I have enjoyed volunteering during my life for causes that were important to me – literacy, education, and the environment, to name a few.   I joined my first board position at age 19 and I am actively involved in 3 boards now.  One of my dreams is to devote more time to the groups and interests that I believe in.  There are so many things that I am interested in getting involved in.  So many causes, so little time…

But when I have the time, how do I best transition my skills and experience, now primarily used in for profit work, to these organizations?  What if I need new skills? This transition requires a fresh mindset and understanding different workplace cultures.

Keep an Open Mind

What is the one trait we should bring to this process?  Curiosity, according to Melissa Curtin, MSW of Melissa Curtin Coaching.  “Be ready to ask a lot of questions and go into the process with an open mind,” suggests Melissa, who has helped many nonprofit organizations consider how to best use their volunteer work force. Remember that many nonprofits may be just getting off the ground, much like a startup, while others may have decades of experience mobilizing and coordinating volunteers – each organization will have very different needs.  It’s advisable to go through an exploratory process to mutually assess needs and capacities.

Please join us July 13 at 6:30 pm for a highly interactive workshop to help us learn how to effectively engage and navigate with nonprofit and other civic institutions.  Melissa will also share from her real-life trove of stories of the best practices of what works (and what doesn’t) when giving your time and experience to a nonprofit.

Hear from an Expert Presenter

We are very fortunate to be working with Melissa Curtin, MSW, of Melissa Curtin Coaching.  She is a Certified Coach and Strategy Consultant.  Melissa has extensive philanthropy, nonprofit, and corporate leadership experience including board development, community building, and corporate social responsibility, among many others.  She is the former CEO of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County and is currently pursuing her encore career in coaching and consulting. Melissa is active in her community, currently serving on the Executive Committee and Advisory Board of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County.

Register for Civic Engagement Through Influence Management

Thank You to Our Event Sponsor!