Don’t Be Afraid to Touch the Queen: What Young Nonprofit Leaders Can Learn From Michelle Obama

by Rosetta Thurman

category: Leadership

Published May 12, 2009 @ 09:45AM PT

First Lady Michelle Obama has always been viewed as a role model for young nonprofit leaders. As founding Executive Director of Public Allies Chicago, Mrs. Obama inspired countless young people to pursue careers in public service.  Her commitment to identify and develop the next generation is evident in her work in Chicago to recruit young people from housing projects and youth centers as well as colleges and universities. Young nonprofit leaders can learn not only from Michelle Obama's dedication to serving the community, but also from her leadership in the White House as First Lady.  Mrs. Obama teaches us several valuable lessons in leadership through her words as well as her actions.

Speak Up For Yourself
In Hill Harper's book, Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny, Michelle Obama lent this advice to young women: "Don't let anyone speak for you, and don't rely on others to fight for you." The First Lady reminds young people that we need to maintain our own voices and take responsibility for our own destiny.  Even though as a young nonprofit professional you may not be in a position of leadership within your organization, you can still share your ideas and advocate for yourself and your community.

Volunteer to Help the Less Fortunate in Your Community
As First Lady, Michelle Obama has visited numerous nonprofit organizations to speak to youth and feed the homeless. In a recent visit to Miriam's Kitchen in Washington, DC, Mrs. Obama served risotto to homeless men and women and stressed the importance of taking care of those in need. Her service to others is an example to young nonprofit leaders that even though you work in a service capacity at a nonprofit, you still need to make time to volunteer. We still have to make to time help those who are less fortunate. We need to be living a life of service, not just doing good from 9 to 5.

Share Your Vision to Inspire Others
One of my favorite speeches by Michelle Obama was the one she gave during last year's Democratic National Convention. In that speech, Mrs. Obama asked America to make a commitment to "create the world as it should be." Her words touched millions. It takes a special kind of leader to connect with so many people and set fire in them a will to change this world. That is what we need from young nonprofit leaders today. We do not need more of the same in America or our nonprofit sector. Because, as Michelle Obama said, the future is too important for us to risk.

Don't Be Afraid to Touch the Queen
The First Lady caused quite a stir on her recent visit to see the Queen Elizabeth. As Mrs. Obama and the Queen spoke, they showed each other mutual affection by patting each other on the back. It was controversial because it is against royal protocol to touch the Queen. It may be the same way in your organization. Maybe it's unheard of to reach out to your boss directly, but remember that it's important not to get intimidated by your older colleagues. Be yourself and seek to grow into the kind of leader you want to be, and the rest will fall into place. Mrs. Obama did what was natural for her, even though it was against tradition, and the Queen responded in kind with the same genuine warmth.

Photo credit: Los Angeles Times

Are You Unhappy at Your Nonprofit Job? Maybe It's Not Them, It's You

by Rosetta Thurman

category: Leadership

Published May 12, 2009 @ 10:21PM PT

My mom got remarried last month, and our entire family flew in from around the country. My Grandma Tennie Mae had to come down to Washington, DC all the way from Ohio, and as usual, she created the most drama out of everyone in the wedding. Grandma goes to the salon every time there's a special occasion, but she is never satisfied with how the hairdresser styles her hair. She never likes it, no matter who coifs her unruly mane. She blames each of the unfortunate hairdressers who ruin her 'do, demanding her money back in a huff after each fiasco. A few months later, she goes through the process all over with a different stylist, but the same outcome. It's a pattern that characterizes every family event that involves my grandmother. Her haircare is never right, and it's always the stylist that gets the blame for doing it wrong.

