Working For Nonprofits

Conscious Commitment

October 10, 2012 in Nonprofits, Professional Development | Tags: advocates, aspire, collaboration, collegues, Commitment, community, community garden, Conscious, Conscious Commitment, diversity, evaluations, family, friends, hiring, HR, human resources, mentors, Nonprofit Human Resources Conference, nonprofits, opportunities, peers, schools, talent, team meetings, volunteer, working for nonprofits | 1 comment

After three days of the Nonprofit Human Resources Conference I have a mind whirling with thoughts and admiration for my peers in the nonprofit sector. We all do so much with our heart on our sleeve and our eyes open to the challenges we face. We move forward; mission-driven.

Yet is takes a conference like this one to remind me, we are not alone. The Human Resource professionals that work day in and day out on evaluations, job descriptions, recruitment strategies, team meetings, hiring and terminations as well as all other HR related requests and reports. We have access to amazing resources our colleagues, peers, mentors, advocates and friends who understand the nonprofit mission does matters to us. As an HR professional in the nonprofit sector I aspire to integrate the organization’s values and objectives into all that I do. My truest desire is to grow the nonprofit workforce providing the support employees and leaders needed to achieve and thrive.

I believe we all have gifts and talents that make us remarkable. I would like to take this moment to encourage us all to seek out those talents. There are so many opportunities to support and to grow greatness at every level. We all are able to facilitate collaboration and advocate for diversity in our workplaces, our schools and our community. Join me and make a conscious commitment to be a resource for your peers, your employees, your managers to become our leaders.

Wide Water Gardens Community Garden – a team of neighborhood volunteers building the first raised beds

Demonstrate Uniqueness

August 19, 2012 in Nonprofits | Tags: achievement, collaboration, community, dedication, Demonstrate, donors, experience, funding, growth, inspiration, jobs, Michelle Prohov, mission, nonprofits, organization, passion, professionals, uniqueness, vision, workforces, working for nonprofits | Leave a comment

Working for a nonprofit it is a bit different than other sectors. We truly believe in the mission of the organization. We share with others what the nonprofit’s purpose in the community is. Why is it important to us? How does the mission and vision of this nonprofit affect the lives of others in our community?

Ask yourself:

How can I demonstrate my distinctiveness to make me proud of who I am and what I do?
How can I provide inspiration and encouragement to others?
What acts can I perform to enhance the community that I serve?

Know that the nonprofit’s mission and vision is the guiding power behind the organization’s goals and objectives. Embrace the intentions of the nonprofit; you are one of the influences that can make the organization a great success. Think about how you contribute to the nonprofit’s fulfillment of its mission. Be delighted of how your unique assets help the organization achieve. Always be prepared to speak up and reveal how your distinctiveness has assisted the vision to better the organization and community that you have chosen to serve.

Always remember donors give to individuals as well as causes that they can relate to. Volunteers and funders look to be involved in a nonprofit that is inspired to achieve. What better way to demonstrate achievement than to have each and every staff member sincerely believes in the organization?

Those of us who have committed our lives to the nonprofit sector understand that we must show up for more than a paycheck. We believe in the nonprofit, the community and the ones that we serve. We are a workforce that is engaged and care deeply. We look to collaborate with others to meet the challenges that we face. It is our dedication and passion that leads to achievement and growth.

You wear many hats…

August 12, 2012 in Professional Development | Tags: collaboration, community, Connect, experience, generalist, leadership, Michelle Prohov, nonprofits, organization, partnership, professionals, relationship building, supportive, team, teamwork, volunteer, volunteering, working, working for nonprofits | 2 comments

After the August 5, 2012 Working for Nonprofits post I received interesting feedback. Everyone has a different perceptive on what a generalist is and what a skilled generalist would look like for the nonprofit sector. Many would say a skilled generalist is like a juggler; able to keep multiple things in movement at one time. Others feel a generalist is a Jack (or Jill) of all trades; someone who knows a little bit about everything.

I think as a generalist you have a diverse set of skills. You are able to wear multiple hats and are very comfortable connecting across client populations, employee groups, and community needs. A skilled generalist understands the necessity of strategic management in a team framework. A generalist is able to take on the supportive role as well as a leadership role with exceptional organizational and time management skills. You are not afraid to build relationships and develop partnerships.

As a generalist you bring your knowledge in many forms. You may have a degree or degrees in the nonprofit field and/or you may have certifications to evidence your education in certain aspects of the field such as event planning, fundraising or grant writing. However in the nonprofit sector one must also express experience on a personal level; be sure to share with the nonprofit your volunteer history as well as your work experience. Speak up about any work you have done on a committee or an event. All of these experiences demonstrate your ability and more importantly your willingness to be a skilled generalist.

