Strategic Guidance. Stronger Nonprofits.
In This Issue
Project Leader Applications
Volunteer Applications
Project Launch Event
Meet the 2013-14 Clients
Compass Welcomes a New Face
Announcements
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
2013-14 Clients

Alzheimer's Family Day Ctr.

CASA for Children of DC

Center for Nonprofit Advancement

Chelsea School

DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative

DCTV 

Easter Seals 

Home Care Partners

Horton's Kids

Housing Unlimited

HumanitiesDC

Iona Senior Services

LAMB

Leadership Greater Washington

Levine School of Music

Linden Resources

The Literacy Lab

Maryland Youth Ballet

Mental Health Ass. of Montgomery County

National Center for Children and Families

NCRC

National Trust for Historic Preservation

N. Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

Prince George's Child Resource Center

Rebuilding Together Alexandria

Sasha Bruce Youthwork

UPO

WABA

YouthBuild PCS 

Vol. 10, No. 3
September 2013
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FINDING YOUR GREATEST SUCCESS

           

My middle son is a senior in high school this year. Over the summer, the college counseling office at his school asked me to complete a questionnaire about him. I quickly answered most of the questions, and then found myself stumped by the last one - "What do you consider your child's greatest success in school?" I considered his academic, athletic and arts activities - Taking advanced classes? Starting an Ultimate Frisbee team? Getting a role in the school musical? He enjoyed all of these, but none seemed to answer the "greatest" question. What will he look back on most fondly, and what will he take with him when he leaves high school? Then I realized that my son's greatest successes at school are the special relationships he has made with teachers along the way (4th grade homeroom, middle school math, 9th grade biology, etc.), as well as the friendships he has developed with other students. It is something of a simple fact that relationships are what define experiences! 

 

It's what I love about my job at Compass, where we get to know our nonprofit clients personally - seeing them in action, fighting for their causes, often defying the odds. I'm inspired by each one. We also get to know our volunteers, especially the ones who come back year after year. Compass is a relationship organization. It's why our projects are so successful, and why our volunteers love the experience. We know that our volunteers provide tremendous strategic assistance to the nonprofits with whom we work. What often surprises both our volunteers and clients, however, is how attached they get to each other. The relationships. The connection that develops between Compass volunteers and nonprofit clients provides unexpected value to both parties, and it is what brings volunteers back for one more project - again and again.

 

This is the time of year when we have just announced our new clients for the upcoming year (see the exciting list below!), and we've begun recruiting Project Leaders and team members to staff these projects. I hope you'll consider volunteering on a Compass team this year. Links to our applications are below. I also hope you'll join us for our Project Launch on the evening of October 2 at the National Press Club (details below) where you can meet the 2013-14 clients.

 

We have a tremendous roster of nonprofits that have come to us with a strategic question they need answered this year. For just a few hours a week, you can make a difference in the work that they do, the people they serve and as a result, impact our larger community. In return, you'll establish relationships with these nonprofit leaders, their boards, and other Compass volunteers that will enrich your life in ways you can't yet imagine. The Compass volunteer experience could be one of your greatest successes. Please join us. 


Warm regards,

 

Suzanne

 

PROJECT LEADER APPLICATIONS DUE SEPTEMBER 11

Compass is seeking MBA graduates from top business schools to lead pro bono consulting projects for the amazing nonprofits listed below. If you want to have a personal impact on the broader community, Compass offers a substantive, intellectual experience addressing the unique challenges facing a particular nonprofit.  

 

Project Leader applications are available here:

 

 Project Leader Application 

 

VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOW


Compass has begun accepting applications for Team Member positions. Preference for volunteers goes to MBA graduates from top business schools, however, Compass also accepts non-MBA volunteers, with preference going to those with consulting or nonprofit experience.
 
Team Member Applications are available here: 
 

 

MEET THE CLIENTS IN PERSON - PROJECT LAUNCH
OCTOBER 2
Join us for Compass' annual Project Launch! 

Wednesday, October 2
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The National Press Club

Prospective Volunteers are invited to meet this year's Clients and Project Leaders. Watch for an Evite or find details and RSVP on our website: www.compassdc.org

COMPASS WELCOMES THE 2013-14 CLIENTS

The short descriptions that follow hardly do justice to the work of these amazing nonprofits. For more details about each client and the specific project they have requested, click here: Client List, and join us at Compass' Project Launch on October 2 to meet the clients in person.

 

ALZHEIMER'S FAMILY DAY CENTER (Fairfax, VA) 

www.alzheimersfdc.org

Alzheimer's Family Day Center provides specialized care, support and education for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, their families and the community. Funding Strategy.


