Boston in My Pocket

“Did you see the news?”

On the morning of Monday, April 15^th, I had dropped off my children at school, then returned home to work. Feeling the weight of a deadline, I had been engrossed in writing for several hours when my husband called. Hearing his question, I felt my stomach tighten. My husband only asks me if I’ve seen the news when something truly terrible has occurred.

“No, what happened?”

As he told me of the initial reports of the Boston Marathon bombing, I opened a browser on my laptop and began to read through the headlines. The searing photos were hard to comprehend. As I read the details of what was known at the time—how the joyful finish line celebrations had been rocked by explosions without warning, how scores had been injured—I felt a deep and painful sadness, and a sense of loss for Boston.

That afternoon, I picked up my young sons from school, and was relieved to find they were unaware of the events from across the country. “Hey Mom,” my older said, “we have to remember to wear shorts with pockets on Thursday, because that’s Poem in Your Pocket Day.” I smiled as he described his school’s tradition of celebrating poetry by having each child either write or locate a poem to literally carry in his or her pocket that day, to share with classmates and to experience a bit of the fun and beauty of words. I couldn’t help but think of the juxtaposition of visions in my brain: the jagged and broken scenes from the bombing mixed with images of children, pockets bursting with tidily folded bits of poetry.

Over the next few days, I felt myself—almost obsessively—wanting to learn more about what was happening in Boston. Which was strange, when I thought about it. Here I was, living with my family more than 5,000 miles away from the East Coast, and yet the bombing had struck such a chord with me. Yes, as an American, I was deeply affected by its senselessness and randomness, and its reminder of our vulnerability. But even beyond that, the reason I felt connected to what had happened was that on some level, I still felt Boston was my community.

I had called Boston “home” for two years when I attended graduate school, and like any place one thinks of in that way, I still carried with me memories of and connections with the city. I had met incredible people through my studies, and forged friendships built on shared interests and common passions. I had explored the sights and sounds of New England there, like the glorious arrival of autumn and the crunch of fallen leaves on my morning walks across the Public Garden. I had learned a flinty toughness from that town, surviving two Boston winters—no simple feat. And my husband and I had been married in Boston, in a little art gallery on Newbury Street, just blocks away from the Boston Marathon’s finish line.

The connection I felt to Boston in its time of crisis was, I realized, born from those memories and emotions that I continued to carry with me from my time there. Much as I felt on 9/11, having moved to Boston from New York City, I felt a solidarity with the city because I had felt ownership of it, if only for a brief time. Boston had shaped who I was, and was becoming; the rhyme and meter of the city had become part of my own verses. And so, much like my son’s anticipated poem, I carried a bit of Boston in my pocket, as I had carried—and still carry—a bit of every city and town in which I’ve lived.

On Friday, as news of the death of one bombing suspect and the capture of the other spread through the Internet, I felt a sense of relief. Again I thought, how strange it is to feel this way when all these events are happening at such a distance. But in some way, it does make sense. As people, we crave connection, and we seek community. So often we define “community” geographically, but community is larger than that. It spans space and time, language and culture. Sometimes circumstance gives us our communities, but other times, we create community through our connections. We need only witness the extraordinary outpouring of support from around the world to know this is the case—that this past week, the community of Boston reached around the globe. Every person who ever called Boston “home”—or strolled its streets, admired its skyline, ran a marathon, cheered on a race’s runners, or welcomed spring with an annual ritual—felt a connection with the city. Last week, we all carried a bit of Boston in our pocket.

Better Late Than Never: 3 Resolutions for the New Year

I admit it: I love January, and I love New Year’s resolutions. I love the sense of possibility at the outset of each new year, the chance to hit “reset,” check my priorities, and think about what I want to do differently to make the coming year better than the last. And so, with a brief 11 months left to accomplish them, here are my professional resolutions for 2013:

Resolution #1: Read more blogs and attend more webinars.

Many of us who work in and with nonprofits lament how little time, money, and consideration is given to professional development. But I’ve realized that sometimes, to our own detriment, we limit our notion of what professional development is. We need to go beyond the annual sector conference or the quarterly educational seminar, and think more creatively about how we can grow our knowledge base. And thankfully, technology makes that process incredibly simple, user-friendly, and more cost-effective than ever.

