Warding Off Disaster

One of the hottest topics in the non-profit, community benefit area these days is that of preparing for the unthinkable and unplanned occurrences that may befall our organizations. We live in a very unpredictable world today as you know.  This sometimes is the result of Mother Nature herself via ultra-severe hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, wide-spread power outages, and the like.  Other times it is the result of the lack of stability in our geo-political situation worldwide from terrorists attacks and bombings such as 9-11. 

Nevertheless, because our non-profit, community benefit organizations are so important to the lifeblood of our communities, we all need to be prepared with risk management and business continuation plans so that the valuable services we provide can go on seamlessly in case these disaster situations should occur.  This is so important that now the preparation of a risk management and business continuation plan is considered a best practice and is virtually a MUST for community benefit organizations to develop.  Be pro-active, be preventative, and be one-step ahead of disaster!!

If you do not already have a risk management and business continuation plan for your organization, you would do well to get started on establishing one now.  If you need help in finding model risk management and business continuation plans, we can help you locate one.

Who is a community champion or an ‘un-sung hero’ anyway? Where are they – everywhere … nowhere … or just a wishful thought?

Who is that person who gets involved in church, in school, in sports … wherever … and why do they care?

Throughout the fabric of our American culture is the weft of volunteerism that binds us together.  In every segment of our society you will find them … young and old … all colors, ethnicity and faith … people who care to try to make a positive difference. People who do not seek the spotlight, who do not want accolades or awards, and certainly are not looking for personal gain are – quite simply – everywhere.

This is part of America’s greatness, this whole idea of pitching in to help. From the first Thanksgiving to the local soup kitchen, Americans are known for being the most generous people on the planet. So … who are they and where are they?  They are us and we are everywhere.

The next time you notice one of them … please say ‘thank you’. And while you are at it, why not nominate them for a community award – like the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation’s Champion of the Community Award!

Good thoughts and good deeds … this can cover a lot of territory.  It could be a random act of kindness for a total stranger. It could be dropping a couple of dollars in a Salvation Army kettle or a fireman’s boot, or any number of causes that set up outside the grocery store. It could be a more committed activity like volunteering on a regular basis to help a nonprofit or youth sports program. It could also be serving on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization.

                What of this? What of taking all of those good thoughts and good deeds and funneling them into one organization through Board service? What is the value of service on a Board of Directors?

                Invaluable … essential – Every charitable nonprofit organization is required to have a Board of Directors whose prime responsibility is governance. Imagine how many people that must be? People from all walks of life, all ethnic backgrounds, all professional skills, all life skills … it takes us all. And what does it take to be an effective Board member? It takes commitment of time and resources. It takes belief in the organization’s mission. It takes the willingness to listen, contribute and learn.

                So … when thinking about good thoughts and good deeds, think about a more formal and structured commitment to these values by volunteering to serve on a nonprofit’s Board of Directors.

New Executive Leadership Institute Graduates Inaugural Class

Much has been written on the aging baby boomers and the leadership drain as they retire – both in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. The Executive Leadership Institute [ELI] is a partnership with the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations [PANO], and Arcadia University. It is designed to address the need for leadership training for the emerging leaders of the non-profit community within the greater Phoenixville region. Designed, implemented and funded by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, the mission is to provide executive-level and management-level staff within the non-profit sectors with an opportunity to gain self-awareness, knowledge and experience to become more effective leaders within their professional and personal lives.

Curriculum components included a personal self-assessment through the well-recognized Myers/Briggs psychological instrument. From there students were guided through aspects of leadership and assisted in the development of their personal leadership style as well as the practical application of leadership skills. For their final assignment, students presented their own personal leadership plans and goals. There will be follow-up with each student at six months and then one year to assess progress on their personal leadership plan.
 

Initial feedback from students included comments like: “I have changed my leadership style to be less task oriented and more people oriented. I am also better able to understand the dynamics of the organization and where it needs to change.”; “Personal development to grow in your career. It was an extraordinary experience.”; “ELI is an opportunity to purposefully think of your leadership style and grow.”; and  “Profound. Powerful. Enriching.”.