Last but not least, a skilled generalist has a unique attitude. You have an inherent enthusiasm to be flexible and adaptable to job roles. You see the value in developing new skills. Your dedication to communication and collaboration is recognizable through your experiences and demeanor.

Your Journey into Nonprofit

August 5, 2012 in Professional Development | Tags: board, collaboration, community, Connect, cultivate, employee, generalist, Journey, leadership, Learning, mission-driven, nonprofits, not for profit, organization, passion, professionals, service, skills, success, thriving, vision, volunteer, working for nonprofits | 6 comments

I am blessed to work within a nonprofit that is filled with many talented and passionate colleagues. It is through our diversity and uniqueness that we sustain. It is through our combined dedication to the mission and vision that we thrive. I embrace the hard work that faces us in the nonprofit sector knowing that it is to advance our community. It is the devotion of each employee, volunteer and board member puts forward that helps us do better; be better.

As you engage in nonprofit work as an employee, board member or volunteer, I encourage you to contemplate the multiple responsibilities you will have to take on during your service. Nonprofit work allows you to grow your skill set and explore contributing to the community in ways you may have never thought about. When working for nonprofits you have the ability to learn a multitude of skills. There is no room for a specialist; nonprofits need skilled generalists.

As a generalist you get the opportunity to work with many enthusiastic team members. These passionate people are driven by the aspirations they feel for the mission and vision of the nonprofit. I find it very invigorating to be working with such individuals. I have always enjoyed helping these visionaries make their ideas a concrete reality.

A successful growing nonprofit supports their team’s excellence through engaging employees in leadership and development initiatives. This may include encouraging employees to take leadership roles or nurturing beneficial skills through professional development opportunities and mentorships.

Throughout the flourishing work environment, community is demonstrated; managers treat all employees and volunteers with respect and kindness. There is intrinsic value in recognition. Thriving organizations will take the time to welcome a team member or openly identify employees, volunteers and board members living up to the organization’s mission and vision.

An effective nonprofit also cultivates an employee’s, volunteer’s or board member’s personal pledge they bring to any mission-driven tasks. The nonprofit shows actual evidence of how the mission is forefront in the organization’s guiding decisions. It keeps everyone aware of the future objectives and how the nonprofit plans to achieve. It uses this constant mission-driven focus to re-energizes employees, volunteers, board members and supporters.

It is the pride of the community and your support as an employee, volunteer or board member that will sustain our nonprofit sector. It is your passion and drive that will lead the nonprofit sector forward into the future.

Ready, Set – Network!

July 22, 2012 in Professional Development | Tags: ask, Comfort, Connect, Connections, Exchange, experience, Interact, Interests, introduction, Learn, network, Networking, Objective, People, positive, professionals, Purpose, Talk | 4 comments

On July 19 Working for Nonprofits had another successful networking event. We had over 40 people RSVP and even more stopped by throughout the evening. I was flattered to hear several people admit this was one of their first professional networking events they chose to attend. There is something welcoming about networking with people interested in helping our community.

For those of you still battling the fear of networking I have compiled a few tips:

Have a positive attitude

Practice smiling and deep breaths. Think of a positive affirmation for yourself. Say it to give yourself a boost. Have a goal; such as talk to five new people. Remind yourself that you are among colleagues with similar interests. You have nothing to fear. If you still feel unsure or too shy, try bringing a networking buddy someone to work the room with. No buddy? No problem! Find the host(s) of the event, introduce yourself acknowledge their hard work and compliment them on the success of the event. Share your objective for attending and ask if they recommend anyone in particular to speak with.

Be ready to engage

Small talk can be very valuable in building rapport. Be sure to ask questions. How did the person hear about the networking event? What is their purpose for attending? Be curious. Ask about the person’s current or desired professional role. Be interested. People enjoy talking about subjects they are knowledgeable on. What better subject than themselves! Ask sincerely about their experiences and listen for shared interests and goals. If possible relate your experiences with theirs. Build a connection and be sure to exchange contact information so that you may continue the conversation.

Make introductions

Use what you learned to introduce people to each other at the networking event. While by no means should you assume control of the event; demonstrate your skills in making connections by making introductions. Use the person’s name and what you have just learned about them. Brag about their accomplishments they have shared with you to another attendee. Be sure to use the people’s names to allow them to feel more comfortable speaking to you and each other.

Risk the rebuff

Some people may not respond to you in a positive light. This is hard not to take personally; however it is not you it’s them. Be courteous. Go back to the first tip – be positive! Smile, breathe and move on.

