FROM THE PRESIDENT

NO SIDELINES

I've been a "jump-right-in" kind of person since I was 14. That's when I discovered that bold actions lead to bold results. At 14, I moved myself from Texas public schools to a private school in my search for a good education. At 15, I organized a city-wide "run" to save the local theatre that I loved. I learned that I could pursue things that mattered to me. I found out that I didn't have to sit on the sidelines of life.

I love my job at Compass because Compass attracts "jump-right-in" kind of people. Our board members, donors, volunteers, and clients aren't watching from afar. Just because someone chooses to work in finance or marketing or consulting doesn't mean they don't care about their community and the tough social problems that we face. And just because someone chooses to work at a nonprofit, doesn't mean they have agreed to address all of society's problems on their own. We solve problems better together. Whether contributing in your career, with your volunteer time, or through the gift of financial support, the opportunities to jump into tough issues and make a significant difference abound.

Whichever way you choose to contribute, I hope you know that your efforts to make a difference are doing just that. Educational opportunities and family engagement programs are letting kids be kids a little longer. Veterans and their families are receiving support with life transitions. The homeless have a warm place to sleep and a hot meal, and perhaps a place to go on the upcoming holidays. Communities are thriving with cultural offerings that bring people together as only the arts can do.

Wherever you are in your life, Compass provides opportunities to jump right in. We currently have over 300 volunteers in Greater Washington and Philadelphia working with 38 nonprofits. If you aren't volunteering on one of those teams, I have good news. We are about to kick-off Micro Projects in the Washington area in January. Our Micro Project list will be available on our website the week of December 15. Volunteering is a great way to start the new year. It's just a thought!

Finally, like many nonprofits, we too are in the middle of our annual fundraising campaign. At this time of year when giving is on all of our minds, I hope you will consider donating generously to Compass. Your support makes it possible for us to bring the skills and talents of more than 400 business professionals to more than 50 nonprofits each year, and combined, those nonprofits help thousands of people.

At Compass, we give everyone a chance to step off the sidelines. So go ahead. Jump right in. 

I wish you a wonderful holiday, and a very happy - and bold - new year.

Warmly,

Suzanne

JOIN COMPASS VOLUNTEERS AND GIVE TO COMPASS

Did you know that many Compass volunteers who are donating their time to local nonprofits also provide a financial contribution to Compass? So far this year, 204 volunteers have made financial contributions to support Compass. We couldn't provide our unique pro bono consulting program without the infrastructure and staff to carefully select, train and support our clients and volunteers.

AMAZON SMILE