Have you noticed a similar pattern in your nonprofit jobs? I've met many young professionals in my last two years of blogging and speaking to groups that complain all day long about their horrible nonprofit jobs, low salaries, and evil bosses. Particularly in DC, I've seen high turnover in my fellow development directors and others who stay at a job for six months or so, then move on to another job because the organization didn't "treat them right". I see these same people going through the revolving door of several different nonprofit organizations, never finding the right fit for their professional needs. I keep wondering if they realize at some point that maybe it's not the nonprofit who has the issues. Maybe it's them. If you're in a bad nonprofit job right now, I encourage you to think about some ways that you might be contributing to the negative situation. Then, think of ways you might change it. You might be surprised to find that the solution doesn't always have to be to leave the organization.

Get Rid of the "Woe is Me" Attitude
Look, nobody likes a whiner. If all you do is talk about the problems you have at work, no one will want to listen to you or help you in your plight. We all know that working in a nonprofit is not easy. You may be overworked, but you don’t have to complain about it to everyone who asks you how you’re doing. Chances are, if you’re feeling the negative vibes, everyone else is, too. Break out your smile and ask your co-workers how they’re doing. When you radiate positive energy, it tends to spread to others around you.

Negotiate the Salary You Need
Whose fault is it really, that you make a salary that's too low? You were the one that accepted it, so the blame rests with you. To avoid being miserable, you must ASK for the salary you want when you come in, which should be a number higher than what you need to buy food and pay rent. I know people who have calculated their bare bones needs just to get by and told the hiring manager they could live off of $32,000 a year. I did it myself - in my first full-time nonprofit job I made $27,000 a year. I had to take out loans and get a part-time job as a hostess at a chain restaurant just to feed myself and go to a concert once in a blue moon. But I learned my lesson real quick. What did I think I was, a proverbial Wal-Mart? You are not discount talent, so don’t short yourself when it comes to salary negotiations. You should have enough to live, pay taxes, and make room for whatever makes you happy.

Don't Let Your Boss Tell You What to Do
Sometimes young professionals get frustrated with outdated and inefficient processes at their organizations. The computers are too slow, the programs aren't impacting enough kids, the fundraising process doesn't bring in new donors, Your boss is sitting there telling you what to do, and you just obey, when you just know there is a better way to do the work. Yet you keep your mouth shut when it comes time for you to speak up about how it should be done differently. Nonprofits are just like any other organization that should benefit from the fresh ideas of its staff. But how would your boss know that you have a brilliant solution to a problem facing the organization unless you tell her? Don't wait to be asked your opinion. Raise your voice in meetings and be ready and willing to implement your ideas. In the end, everyone wins - you get to practice leadership, and the nonprofit gets better at what it does for the people they serve.

Welcome! A Leadership Primer for Young Professionals: 44 Ways to Advance Your Nonprofit Career

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Leadership, Professional Development

Published May 13, 2009 @ 12:19AM PT

Welcome to the Young Professionals blog at Jobs for Change! I’m Rosetta Thurman and I’m a young (Generation Y) nonprofit leader of color working and living in Washington, DC. I’ve been blogging for two years over at Perspectives From the Pipeline sharing nonprofit resources, career advice and fresh ideas to educate and inspire young professionals and people of color in doing the work of social change. In my day job(s), I serve as a Development Director and I also teach nonprofit management at Trinity University in DC. Let me tell you a little more about me and why I work in the nonprofit sector.

Here you will find posts to support you as a young professional just entering the nonprofit field or looking to move up in your career. I will be sharing resources, career advice, and ideas about professional development and building the kind of leadership that changes the world. Feel free to drop me a note anytime at rosetta@change.org with questions, comments or suggestions for future posts. You can also follow me on Twitter @rosettathurman for daily links and conversation about nonprofits, leadership, and living our best lives.

To start us off, I thought I'd share my growing list of ideas and links to resources that will help you build your own leadership skills and ultimately move up the nonprofit career ladder. Please help me add to this list by sharing your tips and links in the comments!