In 2013, I’m resolving to make blogs and webinars a significant portion of my professional development plans. In just the past few months, I’ve gained terrific insights and gotten fresh ideas from the blogs of fundraising gurus like Pamela Grow, Gail Perry, and Mazarine Treyz, and those of nonprofit marketing and communications experts Katya Andresen and Kivi Leroux Miller. I plan to continue doing so, and to further my learning by checking Wild Apricot’s monthly round-up of free nonprofit webinars, as well as webinars offered by sources like Idealware and NTEN. Because, hey—as the educational website BrainPop puts it—the more you know, the more you know.

Resolution #2: Cultivate my professional circle.

Confession: I’m not an outgoing person by nature. It can take a little extra effort for me to reach out and—oh, the dreaded “N” word!—network. But I realize that my role as a nonprofit consultant is often to make connections by joining organizational needs with the right people and resources, and networking is an essential part of building that professional toolbox. And so, I’ve decided to make a concerted effort in 2013 to grow my professional circle, both online and in person. I’m growing my virtual presence by making strategic use of LinkedIn (which, although I still don’t find it to be as widely used in Hawaii as in the mainland, has certainly come in handy) and by connecting with mission-driven and community-minded individuals and organizations through Twitter. In person, I’m reaching out to local experts in a wide range of industries—such as graphic design, law, social media, and marketing/communications—whose skills can advance the work of my nonprofit partners. And because all work and no play can make Joyce a very dull girl, I’m planning to take time out to socialize with colleagues as well, through events like Kokua Lunch Club and AFP-Aloha Chapter’s Lunch & Laugh.

Resolution #3: Set aside time for big-picture thinking.

Does this ever happen to you: You find yourself at the end of the day—after focusing on meeting deadlines, attacking To Do lists, and being generally mired in the details of your work—having lost sight of the “big picture”? I know this is an easy trap to fall into; particularly in a nonprofit environment, where staff wear many hats and are spread thin due to scarce funding and limited resources, having the time to step back and reflect seems like a true luxury.

And yet, there is a reason we are working in the nonprofit sector. In general, this isn’t a sector that people have just fallen into—it’s one they have chosen. I believe it’s important to carve out time to think about what community needs exist, what outcomes we hope to achieve, what our greatest strengths and contributions are—and where the alignment between those three lies. Reflection allows us to celebrate our accomplishments, but also keeps our passions fresh and our eyes on the horizon. Big-picture thinking reminds us that there is more to do, and allows us to envision how we can do it better. And so, in 2013, I resolve to schedule regular time to simply think—reflectively, creatively, maybe even innovatively. If I can run through financials on a monthly basis, surely I can do some big-picture thinking just as often!

What are your professional resolutions for the New Year? How would you like to make this year more successful or productive than the last?

26 Acts of Kindness Are Not Enough

On December 14th, a horrifying school shooting unfolded in Newtown, CT. Like many others, I was deeply affected by that day’s tragic events. Such random acts of violence are always disturbing, but the loss of life of so many children created a particular form of anguish. For me, as the mother of a 3^rd grader and 1^st grader, I felt a visceral sense of empathy for the grieving families of those children. In their eulogies, I could see descriptions of my own sons.

A quotation from Fred Rogers, host of the beloved children’s TV show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” circulated widely on the Internet in the days following the shooting:

When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.

And it’s true that in the midst of recent terrible events, you find evidence of extraordinary goodness and selflessness: police and paramedics rushing to put themselves in harm’s way; spouses and family members, shielding their loved ones; teachers and staff giving their lives in an attempt to protect their students. The outpouring of sympathy from around the world to the community of Newtown has been awe-inspiring to witness, and has reassured me that in spite of the pain people can inflict on others, far more of us are creatures of compassion.

