge difference in their lives and I want to be a part of helping to make a difference.  Seeing a smile on a child's face (and it happens daily) when that child finds success with something that was such a challenge before, makes all our hard work worthwhile!"
 

 Mary Laury, Executive Director of Schoodic Arts for All: "None of us do this for any reason other than passion.  I have a passion for bringing access to creative endeavors that contribute to quality of life in our community."
 

Matt Murphy, General Manager of WERU Community Radio: "Community Radio is important because it provides diverse music and information, involves local people in actually creating radio programs, and serves audiences that are under-served by other local media.  Leading such an organization is immensely worthwhile."

Doug Babkirk, Associative Director or University of Maine Cooperative Extension: "Why I do what I do...My work provides me the opportunity to teach, create, and learn. In my passion for working with individuals and groups, I believe in the power of people to develop life affirming relationships that contribute to a healthy, safe and loving planet for all beings." 

Being able to articulate the WHY of what we do can be catalytic in engaging others, helping us stay focused, and ultimately, keeping our fires of inspiration burning to achieve our vision.  Think about it - why do you do what you do?  Ask those around you to do the same. 
 

Send us your responses and we will post them in our newsletter.
 

• Paddling the Rapids: Nonprofit Executive Directors meeting to build leadership effectiveness; one group in Bangor and one in Camden

• The Journey: a group of 6 professionals in the Portland area meeting to support each other in achieving more work-life balance.and practicing strategies to embed new learning.  Starts  February 9th. Contact Carol.
   

• Evaluation as a Capacity Building Tool - three 3-hour sessions focused on practice, reflection, culture, and embedding evaluation in the organizational work-plan.  Each session will focus on evaluation of one element - Executive Director; Board & Staff; and Organization - March 10, 17, & 24; 2-5PM

• The Leader Defined - three 3-hour sessions focused on looking at leadership practice through reflection, several assessment tools, discussion, and reading. May 11, 18, & 25; 2-5PM

• Eleanor Days - a five-day retreat for women leaders on Isle Au Haut focusing on self care and connection.  June 14 - 18, 2011    
   
• Rest, Reflect, Renew - a retreat for leaders, October 2011;  to be held in a beautiful location in Maine   
   
• Paddling the Rapids - peer consultation groups for leaders, new groups will start in the Fall of 2011
   

In order to find your "purpose",  your "why" - you need to - Stop.  Dream. Reflect.

Our December 2, 16, and January 4 newsletters had links, tips, and information on reflection. mindfulness, quiet, stillness, and creating a practice for yourself.  These newsletters are in an archive and can be accessed from the Paddling the Rapids homepage.  Take a look.