CASA FOR CHILDREN OF DC (Washington, D.C.) 

www.casadc.org

CASA for Children of DC helps youth in foster care form permanent connections with caring adults, reside in stable living environments and take more responsibility for their decisions. Strategic Alignment.

 

CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ADVANCEMENT (Washington, D.C.)  www.nonprofitadvancement.org

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement strengthens, promotes and represents nonprofit organizations based in Greater Washington. Board Development. 

 

CHELSEA SCHOOL (Silver Spring, MD)    

www.chelseaschool.edu

The Chelsea School works to prepare middle and high school students diagnosed with language-based learning disabilities for higher education. Strategic Planning Year 2.

 

DC PROMISE NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE (Washington, D.C.)  www.dcpni.org

The DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative coordinates the cradle-to-career pipeline of services for children and parents in Ward 7. Board Development.

 

DCTV (Washington, D.C.)     

www.dctv.org

DCTV provides DC residents the opportunity to create and telecast their own shows on cable television, ensuring the presence of diverse cultural groups. Funding Strategy.

 

EASTER SEALS SERVING DC | MD | VA (Silver Spring, MD)  www.eseal.org

Easter Seals provides early childhood education, medical adult day services, respite care, therapy, family caregiver training, veteran employment services and wounded warrior support services to people with disabilities. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations.

 

HOME CARE PARTNERS (Washington, D.C.)  www.homecarepartners.org

Home Care Partners enables vulnerable people to remain in their own homes in comfort, safety, and dignity through both home care services and caregiver training. Board Development. 

 

HORTON'S KIDS (Washington, D.C.)    

www.hortonskids.org

Horton's Kids provides tutoring, after school programs, summer programs, health services, family empowerment and education advocacy for the children of Ward 8. Funding Strategy.

 

HOUSING UNLIMITED (Silver Spring, MD)  www.housingunlimited.org

Housing Unlimited provides affordable, independent housing for adults with psychiatric disabilities in Montgomery County. Funding Strategy.

 

HUMANITIES DC (Washington, D.C.)    

www.wdchumanities.org

HumanitiesDC brings together the diverse neighborhoods of Washington, DC through cross-cultural education, young adult leadership, and cultural and historical events. Strategic Alignment.

 

IONA SENIOR SERVICES (Washington, D.C.)    

www.iona.org

Iona supports people as they experience the challenges and opportunities of aging. Marketing Strategy.

 

LATIN AMERICAN MONTESSORI BILINGUAL (Washington, D.C.) 

www.lambpcs.org

LAMB is a Public Charter School for early childhood through 5th grade focused on English and Spanish languages in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Strategic Planning Year 1.

 

LEADERSHIP GREATER WASHINGTON (Washington, D.C.)  www.lgwdc.org

LGW connects diverse leaders and stimulates their collaborative efforts through dynamic education and membership programs. Strategic Planning Year 1.

 

THE LEVINE SCHOOL OF MUSIC (Washington, D.C.)  www.levineschool.org

The Levine School of Music creates a welcoming community centered around music, offering a range of courses to over 3,500 students every year and performances featuring students and faculty. Strategic Planning Year 2.

 

LINDEN RESOURCES (Arlington, VA)    

www.linden.org

Linden Resources expands employment opportunities for people with disabilities by helping them attain the necessary skills to find, secure and retain a job, as well as places members in jobs. Funding Strategy.

 

THE LITERACY LAB (Washington, D.C.)    

www.theliteracylab.org

The Literacy Lab provides low-income children with individualized reading instruction in order to improve their literacy skills. Funding Strategy.

 

MARYLAND YOUTH BALLET (Silver Spring, MD)  www.marylandyouthballet.org

Maryland Youth Ballet provides ballet classes for children, youth and adults with the goal of preparing dancers for a career in the performing arts. Board Development.

 

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MONT. CO. (Rockville, MD)  www.mhamc.org

MHA promotes support to those living with mental illness through education, advocacy, job training and direct service programs. Funding Strategy.

 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES (Bethesda, MD)  www.nccf-cares.org

NCCF provides early intervention programs for high-risk children and families in cases of child abuse and neglect, school failure, drug abuse, cyclical poverty, welfare dependence, homelessness, crime, and violence. Strategic Alignment.

 

NATIONAL CHILD RESEARCH CENTER (Washington, D.C.)  www.ncrcpreschool.org

NCRC is an independent, nonprofit preschool that provides a collaborative approach to preschool education and is committed to the inclusion of children with special needs. Strategic Alignment.