One final thought, you should plan on physically moving around the networking event. Wear professional but comfortable shoes. Make sure to be well composed in the clothing that you choose. When you are at ease it will put other at ease as well.

Demonstrating “Soft Skills”

July 15, 2012 in Nonprofits | Tags: ask, assistance, community, connectors, conversation, interview, introduction, job search, network, personal, positive, question, sincere, soft skills, success, support, thank you | 2 comments

After my post July 8 post “Beyond skill there is passion,” I received an interesting question: ‘If nonprofits are seeking passionate candidates how do they judge the “soft skills” they seek without having the important face-to-face meetings?’

Great Question! Unfortunately there is no magic answer; however I have come up with a few suggestions:

Make a list of people you think would be good connectors for you. Think outside the box and dream big. Now recruit those people to be your personal Board of Directors. When you are looking to work in nonprofits try talking to people about their passions; what do they do to help the community? You might be surprised who the people you know and how they may be able to help you make that important connection.

The next step is the hardest for me – Tell people you need assistance. Ask for your connectors to make introductions. Give them tips on what you are looking for. Your personal Board of Directors is invested in you. These are people that want to see you succeed. Give them tasks to help you toward your goals. Do you need someone to proofread your resume? Do you want to an introduction to the top leader in children’s literacy? Or the most success volunteer manager? Be specific.

Be sure not to rely solely on others. Just as nonprofits do not only rely on one person you must be a go-getter! Approach the individuals who have the experience you would like to have. Arrange an in-person meeting and do your homework. When you met the person thank them for their time, complement their skills then be inquisitive about how they got to where they are. Listen. Make sure to have a conversation, share your experiences and ask for their advice. There may be things they may have wished someone told them when they were starting out. There may be tactics that have worked very well and they have been waiting to share their success story.

After your meeting sent a thank you note, I suggest a handwritten note on a unique card. I have my favorite local card shop I go to

Printed by Pistachio Press

(Pistachio Press); however I am sure you will find cards that work will work for you. Sending an actually thank you card instead of an email really increases the personal connection. I also always keep the individual in my mind and send articles or event announcements that they may find interesting. It keeps the positive connection current and they will be more likely to think of you if an opportunity arises.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed their thoughts here at the Working For Nonprofits website and at our Working For Nonprofits LinkedIn group. I encourage you to add your comments and questions. I look forward to our continued conversation on how we all can play a vital role in supporting our community.

Beyond skill there is passion

July 8, 2012 in Nonprofits | Tags: Articulate, community, Connect, Demonstrate, Diversify, Establish, mission, nonprofits, organization, passion, revenue, Value, vision, working for nonprofits | 2 comments

Establish your track record of successful relationships. Donors and volunteers have access to more information than ever before. People are becoming savvier in their giving in both their time and money. It is important for nonprofits to find new and inventive ways to prove they can and will continue to deliver success.

Demonstrate your ability to lead with empathy, self-reflection and transparency. Strong employee leaders and advocates coupled with true organizational transparency are essential. The nonprofit’s accountability is just as important as the mission. Model your ability to learn and communicate with diverse groups.

Be comfortable wearing multiple hats; nonprofits look for that “Jack (or Jill) of all trades,” demonstrate you are versatile and flexible. You are the team player willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Most important you are always willing to bring new ideas to the table. Nonprofits are now looking toward more entrepreneurial planning to diversify their revenue.

Connect enthusiastically with the nonprofit’s mission. Express you have the ability to attract donors, volunteers and supporters. Every employee at a nonprofit is public relations to some degree. Nonprofits need to know you are able to articulate the mission and know the effects it has on the community. Most essential an employee’s pride in their organization shines through, if you are excited and proud others will want to join you in any way they can.

Your true knowledge of and passion for the mission, vision and necessity for the nonprofit now and into the future is significant. Do not just read the mission statement on the website or from the newsletter relate the nonprofit mission and value to YOU; be able to retell a story on how you sincerely connect, it is your passion is that brings life to the mission.

I leave you with this quote: “I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen” ~Frank Lloyd Wright

Please share what is beyond your skills and where you find your dedication and devotion for your community.

It starts with a conversation…

July 2, 2012 in Nonprofits | Tags: community, experience, give back, inspire, jobs, mission, motivation, nonprofits, passion, professionals, transferable skills, vision, working, working for nonprofits | Leave a comment

Since starting Working for Nonprofits I have gotten many questions from colleagues, friends and family. The two most prominent are “why nonprofits?” and to my delight “how can I work for nonprofits?” For me the nonprofit sector is an essential part of our society. It is an honor to work with nonprofit organizations. I personally cherish working for a mission and vision rather than a profit or dividend. I have been known to say with a smile “it is intrinsically rewarding,” I am not saying it flippantly. It is true I would much rather be happy and contributing to our community than financially wealthy.