And so in some ways, it should come as no surprise that the Newtown shootings have inspired a kindness campaign. Dubbed “26 Acts of Kindness,” the campaign has taken off and expanded since NBC News’ Ann Curry initially suggested via Twitter an act of kindness to honor each of the 20 children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary. The campaign has prompted donations to charity, meals for the needy, tree plantings, favors for neighbors, thank you cards for those whose work often goes unappreciated. Clearly, many have been moved to create something good out of something tragic.

But as powerful an idea as the campaign is, it is not enough. It should not take a tragedy to spur us to demonstrate compassion. We have the opportunity to demonstrate kindness in ways large and small, in our families and communities and with strangers, each day. Our compassion binds us together; it helps us to grow our sense of empathy, to see others’ children as our own, others’ losses as ours. It is our innoculation against callousness and inaction. Our challenge is not to merely to honor those lost in the Newtown shooting, but to harness the spirit of compassion beyond tragedy. The children lost had entire lifetimes ahead of them; 26 kind gestures should be only the beginning.

As difficult as it may be to imagine now, we know from past tragedies that our collective hurt will slowly diminish. And yet, even as we begin to heal, we—as communities and as a country—must continue to grow our sense of kindness. Our compassion shouldn’t be responsive, it should be proactive. And our children shouldn’t need to be frightened by the news to be reminded that there are helpers in the world; the helpers should be visible to them everywhere, in plain sight.

Wishing everyone the love of family and friends during the holidays, and peace and compassion in the New Year.

How Do I Thank Thee, Staff and Volunteers? Let Me Count the Ways...

It's Thanksgiving week, which means our thoughts turn to expressions of gratitude. In the nonprofit community, we are well aware of the need to show appreciation to donors, and to do so promptly and often. There are many terrific posts written by nonprofit marketing gurus on the topic of donor thank you’s. A sampling of these provides rules for thanking and pleasing your donors, clever ideas for expressing thanks, an example of crowdsourcing donor appreciation, and even a reality check to see, as nonprofit marketing consultant Pamela Grow delicately puts it, if your organization's thank you letter sucks.

Certainly, recognizing and appreciating the generosity of donors and supporters is important. But we may be less mindful of the need to appreciate the very folks who make the impact of nonprofits possible: the staff and volunteers. These “front line” individuals are often the ones interacting most directly with an organization’s clients: serving meals to the hungry, sheltering the abused, caring for the frail, housing the homeless, advocating for the voiceless. The work that staff and volunteers do is driven by purpose and mission, and they graciously take on challenging and, at times, thankless tasks to help others in need.

As the holidays near, some in the private sector may look forward to a holiday bonus, or a token of appreciation from their employers. Nonprofits don’t usually have the luxury of bonus pay or holiday gifts to distribute to staff and volunteers, but what I have observed that most nonprofits have—in spades—is a deep and passionate belief in the power of people, and an appreciation for the kindness that individuals can extend to one another. In such a culture, genuine and heartfelt thanks are a simple yet cherished gift.  

In that spirit, here is a list of ideas and reminders for appreciating your staff and volunteers for all they do, everyday:

1. Show gratitude often. Rachel Hutchisson, Blackbaud's Director of Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy, borrows a phrase from election season humor, noting that "Saying Thank You, Early and Often" is vital. Take time to recognize staff and volunteers regularly--not just when a project or an event is successfully completed, but on a day-to-day basis as well.

2. Notice the unique contributions that individuals make to your organization. Effective thank you’s recognize your staff and volunteers based on not only the work they do, but on their personalities and traits as well. As Geil Browning, Founder of Emergenetics, notes in her article “How to Thank Your Employees in Only 8 Words”: “People who feel their efforts are noticed, and their work makes a difference, are more likely to go the extra mile in the future. Leadership is about empowering others to realize their own abilities. Communicate your belief in your people, and watch them rise to meet your expectations.”

3. Think of volunteers as an extension of staff. They may not be on your organization’s payroll, but volunteers can serve a critical role, amplifying an organization’s work and growing its visibility in the community. Communications writer Charlie Hullihen suggests “7 Ways to Thank Your Volunteers,” including a volunteer award system, food or treats, or a volunteer bulletin board featuring pictures of volunteers hard at work.

