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Cia: Building Community Through Coffee, Ice Cream, and Art

Step into this café and step into a world of conversation, cuisine, and creativity.

Cia-JeannieHow lucky for South Portland, Maine that Jeannie Dunnigan and her wild notion of community relocated to the Knightville neighborhood. There’s no missing Jeannie on any day of the week: she’s the one in roller skates – yes, roller skates from days gone by, not to be confused with roller blades or inline skates. You might see her behind the counter at Cia Cafe, or rolling down the street to see what’s happening in this now-vibrant business community.

Jeannie’s take on things is simple: “Our mission at Cia is to serve our guests the best local coffee, local ice cream and local art work that Maine has to offer! I have always wanted to exhibit fine art in a relaxed and fun setting accessible to all.”

Jeannie invites local artists to be a part of her café – exhibiting their work which, of course, means she is giving them the opportunity to sell their work. Dick Sawyer, a gifted photographer who is also a friend and colleague, recently displayed his photographs at Cia. That’s when I got to see Jeannie’s dream play out: for the opening of the exhibit, she threw a party. Nothing new here – oh, except there was a band, and the band traveled into the street, and then across the street to encourage us to visit and support other shops in Cia’s neighborhood.

Cia-bandCia’s model for success is a breath of fresh air. Jeannie, her husband, and son are all involved in the business that draws people in to share a meal, a story, a laugh while appreciating the work of local artists. Food, stories, laughter: that’s what makes the world go ‘round, isn’t it? Thank you Cia for making our world go ‘round and ’round.

 

Cia: Building Community Through Coffee, Ice Cream, and Art was last modified: June 23rd, 2015 by Deb Nelson

From Tragedy to Triumph: Holocaust Survivor Edith Lucas Pagelson

Edith wrote Against All Odds: A Miracle of Holocaust Survival for her children and grandchildren. She put the unthinkable into words, focusing on the power to persevere and underscoring that even when life looks bleak “you can overcome any challenge that life may present, and know that when there is life there is hope.”

edith lucas pagelsonThrough a series of what she refers to as “miracles,” Edith and her mother survived the Holocaust, enduring the most horrific challenges imaginable. Transferred from death camp to concentration camp to labor camp, their determination to stay together and stay alive kept these two Holocaust survivors from succumbing to the degrading treatment and conditions they faced for more than three years. Strong-willed and high-spirited, they met every challenge put to them and found themselves benefiting from “miracle” after “miracle.”

Edith has masterfully told her tale of tragedy and triumph. She has drawn the perfect balance between telling enough of her story to draw us in without telling such a devastating story that we turn away – no easy task when recounting the story of being displaced from her home by the Nazis for three years and five months. Her loss was great – the death of her father, the loss of her childhood, separation from family, friends, and home. But her gratitude was equally great – she was with her mother every step of the way for those three years and five months.

Edith and her mother drew strength from one another as they fought for their lives. At one point finding herself face to face with Dr. Josef Mengele, Edith realized the only way to save her mother’s life was to convince him that her mother was strong, healthy, and a good worker. Mission accomplished, and the mother-daughter team remained together and returned to what was left of their homeland together.

Edith’s life continued to be filled with a mix of tragedy and triumph after she and her mother traveled to the United States. She has “rebuilt [her] life surrounded by love” through two wonderful marriages, two children, and ten grandchildren. At 88 years of age Edith lives in Southern Maine close to her daughter and continues to share her story when invited to speak at schools, church groups, and community organizations. The proceeds of her book are donated to the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine. While Edith wrote this book for her children and grandchildren, it is a beautiful gift for the rest of us as well.

From Tragedy to Triumph: Holocaust Survivor Edith Lucas Pagelson was last modified: June 2nd, 2015 by Deb Nelson

Jon Huntsman, Sr.: On a Mission to Cure Cancer

Four-time cancer survivor Jon Huntsman’s willingness to spend his last dollar in search of a cure for cancer may prove that the cure isn’t all about money.

A man of integrity, Jon Huntsman, Sr. recently shared the story of his dreams and accomplishments in his book Barefoot to Billionaire: Reflections on a Life’s Work and a Promise to Cure Cancer. Here Huntsman makes it clear he has no intention of taking his last dollar with him. He plans to exit this world as he entered it: barefoot and broke. Huntsman will put his money to use by spending, investing, and sharing it during his lifetime.

