Michigan Nonprofit Association Blog

Member Perspective: Mapping Michigan for the Future

MNA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:30:41 +0000

“There is a need in my community. I want to help by starting a nonprofit.” This question or some variation of it comes in daily to the main line at Michigan Nonprofit Association. While the caller is almost always different, the response is generally the same. “First, is there anyone else working [...]

Will “All for Good” be Good for All?

MNA — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:12:12 +0000

Those seeking to share volunteer opportunities with others have a multitude of options when it comes to the use of technology. Over the past several years, I’ve seen service opportunities posted via VolunteerMatch, Volunteer Solutions, 1-800-Volunteer, Idealist, Network for Good and even Craig’s List. Nonprofit organizations have invested in software and web site development using [...]

Member Perspective: The Power of Nonprofits

MNA — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:53:55 +0000

I’ve attended hundreds of recognition dinners, receptions, galas and events. A few weeks ago, I was lucky to be part of two particular events that reminded me that volunteers and employees who dedicate their careers to the nonprofit sector are the ones that power the nonprofit sector. I was invited to attend the [...]

Member Perspective: Take Time to Measure Performance and Celebrate Successes

MNA — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:35 +0000

We all know Michigan has had its share of woes lately, so I’m eager to share some good news: As a state, we’ve made real and substantial progress when it comes to getting children off to a healthy start in life. Those who work in nonprofits aimed at improving the lives of children have reason [...]

Making time for Learning Opportunities

MNA — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00:37 +0000

As I leave sunny San Francisco after several days of conferencing, I can’t help but reflect on the high-energy, jam-packed days just behind me. I spent a day last week with the Craigslist Foundation at their Boot Camp held on the campus of UC Berkeley and then attended the National Conference on Volunteering and [...]

Managing Transitions

MNA — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:53:23 +0000

“You should feel lucky to have a job in this current economy.” We hear this more and more recently as the unemployment rate jumps up to 14%. Yet we sometimes forget the nonprofit sector has, like many other industries, experienced significant turn over. Whether hiring for existing positions or creating new employment opportunities, [...]

Member Perspective: Campus-Community Partnership Receives $10,000 Carter Partnership Award

MNA — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:55:43 +0000

Every day, the staff at Michigan Campus Compact learns about and works with incredible service-learning initiatives and campus-community partnerships. But, it’s not often we get to award one of those amazing campus-community partnerships with a $10,000 grant. The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Award for Campus-Community Collaboration is given bi-annually by Michigan Campus Compact to [...]

United We Serve

MNA — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:14:24 +0000

Today the White House launches United We Serve, a new service initiative calling all Americans to join in a summer of service to culminate with a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. United We Serve not only calls Americans to serve, but brings an opportunity for the nonprofits to create and [...]

Resource Friday: Get Connected! Free and Low Cost Tools for Small Group Collaboration

MNA — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:12:04 +0000

I often find in small nonprofit organizations a core group of dedicated individuals working hard on programs, projects and services targeting their mission. The smaller the organization, the more work that has to be done by its people to accomplish its goal. One thing I notice is that when everyone is busy and running around, [...]

Storytelling in a Visual Medium

MNA — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:56:37 +0000

Earlier this week I participated in a video training to learn the techniques of messaging with video, video production and storytelling in a visual medium. Leading this training was Jen Caltrider, executive producer at ProgressNow and former CNN producer. Lesson 1: We learned that producing a video for a campaign or your organization is [...]