1. New to the nonprofit sector? Here's a brief overview.
2. Find your dream nonprofit job.
3. Moving to the Nation's Capital for a nonprofit job? Download the Young Nonprofit Professional’s Guide to Washington, DC.
4. Don't start your own nonprofit.
5. Become a better nonprofit leader in 2009.
6. Join the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network in your city.
7. Learn how to raise money.
8. Write an op-ed.
9. Start a blog.
10. Get on Twitter.
11. Join a nonprofit board of directors.
12. Get a good start in any new position.
13. Develop a personal mission statement.
14. Be provocative.
15. Learn from others.
16. Negotiate a fair salary.
17. Manage your professional identity.
18. Prevent burnout.
19. Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
20. Explore a slash career.
21. Volunteer.
22. Pursue a nonprofit-focused graduate degree.
23. Speak up!
24. Connect with your peers in philanthropy.
25. Don't be afraid to fail.
26. Lead by faith.
27. Take care of yourself. Put your health first.
28. Complete a stretch assignment.
29. Admit your mistakes.
30. Stay updated on trends facing the future of the nonprofit sector.
31. Learn how to advocate for causes you care about.
32. Read the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
33. Find a mentor.
34. Get your own business cards.
35. Talk about race.
36. Hone the art of the informational interview.
37. Break all the rules.
38. Get ahead of the competition.
39. Attend The Fundraising School.
40. Stop trying to be two different people.
41. Never eat alone.
42. Keep track of your goals.
43. Introduce yourself to a search firm (also known as "headhunters").
44. Reset your life.

What No One Will Ever Tell You About Your First Day at a New Nonprofit Job

by Rosetta Thurman

category: Leadership

Published May 26, 2009 @ 05:35AM PT

True story. I once worked at a nonprofit where I did not have a desk. Why did I not have a desk, you ask? Well, the organization didn't even have an office. They had lost their original location due to lack of funding and so we held meetings in a Starbucks around the corner from the new program site, which did not have desks. Or computers. It was a great organization, and I loved their mission, but if I would have known about the work conditions, I probably would have passed on the job opportunity. Now I don't want to scare you, but if you're about to begin a job (especially at a small nonprofit) you need to be prepared for anything, including:

• You may not have a computer set up. No email address either. Someone may have forgotten this essential step in preparing for your arrival. On your first day at work, you may have to make nice with tech support. If it's a small nonprofit, they probably don't have an IT person, so you might even have to figure it out yourself.
• A big board meeting is happening in about T minus 2 hours for which you must make copies, put together binders, get coffee, and take detailed notes. Hey, they said they were looking for someone to hit the ground running. Ready, set, go! This is one of those things you might have to figure out as you go along.
• No one may know who you are. Another true story. I was once hired for a job where the big boss of the department had hired me while her colleague was on vacation. When I showed up on Monday, the colleague didn't know why I was there! Apparently, she hadn't checked her Blackberry before coming into the office. Needless to say, she wasn't the greatest welcome committee.

Okay, so these scenarios are usually at the extreme, but they can happen. For many nonprofits, planning for a new hire is not something they do very well amidst the million other demands on their time and resources. If any of these should happen to you on your first day on your new nonprofit job, don't let it bother you too much. Just take it in stride. Since more and more nonprofits are becoming strained for staff and cash, give your new employer the benefit of the doubt. Blame it on their circustances, not their good intentions. And hey, maybe they chose to hire YOU for the organizational skills you can bring to the process for the next person they bring aboard!

YNPN Wednesday: Meet Emily Davis, Nonprofit Volunteer Extraordinaire

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Leadership, YNPN Wednesday

Published May 27, 2009 @ 07:19AM PT

Welcome to YNPN Wednesday! Today launches a new weekly blog series highlighting stories and advice from members of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapters all over the country. Each week, I'll be sharing an interview or guest post from a young nonprofit professional just like you! You'll hear about how they started their nonprofit careers and get advice from different perspectives of young people who are doing the work of social change right now.  Email me at rosetta@change.org or contact me on Twitter @rosettathurman if you're a YNPN member who'd like to be featured here. Also be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss any updates!