Finding a cure for cancer is a lofty goal. After all, President Richard Nixon began our “war” on cancer in 1971. The progress we’ve made since then, in spite of the billions of dollars invested in research, is questionable at best. We celebrate as a success story any and all cancer patients who are alive five years after their original diagnosis. Yes, surviving five years sounds good. But what if you’re diagnosed at age 16: does living until 21 sound like a success story?

Let’s get back to Huntsman’s goal – identifying a cure for cancer. Don’t underestimate Huntsman’s perseverance, tenacity, and ability to meet goals. His approach to business has been questioned numerous times. In his book, Huntsman states:

Because we are headquartered in Utah, the big boys often look at us as hicks. As soon as they see signs of decency, openness, and straightforwardness, some take it as a sign of weakness and think they can take advantage of us. Some have found out the hard way that when cheated or threatened with an unfair set of playing rules, there is another side to Jon Huntsman, a tough side of which advantage can’t be taken.

This toughness in the corporate world translates well as Huntsman maps out his philanthropic investment plan. When partners reneged on their promises to assist with financing for a cancer institute, Huntsman Cancer Institute became a reality thanks to Plan B – something the masterful planner Huntsman always seems to have in his back pocket.

[M]y original partners pulled out, leaving me to put everything together myself. Today, I don’t rely on partners or other people. If I want something done, I figure out how to do it and I get it done.*

Huntsman continues to fund Huntsman Cancer Institute with the expectation that a cure for cancer will be uncovered. His namesake cancer institute is well known for research and the care it provides its patients. So, why did I imply that the answer may not be about money? Are too many people making too much money to stop this cancer industry we’ve created? As I’ve written before, I have to wonder “What if?” whenever I wonder why we haven’t found a cure for cancer. Here are a few more questions to ponder:

  • What if we already have a cure?
  • What if we take a closer look at T. Colin Campbell’s book The China Study and adjust our diet and lifestyle rather than suffering through surgery, drugs, radiation, and their debilitating side effects?
  • What if we check our assumptions at the door and read Raymond Francis’ book Never Fear Cancer Again?
  • What if while we look for that cure, we also pay attention to prevention like the folks at Less Cancer who believe Prevention is the Future?
  • What if everyone seeking a cure for cancer were motivated – as Huntsman is – to eliminate suffering, rather than to bulk up their bank accounts?

Like Huntsman and Francis, I imagine a day when we don’t fear a cancer diagnosis. I commend Huntsman for his efforts to remove cancer from our lives. I also encourage him to broaden his search and look under the unlikely stone to identify the cure he seeks. Never would I count Huntsman out – he is, after all, a man of his word. And, yes, I’d love to tour his cancer institute.

*From article in Summer 2012 Philanthropy Magazine.

Jon Huntsman, Sr.: On a Mission to Cure Cancer was last modified: December 1st, 2016 by Deb Nelson

Supporting the Good Work of Nonprofits Year Round

Remember those year-end holiday gifts you made to nonprofits? Yes, those gifts, that are now a distant memory as we approach the mid-year point. These organizations provide services to our communities every day of the year. In turn, these nonprofits need the support of all of us who are able to lend a hand to lift those who are walking down a path they would never have chosen.

us-566321_1280Working in the nonprofit field for more than ten years gave me an appreciation of the work these organizations do each and every day of the year. Staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries of nonprofit services are grateful for the generous year-end cash donations, gifts, and volunteer time. Once the holiday spotlight on nonprofits dims, however, the nonprofit staff and volunteers continue to work diligently to help strengthen communities by providing a wide array of services for those in need.

I reached out to a number of leaders in Maine’s nonprofit community to ask them how to best support the nonprofit community as it carries out its mission throughout the year.