As for the second question, “How can I work for nonprofits?” I am thrilled; to these professionals I begin to ask a list of questions:

What are your passions?

Has there been a nonprofit that has affected your life or the life of your family?

Have you ever volunteered for a nonprofit?

What is your motivation for wanting to be involved with a nonprofit?

It is amazing the stories I hear. People have been affected by the mission and vision of nonprofits. They are motivated by the work of the organizations. They have a strong desire to “give back.” I feel so privileged that they choose to share their stories with me.

We spend time brainstorming, what transferable skills do they have to offer to the nonprofit sector? We discuss not only their experiences in the workplace, but their volunteer experiences as well. Many times we forget how much we volunteer. Have you helped at a bake sale? Or run in a charity run? Working for nonprofits is more than a job it is something to be excited and proud of. We consider how to build new skills that are exclusive to nonprofits. A salesman wanting to go into fundraising may still need to learn about nonprofit campaigns, fundraising plans and how to build a strong partnership with the Board of Directors. Together we reflect on ways to gain these skills. I always suggest joining a professional group and networking with professionals doing the job they want to do. It is important to get involved and engaged in the sector.

After our conversation concludes I always feel inspired and I hope that the professionals I spend time with feel encouraged to go in the nonprofit sector with a little more confidence.

Community through Collaboration

June 22, 2012 in Nonprofits | Tags: collaboration, community, difference, find, nonprofits, organization, partnership, responsibility, volunteer, volunteering, working for nonprofits | Leave a comment

Collaboration for me is more than a buzz word or a gimmick to instill team spirit; it is a sense of being, an awareness of my civic responsibility and a dedication to others in my community. I encourage you to look beyond preconceived notions of the corporate word and embrace the true essence of collaboration. Our community needs you. Take a moment, stop, reflect and consider who you can join forces with to make this world a better place. Your actions could be as small as giving up your seat on the bus for someone or helping a neighbor with yard work. Maybe it is as simple as thanking your local garbage man or telling your co-worker you appreciate their hard work on a project. You can always dedicate your time and service to a local nonprofit that’s mission resonates with your values. Your donation of consideration and kindness is respected and valued.

I believe it is important to find a common thread, demonstrate your ability to work in partnership with others and stay true to your sense of self. It is through these actions that we demonstrate collaboration and devotion to community. Our community needs your goodness and guidance. Not all of us can support a nonprofit mission through monetary means. There are many other ways to contribute. I believe that you always have the ability to help. You have a talent, a skill, an astute knowledge you can find an outlet to make a difference. Try volunteering!

There are many ways to find your next volunteer opportunity. The internet has several places to look. http://www.volunteerguide.org provides a list of things you could do in 15 minutes or a few hours. http://www.volunteermatch.org is also another good resource to find volunteer opportunities in your community. Connecting through volunteerism allows you to collaborate with your community. I urge to you to take action and get connected. If nothing else, ASK a nonprofit what volunteer opportunities you can partner with them on. Nonprofit organizations will welcome your skills; be aware that the organization may have rules or regulations that they must follow, be patient and go through their process. I also would like to advise you to be upfront and clear about what you can and can not do as well as the time you have available to complete tasks. If you only have an hour a months be sure to let the nonprofit know before committing to a responsibility.

Volunteering should be rewarding! Do not let it be another stress or chore. Seek out a cause or organization that echoes with your personal values and find a way contribute your talents!

I look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Michelle Z. Prohov
Founder of Working for Nonprofits

Welcome to Working For Nonprofits

June 13, 2012 in Nonprofits | Tags: collaboration, community, employment, Michelle Prohov, nonprofits, professionals, ROC, Rochester, Rochester NY, work, working, working for nonprofits | 2 comments

Logo design by John Burch

You knew it, I hoped it and now it has happened! We have our own Working for Nonprofits webpage! I am so honored to have your support and encouragement. What started as one inspirational meeting in January 2012 has become a vibrant resilient group of dedicated professionals working to support our nonprofit community through networking and supporting each other. We all truly embraced the spirit of collaboration. Now we venture out even farther than we have before. I hope that you will join us in our new (cyber)space! Please feel free to write comments, pose questions and engage with our network at upcoming Rochester, NY events.

I look forward to meeting you!

Sincerest Welcome!
Michelle Z. Prohov
Founder Working for Nonprofits Networking