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Professional Development Articles for Young Professionals
10 Ways to Become a Better Nonprofit Manager Without Spending a Dime
Published May 09, 2009 @ 09:19PM PT
In this tough economic climate, nonprofits are drastically cutting their staff development budgets to conserve funding to pay for much-needed community programs. That means no money for professional development, nonprofit conferences or classes to build management skills. For young nonprofit workers with little work experience to draw from, this is bad news indeed. So the next best thing for nonprofit professionals is to take advantage of the free online resources to build knowledge about the field and learn how to do their jobs better. Here are 10 of my favorite websites that will help you become a better nonprofit manager without spending a dime and without leaving your desk!
1. Foundation Center
The Foundation Center has a content-rich web site with a variety of free search tools, tutorials, downloadable reports, and other information updated daily, including Philanthropy News Digest, its daily news service. Check out audio from their great events about fundraising and philanthropy and download podcast interviews with grantmakers and other experts in the field of philanthropy. Also follow them on Twitter @pndblog.
2. BoardSource
BoardSource's online Knowledge Center provides a plethora of information about nonprofits and boards of directors. Check out their comprehensive list of answers to 180 frequently asked questions, sign up for their free newsletter, and follow them on Twitter @boardsource.
3. Alliance for Nonprofit Management
The Alliance maintains a great archive of FAQs listed on the site, including answers to questions about board development, strategic planning, financial management, and fundraising. You can also find answers to your questions in the Alliance Resource Center, a collection of information on websites, books, videos, organizations and other resources for nonprofits.
4. Idealist.org Resources Page
Idealist has compiled a list of the most useful sites they have found on the Web for individuals starting, managing and funding a nonprofit organization. Topics include an HR resource guide, nonprofit technology, fundraising, and diversity in the workplace. Also check out their podcast interviews and informative blog postings.
5. Nonprofit Good Practice Guide
The Nonprofit Good Practice Guide is an extensive library of resources for nonprofit and foundation professionals, students and volunteers. The site features a glossary with almost 3,000 terms related to the nonprofit sector. You can also search their frequently asked questions or send in your own query to one of their experts in residence.
6. Blue Avocado
Blue Avocado is a nonprofit online magazine for community nonprofits. Sign up for their free newsletter brought to you every two weeks with columns like "Ask Rita in HR", Nonprofit Finance and Strategy and Board Café.
7. NTEN
NTEN helps nonprofit professionals who put technology to use for their causes, sharing knowledge research and industry analysis. Sign up for their free newsletter, check out their extensive research reports, and keep up with their blogs highlighting the latest nonprofit technology news and resources.
8. Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media
Beth Kanter is the awesome blogger behind Beth's Blog and one of Businessweek's "Four Social Media Innovators for 2009." This is THE place to capture and share ideas, experiment with and exchange links and resources about the adoption challenges, strategy, and ROI of nonprofits and social media. Also follow Beth on Twitter @kanter
9. The Chronicle of Philanthropy
The Chronicle of Philanthropy is the newspaper of the nonprofit world. It is a trusted news source, in print and online, for charity leaders, fund raisers, grant makers, and other people involved in philanthropy. The Chronicle also maintains a great online discussion series and a column with fundraising tips called Prospecting. Be sure to follow on Twitter @Philanthropy!
10. Manager Tools
Manager Tools is a weekly podcast focused on helping you become a more effective manager and leader. This one is not directly related to nonprofits, but its high quality and consistently useful information is designed to help managers at any type of organization. Each week they share new tools and easy techniques you can use to help achieve your management and career objectives. Also check out their blog and the forums on the site.
Welcome! A Leadership Primer for Young Professionals: 44 Ways to Advance Your Nonprofit Career
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!
- New to the nonprofit sector? Here's a brief overview.
- Find your dream nonprofit job.
- Moving to the Nation's Capital for a nonprofit job? Download the Young Nonprofit Professional’s Guide to Washington, DC.
- Don't start your own nonprofit.
- Become a better nonprofit leader in 2009.
- Join the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network in your city.
- Learn how to raise money.
- Write an op-ed.
- Start a blog.
- Get on Twitter.
- Join a nonprofit board of directors.
- Get a good start in any new position.
- Develop a personal mission statement.
- Be provocative.