Kristen Miale, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank, suggests a number of ways to get involved in the work of nonprofits:

  • Money – the obvious answer, but it truly is our greatest need. It costs us more than $500,000 to move the more than 1.7 million pounds of food we distribute every month of the year.
  • Time – we rely on volunteers to help us inspect and sort the donated food we receive. On average, volunteers provide over 2,000 hours a month, or the equivalent of 6 additional staff. If someone cannot get to our Auburn location, they can also volunteer at their local food pantry.
  • Food – surprisingly this is not our biggest need from individuals. Most of our food comes from retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers as they are able to provide tens of thousands of pounds of food at a time.  Unfortunately this speaks to the need of the problem we serve. If individuals would like to host a food drive or donated unwanted items from their homes, we encourage them to connect with their local food pantry, which they can find using our food map.

Barbara Reinertsen, Executive Director of United Way of Mid Coast Maine, would “encourage people to think about what kind of human need speaks most strongly to them. What would they feel really good about helping to accomplish? Unless you already have personal knowledge or a favorite charity, it’s good then to do a little research as to the non-profits that are effective doing that work.” Reinertsen reminds us that “While it can be satisfying to donate tangible items (food, furniture, etc.), please check with the agency first to make sure they can use the item. While you have a great impulse, many organizations do not have the space, time, or distribution method to get items out to the person who could use them, an so this could be an exercise in frustration for all involved.”

Barb Wentworth, President and CEO of United Way of York County, suggests that “Volunteers are always needed and GetConnected is a great place to start for ideas and opportunities. Also, something that doesn’t get much airplay, is folks reaching out to their local town hall to see what needs there are in their own community (including committees, boards, events, etc).” Wentworth also notes that “Donating items to Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity Restores is a double win – someone gets some cool stuff for a song and the organizations have additional resources to carry on their mission work. Calling 2-1-1 or the local United Way can also be another way to find out where what they have to donate can best be utilized.”

Scott Schnapp, Executive Director of Maine Association of Nonprofits, and his staff have compiled a list of offers up 10 Ways to Support a Nonprofit:

1. Volunteer – Pick an organization, any organization. You can lend a hand once a week, once a month, or on a one-time-only project. Not sure where to begin? Give this volunteer site for Maine nonprofits a try and see what catches your eye. 6. Take time to learn about the crucial role nonprofits play in our communities – Did you know that one in every seven workers in Maine works for a nonprofit? Learn about the history of Maine’s nonprofits, and why they are a crucial part of Maine’s business community. Our website is a great place to start.
2. Make a donation – Nonprofits develop business models with diverse income streams that include contributions from individuals and businesses that recognize the value of their work. Consider supporting organizations whose work you value. 7. Advocate – Anyone can lobby for the good work of nonprofits. Write a letter to your legislator. Speak to your neighbors and coworkers. Nonprofits appreciate and rely on you to take on an active role as a member of the community.
3. Make a wish come true – Donations can be about more than money. Call or check out the website of a nonprofit that’s providing services to the community to find a wish list of items they could use. You might make it a family project. Consider adopting a nonprofit and providing them with just one ongoing wish from their list for an entire year. You might even find this to be a great way to get involved on a longer-term basis with an organization. 8. Engage with your community – The nonprofits you care about are tied into their communities as part of a strong network. See a connection you could help make? A volunteer program or a wish list your business could support? Your efforts to make those connections work can help strengthen the fabric of the community you call home.
4. Serve on a nonprofit committee – Maybe you’re good at planning events, or reading spreadsheets. Nonprofits rely on the efforts of many people to share their workload, and committee members are a vital force. 9. Share your talents – Consider sharing your skills with a nonprofit. Access to graphic designers, writers, event planners and many other professionals can be hard to budget. Smaller nonprofit organizations often have limited resources, so if you’ve got the time, a nonprofit will most certainly have the need.
5. Serve on a board – Nonprofits are governed by volunteer boards of directors, all charged with the role of acting in the best interests of the organization. The work is rewarding, and will give you a stronger commitment to an organization and to the community it serves. 10.  Thank a nonprofit – If an organization has reached out to you this past year, or does great work in your community, take the time to say thank you. That is without a doubt an essential gift you can make.

Please take a few minutes to assess the needs in your community. Find a role within an organization that’s aligned with your interests. There’s no better feeling than realizing that you’re making a difference by helping someone through a tough time!