 

NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION (Washington, D.C.)    

www.preservationnation.org

The NTHP works to save America's historic places for the next generation by taking direct, on-the-ground action when historic buildings and sites are threatened. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations.

 

NORTHERN VIRGINIA THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM (Clifton, VA)    

www.nvtrp.org

NVTRP is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities, youths-at-risk, and veterans through the challenging, physically active sport of horseback riding. Strategic Planning Year 2.

 

PRINCE GEORGE'S CHILD RESOURCE CENTER (Largo, MD)  www.childresource.org

Prince George's Child Resource Center helps create healthy and nurturing environments for children by supporting families and educating caregivers. Strategic Alignment.

 

REBUILDING TOGETHER ALEXANDRIA (Alexandria, VA)  www.rebuildingtogetheralex.org

Rebuilding Together Alexandria brings volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of those in need by preserving existing homes. Marketing Strategy.

 

SASHA BRUCE YOUTHWORK (Washington, D.C.)  www.sashabruce.org

Sasha Bruce Youthwork improves the lives of runaway, homeless, abused, neglected and at-risk youth and their families. Strategic Planning Year 1.

 

UNITED PLANNING ORGANIZATION (Washington, D.C.)  www.upo.org

UPO provides early education, youth programming, adult education, training and job placement, and volunteer opportunities to move members of the community from poverty to self-sufficiency. Funding Strategy.

 

WASHINGTON AREA BICYCLIST ASSOCIATION (Washington, D.C.)    

www.waba.org

WABA promotes bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation. They advocate for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier and safer environment. Board Development. 

 

YOUTH BUILD PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL (Washington, D.C.)  www.youthbuildpcs.org

YouthBuild PCS is an alternative high school that aims to transform the lives of young people who seek to re-engage in their education in a non-traditional school environment. Strategic Planning Year 1.

 

WELCOME A NEW FACE AT COMPASS

We are excited to welcome Kristalee Overdahl as Compass' new Deputy Executive Director. Kristalee will be working closely with volunteers and clients in DC. She comes to Compass after volunteering as a Compass Project Leader for Wonders Child Care, where she joined the board at the project's conclusion. Kristalee has a BSE from Princeton and an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team.

 

She can be reached at: [email protected]

COMPASS SAYS GOODBYE TO WONDERFUL VOLUNTEER
Over the summer, our amazing volunteer Petra Kahn lost her 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Petra was the Project Leader for the Theatre Washington and Kid Power projects. She also helped create the Compass Volunteer Contest and worked to support Compass in many other ways. She could light up a room or meeting just by walking in. We will miss her deeply.  
 
INCREASE OUR IMPACT - DONATE TO COMPASS
Donations from individuals, companies, and foundations make it possible for Compass to bring over 250 business professionals into more than 40 nonprofits each year. You can donate to Compass to support and expand our impact by clicking the Donate Now button below.

Donate Now 
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Facilitator Needed

The Equal Rights Center is seeking someone to facilitate a �-day session for 15 programmatic staff on the topic of budgeting. They would like to do the session before October 15 to aid in their annual year-end budgeting process. A goal of the session is to effect a cultural change from people proposing projects out of pure passion to including more objectivity in the budget ask-get process. Any volunteers with nonprofit budgeting experience can contact Donald Kahl, ED at the Equal Rights Center. Please email a short summary of your interest and experience to [email protected]. For more information on ERC, see www.equalrightscenter.org.

 

WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT
Compass' nonprofit clients benefit from the amazing volunteers who give their time, expertise and intellectual energy. We couldn't recruit these amazing volunteers without the support of the local business schools clubs. A huge thank you to our Partner MBA Clubs that help spread the word about Compass. 

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Columbia Graduate School of Business
Cornell University
Fuqua School of Business at Duke University 
Harvard Business School 
Michigan Ross School of Business
MIT School of Management
Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management 
NYU Stern School of Business
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
University of Virginia Darden School of Business 
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
Yale School of Management

And a big thank you for the ongoing support from
Booz Allen Hamilton, Arnold & Porter LLP and Capital One.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH COMPASS

 

Please join one or all of our online communities: 

 

Like us on Facebook "Like" us and watch for fun announcements, pictures and videos.

 

Follow us on Twitter Follow us @Compassprobono.

 

View our profile on LinkedIn Join the Compass Volunteer Network 

 

Star

 

 Compass Blog - Read the latest post by Compass Volunteer, Martha Searby: Snapshot of a Board Development Project