- Learn from others.
- Negotiate a fair salary.
- Manage your professional identity.
- Prevent burnout.
- Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
- Explore a slash career.
- Volunteer.
- Pursue a nonprofit-focused graduate degree.
- Speak up!
- Connect with your peers in philanthropy.
- Don't be afraid to fail.
- Lead by faith.
- Take care of yourself. Put your health first.
- Complete a stretch assignment.
- Admit your mistakes.
- Stay updated on trends facing the future of the nonprofit sector.
- Learn how to advocate for causes you care about.
- Read the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
- Find a mentor.
- Get your own business cards.
- Talk about race.
- Hone the art of the informational interview.
- Break all the rules.
- Get ahead of the competition.
- Attend The Fundraising School.
- Stop trying to be two different people.
- Never eat alone.
- Keep track of your goals.
- Introduce yourself to a search firm (also known as "headhunters").
- Reset your life.
Why You Should Join the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
Published May 15, 2009 @ 04:17AM PT
Are you looking for low-cost professional development and a place to network with peers your age in the nonprofit sector? If so, I encourage you to check out the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN)! YNPN is a national movement to promote an efficient, viable, and inclusive nonprofit sector that supports the growth, learning, and development of young professionals. YNPN engages and supports future nonprofit and community leaders through professional development, networking and social opportunities designed for young people involved in the nonprofit community.
You may have heard of YNPN through their 2007 report, Stepping Up or Stepping Out, an important study about leadership in the sector written from the point of view of young nonprofit professionals.
Most major cities have a YNPN chapter that you can plug into. Find a chapter in your area and you'll be able to access:
- An e-mail list where members exchange information and referrals, learn about special events and workshops, post and receive job announcements, and share ideas on issues facing the sector
- A web site linking the nonprofit community to information and resources
- A wide range of career development workshops and panels for its members
- Peer mentoring and support groups
- Monthly networking social hours
- Advocacy events, surveys, and awards programs to connect the sector in general with early career professionals' needs
Over the past five years, YNPN has become the nation's premier organization for young nonprofit professionals to connect with like-minded peers. With 22 YNPN chapters representing nearly 15,000 young nonprofit professionals working in a variety of capacities, it's definitely something each one of you should be involved in. The best part? For most chapters, YNPN membership is still FREE!
Clueless in the Nonprofit Sector: You Think You Know, But You Have No Idea
Published June 23, 2009 @ 05:15AM PT
So you want a job that makes a difference in the world. Great! The only problem is that your total knowledge of nonprofits consists of putting a dollar in the red Salvation Army buckets for charity during the holidays. Or you may have volunteered at a soup kitchen in college, feeding the homeless in your community. Maybe that's where you learned that you have a knack for helping others. Although you've never held a full-time job in a nonprofit, you're pretty sure you can take on any position in the sector because you're a do-gooder at heart. You think you know about the nonprofit field, but you really have no idea.
Remember that 1995 movie, Clueless starring Alicia Silverstone? She played a ditzy high school student named Cher whose main knowledge in life consisted of fashion and boys. The entire movie is a comedy that pokes fun at her shallow view of the world and lack of interest in anything besides shopping and partying. When you go in for an interview at a nonprofit without even knowing what a nonprofit is, you are effectively portraying yourself as a version of Cher, totally oblivious to what's going on in the nonprofit world in which you claim to want to work.
Most young professionals are totally clueless when they first enter the nonprofit sector. I was, too. I had no idea what a nonprofit was when I was hired to write grant proposals for one! So, you can definitely get a leg up on the competition for social change jobs if you can grasp the basic concepts of what a nonprofit is and what it means to work in one. You may have gotten yourself a fancy MBA, but everything you learned in business school does not necessarily apply. Nonprofits are a lot like small businesses, but in many major ways, they are not. Knowing as much as you can about the field you want to work in, not just the particular charity, can really set you apart from other job candidates. And if you are looking to move up into a leadership position in the nonprofit field, it will be that much more important for you to have all the information about the landscape in which your organization must operate.