To kick us off, let me introduce you to Emily Davis: nonprofit volunteer, consultant, and founder of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network San Diego. Emily's story is just one example of how you can use your unique talents to volunteer with nonprofits and make a difference even without being a full-time employee.

About Emily: Emily currently consults and trains nonprofit organizations in the areas of nonprofit leadership, communications, social media, and organizational and board development.  Emily serves on numerous nonprofit committees and boards nationally, regionally in California and in Colorado where she recently completed her Masters of Nonprofit Management with honors from Regis University. She now lives in San Diego, CA where she continues her consulting work; founded and serves as board chair for YNPN San Diego; and focuses on issues related to emerging leaders.

Rosetta Thurman: How did you make your way into the nonprofit sector?

Emily Davis: I came from a family that was highly engaged in volunteer work and philanthropy.  From an early age I was processing registrations for fundraising golf tournaments and volunteering at shelters for battered women.  My senior speech in high school was about the child abuse and its affects.  I had also been involved in social justice work and found that the nonprofit sector was the best place for me to fulfill those interests.  My first job in the nonprofit sector came directly out of volunteer work.  I was an escort at Planned Parenthood on Saturday mornings during college and worked my way into working the front desk at the clinic.  The staff and I loved working together so I ended up working part time there.

RT: What is your educational background and area of expertise?

ED: I have my BA from Colorado College in Sociology and Women’s Studies and my Masters in Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver.  My MNM program was fantastic and I had some amazing mentors that still work with me to this day.  My previous area of expertise was in ending sexual violence against women.  Now I consult in the areas of communications, board development, organizational development, and emerging leaders.

RT: Tell me about your current position. What does a typical day look like for you?

ED: I spend a lot of time connecting with people in the community right now since I have started the local chapter of YNPN in San Diego.  I work diligently on making YNPN San Diego one of the best organizations out there by communicating with the committee and board members, developing systems, infrastructure and leadership.  I would say I spend about 20 hours per week running YNPN San Diego on a volunteer basis.  The other 20 hours per week are working on projects with my clients including everything from strategic planning to board development to nonprofit creation.  I also train in person and through webinars every month so I spend a lot of time working on that. It’s a very exciting job to have since I am always working with different interests and causes.  I am trying right now to make a diligent effort to exercise and be more healthy too so that I can keep up my work schedule.  I find that the area of sustaining activism or self care is highly undervalued and I am making more of an effort to “walk the talk” on my work/life balance.

RT: Where do you want to be in your career 10 years from now?

ED: I’d still like to be consulting with small to mid-size nonprofits or serving as the director of a infrastructure nonprofit such as a community resource center or nonprofit association.  I LOVE to train, so teaching would be great too.  Ultimately though, I want to have both a personal life and professional career – something that is very challenging to do right now, but I do see a shift happening as a result of the next generations’ needs for a new work model.

RT: What one piece of advice would you give to young professionals just starting their nonprofit careers?

ED: Volunteer!  This was how I found so many of my jobs.  I found the organizations I loved and found a way to volunteer.  I tried to take on more responsibility and demonstrate how much of an asset I could be to the organization.  It is a great strategy because you and the organization are able to “try each other on” without any legal commitment.  It’s still a strategy I use today.

You can follow Emily on Twitter @edaconsulting

How to Resign Gracefully From the Nonprofit Job From Hell

by Rosetta Thurman

category: Leadership

Published May 28, 2009 @ 05:43AM PT

Sometimes, you start a great nonprofit job, and it's just not what you expected. Maybe you really love the cause, but it's the organization itself that's driving you crazy. You enjoy working with the kids or doing outreach for the homeless, but you don't think you can go one more day working for an evil jerk of a boss. They don't pay you enough to deal with dysfunction. Also, your friends are tired of your complaining. It may be time to quit, but you want to leave on good terms. Even if it was the nonprofit job from hell.