4. Find partners in appreciation. An Executive Director may feel that staff appreciation should come from him or her, but remember that there are others who can help spread gratitude. Department supervisors, board members, and volunteer managers are all in a position to express appreciation for the work that staff and volunteers do.

5. What’s good for donors can be good for staff and volunteers, too. Some of the creative suggestions for thanking donors can be used to express appreciation to staff and volunteers as well. Give staff shout-outs via social media. Send volunteers handwritten notes of gratitude. Email a thank you video or photo from the Executive Director or board. Any of these will surely be a welcome surprise to your staff and volunteers!

6. Remember that thank you’s are appreciated year-round. There’s no season for gratitude. Extend that spirit of appreciation throughout the year!

How does your organization express thanks to staff and volunteers? In what memorable ways have you been shown appreciation by your employer?

"Firing Up the Base": It's Not Just for Politics

We are in the final phase of election season, which means we've been inundated with political jargon recently. Between "swing states," "policy wonks," and "debate zingers," you might think that the language of politics is an island unto itself.

And yet, certain political terms apply in a nonprofit context as well. Recently, I was struck by the phrase, "firing up the base." In a political context, the term refers to the need to excite and engage the loyal constituents who are most likely to cast a vote for their political party on Election Day.  But certainly, nonprofits have their base constituents too--their loyal members, service recipients, and supporters who, time and time again, have shown their commitment to the organization.

And so, if you think about your organization’s mission as its platform, consider these questions about the campaign your organization wages: 

• Who is your base?

In the nonprofit community, we often speak of an organization’s “target population,” meaning the group or individuals to whom services or programs are provided. I use the term “base” here more broadly, to include not only an organization’s target population, but also donors, volunteers, or advocates who may not necessarily benefit from an organization’s work directly, but who champion the organization’s cause nonetheless. For example, a local youth arts organization might count among its target population low-income children ages 12-17, residing in a particular community. Its base, however, might include parents of those children, arts patrons from the broader geographic region, and those interested in supporting programs for low-income families. 

It’s important to identify these key constituents, and work to ensure your messages reach and engage these audiences. Keep in mind that you want to define your base narrowly enough to maintain focus, but broadly enough to be inclusive. Note also that your base may change over time. The Denver Foundation breaks down this concept of defining your constituents, while also reminding readers to be conscious of demographics and varying levels of constituency.

• What strategies do you use to fire up your base?

In other words, how do you make your constituents feel impassioned about the work that your organization does? Politicians use stump speeches, TV ads, and debate performances not only to inform voters of their party platform, but also to stir voters’ passions and create messages that resonate on a personal level. What messages is your organization using to engage supporters personally? What are the compelling stories it is telling that will speak to supporters’ hearts as well as their minds? In reviewing giving statistics from Giving USA 2012 Report, the National Park Service notes, for example, that charities have experienced success in crafting compelling case statements in the context of a more competitive fundraising environment, creating a sense of urgency among supporters: “Charities built strong messages around the consequences of not supporting their cause, such as highlighting the loss of education or art programs, the closing of a center, or reductions in services.”

• How do you translate that fire into action?

So you’ve gotten your base excited about your cause—now what? In politics, there is often a singular goal in firing up the base: getting constituents to vote for their candidate on Election Day. For nonprofits, the goal for action may come in multiple forms. Perhaps an organization seeks to increase its membership, or improve utilization of services. Maybe an organization is hoping to increase its number of donors, volunteers, or advocates within the community. Whatever the avenues for action, supporters need clear, specific ways of making meaningful contributions and advancing the mission of your organization. Aloha United Way, for instance, provides a “How You Can Help” tab on its website, providing a variety of ways that constituents can support its work. Likewise, Hawaii Public Radio’s “Support” tab describes how interested listeners can become members, make a donation, or volunteer at the station.

The true challenge for nonprofits is maintaining the fire of its base, year after year. For politicians, Election Day will come and go, and the ebb and flow of the political cycle will follow its natural course. Nonprofits’ season for support never ends, and so maintaining the interest, energy, and engagement of your organization’s constituents is likewise a year-round endeavor.

How does your nonprofit fire up its base? How do you keep your engagement with your core constituents “fresh”, and turn their interest into action?