For a quick overview of the nonprofit sector, check out Heather Carpenter's blog post on Nonprofit Leadership 601: New to the Nonprofit Sector? Here's a BRIEF Overview
It's a good read, and chock full of links to explore for more information. For instance, Heather highlights some misconceptions about nonprofits:
The term “nonprofit” does not mean that these organizations don’t make money. Nonprofits [can] generate a lot of revenue, but they allocate these funds toward programs and operating costs, not toward dividends and other payouts.
And gives you an idea of the scope of nonprofit employment:
Nonprofit employment is scattered across a wide variety of fields, from information and scientific services to religion and civic affairs. The bulk of this employment, however, is in human services, and within that broad category, in health services.
You can't be clueless about the nonprofit sector if this is the field you want to work in. There's more to this line of work than handing out food and bell ringers for the Salvation Army. As a future nonprofit leader, you need to know the unique facets of nonprofits, from their business structures to legal requirements to specific training available. All of the information is out there for you to learn, so there'e no excuse for being a total ditz.
How to Conduct Your First Nonprofit Meeting Like a Rockstar
Published June 30, 2009 @ 05:03AM PT
As a new employee at a nonprofit, you never know what to expect. You may be hired for an entry-level position, but end up in charge of staffing a committee for the Board of Directors or meetings for your organization or community members. Especially if you're running meetings with board members who are typically busy executives, it's often hard to pin them down for meetings and then get them to perform their assigned tasks. And if you're in your 20s, I'm sure they also wonder who is this 'kid' trying to manage them or run a meeting for them? So, when you start your new nonprofit job, make you're prepared if you're ever asked to organize a meeting for the organization. No matter how unimportant the meeting may seem, if you do a good job, it will be remembered for a long time. I learned many of these meeting tips from Manager Tools, an awesome podcast about becoming a better manager. Even if you've been in your nonprofit job for years, I highly recommend you check out their episodes about running a great meeting. There's always room for improvement.
A Month Before the Meeting
- Determine date and time. If it is a series of meetings over a period of time, set the dates for the consecutive months all at once, so you don't have to hassle with scheduling each individual meeting date.
- Create a clear agenda.
A Week Before the Meeting
- Send out a friendly reminder one week before the meeting, with the agenda and any other relevant materials attached.
- Order some muffins and coffee if it's a breakfast meeting or some yummy boxed lunches from your local, affordable gourmet caterer. If you have a budget for food, go for it. Nothing gets people motivated to attend a meeting more than a free meal!
The Day of the Meeting
- Greet the meeting participants at the door with a smile.
- List agenda items on flipchart paper in colored marker to be posted during the meeting.
- Make sure the agenda builds in time for introductions. Have committee members or participants share something personal about themselves to lighten the mood and create a bond with the group.
- Start and end the meeting on time. If you say you'll end at 11:00am, have a goal to wrap it up by 10:55.
- Take good notes during the meeting, and send them out immediately so everyone has a record. Take the opportunity to remind them of the next meeting, if there will be one.
The Outcome
You will appear to be an organized member of your team and people will respect you for your management skills. Your commitee members or meeting participants will likely be more engaged and excited about your nonprofit's work. Your boss will think you're a rockstar and may even give you a high five.
Most meetings are useless, disorganized, and boring. If you can learn how to run great meetings, people will marvel at your skill and call upon you to lead more meetings in the future. And the more visible you are, the easier it will be to move up the nonprofit ladder. Conduct your first nonprofit meeting like a pro, and you'll be well on your way.
YNPN Wednesday: 4 Ways to Connect With Other Young Nonprofit Professionals in Your City
Published July 08, 2009 @ 09:11AM PT
Welcome to YNPN Wednesday, my weekly blog series highlighting stories and advice from members of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapters all over the country. I've blogged before about the benefits of joining YNPN as a way to expand your nonprofit network and access free or low-cost professional development. This week, I'm sharing just a few specific opportunities for how you can get connected to YNPN events and meet other young nonprofit professionals in your city. To join a YNPN chapter in your area, sign-up here with your contact information. Please feel free to add other opportunities you know about in the comments!
♣YNPN San Diego (follow on Twitter @ynpnsandiego)
Professional Development Workshop: Advocating for Yourself
July 16, 2009 from 5:30-8:30pm
Register online for free: http://ynpnsdadvocatingforyourself.eventbrite.com
Do you have brilliant ideas you want to share with your Executive Director or Leadership Team but don't have the nerve to start the dialogue? How do you even start the conversation with your supervisor about a raise or development in your current position? Once you begin the exchange, how do you make sure you are clear and precise about your needs? Whether you're currently employed, actively searching or determining your next move - its obvious we could all use new tips and confidence while advocating for our professional selves. During our July Professional Development Workshop, you will leave with...