Write a formal resignation letter. Keep it short and to the point. Leave emotions out of it. Make sure you give the effective date of your resignation. As much as you may want to vent and rant about all the injustices done to you, this is just not the venue for that. Avoid putting in details of why you're leaving in the formal letter.  Though it's supposed to be confidential, the reality is that anything you put in writing can be shared with anyone who happens upon your employee file later. If you really do have a grievance to pursue, use the appropriate channels outlined in the employee handbook.

Deliver the news in person. Request a meeting with your boss to "discuss your future with the organization." Nothing more needs to be said here. They will have an idea of what you want to meet about. Again, keep this meeting short and to the point - 30 minutes max. Begin by telling them how much you've appreciated the opportunity to serve the organization, but it's time for you to move on. You can insert whatever explanation you want here - you're leaving to pursue advancement opportunities elsewhere, going back to school, expand your experience with other nonprofits. Whatever you do, don't say, 'I'm leaving because you are certifiably insane and if I work here one more day I will jump out of a window." At the end of the meeting, give your boss the resignation letter that you've prepared.

Give at least two weeks notice. I know, if it's hard to get out of bed in the morning for a job you have grown to despise, this can also be a challenge. Especially when all you want to do is scream, "You can't fire me; I quit!" at the top of your lungs. But you must do this. It is a generally accepted professional courtesy to give your employer at least two weeks to find your replacement. This will also give you time to wrap up any projects to hand off to the next employee or delegate to one of your colleagues.

Write a positive farewell email to your stakeholders and colleagues. During your last days of work, be sure to inform those you've been working with for the last months or years. It's a courtesy to your colleagues to let them know you're leaving the organization and where they can contact you in the future. Say something like, "I've learned a lot during my time at Toys for Toddlers, but I'm moving on to a new stage in my career. I appreciate having the opportunity to work with all of you, and I hope we can stay in touch..."

Again, even if you're quitting on bad terms, just try to be as cordial and professional as possible. It's a small nonprofit world. If you leave any organization in a huff, people will be talking about you, and not in a good way.

Photo credit: bocavermelha-l.b.

Turn Your (Nonprofit) Swag On

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Leadership, Networking, Personal Branding

Published June 08, 2009 @ 08:44AM PT

The hip hop music world is obsessed with swag these days. I had to look in the urban dictionary for its official definition, which states that "swag" is simply the way you present yourself. Every song lyric on the radio has some mention of the importance of having this kind of extreme confidence in yourself, otherwise known as "getting your swag on". One of the most popular songs out right now is a song called "Turn My Swag On" by Soulja Boy. I admit, I'm not one to listen to all the teenybopper music these days, but as I watched my 14-year old cousin dance to this song, I realized that there was a bigger message for all of us to learn.

How important is swag in the nonprofit world? It's priceless. Nonprofit organizations are just as seduced by high levels of confidence in potential employees as we are with the hip hop stars of today. When you're networking, interviewing, or even meeting with a potential partner for your organization, it's crucial that you exude as much confidence as possible, even if you really feel nervous inside. It's amazing to me how many candidates I've interviewed for jobs, where in our conversation I'm struggling to get the person to make eye contact with me instead of speaking down to the table, or their shoes.

If you have issues with self-confidence, here are a few ways to practice beefing it up:

• Smile. A lot. Smiling will always help to quell any nervousness you may have.
• Always give a firm handshake when you meet someone (preferably while smiling).
• Make frequent eye contact (preferably while smiling).
• Talk about your accomplishments.
• When someone compliments you, just say thank you. Not "oh, this old thing?" or "it was nothing". Take credit for being fabulous.

Nonprofits want the kind of employees who believe so highly in themeselves that they can bring others on board for the cause. They want the kind of leaders that aren't afraid to "turn their swag on". And, evidenced by the song's over 8 million hits on YouTube, the rest of the world does, too.