- Confidence in asking for what you want in the workplace
- An ability to clearly communicate your professional needs
- Ideas and tactics on how to persuade change in your organization
Work/Life Balance Workshop: Part II
July 21, 2009 from 5:30-7:00pm
More event information and location online
Everyone knows a well-balanced diet is essential for a healthy life-style, right? But, what about a well-balanced life? This specific workshop has been designed to provide a more intimate discussion about the subject. The last work/life balance workshop focused on balancing work with family life. Part II of this workshop will be geared toward finding time for personal interests like volunteering and seeing friends. In the end, we hope you will walk away knowing what work-life balance is, what it means to you and how you can develop it in your own life.
Conversations Series at Visible Voice Books in Tremont
July 22, 2009 from 7-9pm
More event information and location online
Relax with coffee or a glass of wine for an informal program that gives you a chance to meet other young nonprofit professionals and talk about the issues that matter to you. Our first Conversations meeting on Wednesday the 22nd will focus on what you love (or hate) about living and working in the Cleveland area.
Social Media for Social Good
July 23, 2009 from 9:30am-3:30pm
More event information, location and registration online
Attend this day-long seminar to:
- Explore the social media topics that interest you most in in-depth workshops.
- Learn about specific tools, strategies, and applications that can increase your organization's impact in the community.
- Network with nonprofit professionals and social media service providers in the Washington metropolitan area.
YNPN Wednesday: Build Your Leadership Skills by Joining the YNPN National Board of Directors!
Published July 15, 2009 @ 01:20AM PT
Welcome to YNPN Wednesday, my weekly blog series highlighting stories and advice from members of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapters all over the country. Today I want to highlight a fantastic leadership opportunity for young professionals across the country who want to be a part of a growing movement. See below for full details. Good luck!
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) National Board is looking for outstanding young leaders to join us as board members. The National YNPN Board supports the mission and vision of YNPN chapters by leveraging partnerships, conducting national advocacy, and collecting and disseminating best practices to chapters and members. If you are committed to the nonprofit sector, ready to take a leadership role, and want to help lead the growing YNPN movement, we encourage you to apply to join this working board. Please note that we are a volunteer-led and run organization and the average time commitment expected is 15-20 hours per month.
Why Should I Apply for the YNPN National Board?
- Be a part of a national movement to build a stronger nonprofit sector that supports young professionals
- Play a critical role in the development and growth of YNPN chapters across the U.S.
- Help shape a growing national organization
- Gain excellent leadership and professional development experience
- Work with a fun and highly motivated team of passionate individuals from around the country
What is YNPN National looking for in Board Members?
Leaders with the following skills and experience:
- Organizational development and change
- Accounting and fiscal management
- Evaluation and assessment
- Fundraising
- Technology
- PR and marketing
YNPN National also seeks:
- Geographic diversity
- Racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and age diversity
- Representative of the individuals and communities we serve (at least 60% of the board will be affiliated with YNPN chapter
What is Expected of YNPN National Board Members?
National board members are expected to represent the interests and needs of young nonprofit professionals, to support YNPN's mission and strategic plan, and to support YNPN chapters in serving members' needs.
Specific expectations:
- Serve a two-year term from January 1 - December 31 two years later
- Commit 15-20 hours per month to YNPN business
- Participate in 1.5-2 hour board meetings every other month by conference call and attend 2 in-person board meetings/year
- Actively participate in decision making on conference calls and through e-mail
- Serve on at least one board committee, participate in monthly committee meetings, and proactively follow through on committee work
- Contribute financially to YNPN at a personally significant level of at least $100/year
- Be a positive ambassador for National YNPN in the community
How do I apply?
Please submit the following materials by October 1, 2009:
- National Board Application (boardmemberapplicationfall2009.doc)
- Resume
Selected applicants will interview with a YNPN Board member in October and be notified of their status by the board by December. Terms will start in January. Find more information about YNPN and the board member opportunity here.