Thanks to all of you who support the good work of the nonprofits in your community. If there’s a nonprofit doing some outstanding work in your community, please let me know. I’d love to help share that organization’s story.

Supporting the Good Work of Nonprofits Year Round was last modified: April 21st, 2015 by Deb Nelson

Loon Echo Land Trust and Jon Evans: Stewardship at its Best

Balancing conservation, stewardship, and economic development
is no easy task; Loon Echo Land Trust and Jon Evans make it look easy.

As I sit warm and cozy working in my living room with blizzard conditions outside my window, it’s hard to believe I had to trade in my snowshoes for crampons a mere four days ago because of a lack of snow. Yes, people, be careful what you wish for!

The view from Bald Pate was a pretty one even with limited visibility. Falling snowflakes made for a winter wonderland.
Even with limited visibility, the view from Bald Pate was beautiful. Snowflakes added to the fun.

Saturday a group of nine joined Jon Evans, Loon Echo Land Trust’s (LELT)
Stewardship Manager, for a hike to the summit at Bald Pate. With an elevation of 300 feet, Evans chose a hike to encourage newcomers to join the ranks of skilled hikers. The first bonus for all of us joining Evans was the history and land use knowledge that Evans shared with us. We learned about prior use of land; how LELT came to protect certain pieces of land; why connected pieces of land are so important to the community (wildlife) in the protected land; the services LELT helps provide to area residents; visitors and visitors; and so much more. Evans’ knowledge of the area was surpassed only by his enthusiasm to protect the land and provide opportunities for all of us to enjoy the properties LELT protects.

The second bonus was having Leigh Hayes join us. Hayes is Education Director for Greater Lovell Land Trust and a Board Member of Lakes Environmental Association. Hayes got down on her hands and knees to examine sample after sample of scat. Who knew that much data was in poop! Hayes was the perfect complement to Evans – their combined knowledge of the great outdoors is quite impressive.

This was my first experience with LELT; I’m looking forward to learning more about this land trust and participating in more of the organization’s hikes and programs. Give them a like on Facebook. If you’re living in or visiting the State of Maine, check them out and let me know if you agree that this organization has a handle on its stewardship role.

Loon Echo Land Trust and Jon Evans: Stewardship at its Best was last modified: January 27th, 2015 by Deb Nelson

January’s Clean Slate: Take Advantage of the Opportunity to Recharge, Restart, and Reboot

Thanks to the Your Turn Blog Challenge, I’m on a roll. This is day four of the seven-day challenge. I’ve completed four blog posts, joined two blogging communities, and put an end to my drought in the blog-o-sphere.

Like many people, I’m using the start of the new year as an opportunity to set some goals, reassess what’s important to me, and get down to work. How lucky am I that Winnie Kao and Seth Godin are using the new year to motivate bloggers to put their thoughts in print. Brilliant for them; inspiring for me.

snow-man-541740_1280Creating quite a buzz online, this group of hundreds is burning up the interwebs with thoughts that otherwise would not have been shared. I’ve read some amazing posts; take a look at this post by Heather Parady. It by far my favorite: Intense. Real. Thought-Provoking. Head on over to twitter and search #YourTurnChallenge. Set your timer; this is a seemingly endless rabbit hole – all good stuff that will keep you here past your bedtime.

Now take a look at your plans for 2015. Use this challenge to move the needle on your goals. What small steps can you take today to move forward? And then tomorrow? Remember, you’ve got that clean slate. No labels. No negative self-talk. No excuses.

2015 appears to be the year for shipping. I’d love to know what you’re shipping.

January’s Clean Slate: Take Advantage of the Opportunity to Recharge, Restart, and Reboot was last modified: January 22nd, 2015 by Deb Nelson

Running for Good: Good for the Community and Good for You

This Sunday, get off the couch and hit the pavement. Stretch your legs and support an organization helping people who are facing health challenges.

 If you’re in Maine this Sunday, lace up your running shoes and hit the road for a 5K filled with fun in Brewer or Sanford. Each run will support a nonprofit lending a hand to those in treatment for cancer. Here are the details:

Brewer:
The Purple Iris Foundation will host its 2nd Annual Pound the Pavement 5K FUN Color Run. The race starts at 9:30 at the Brewer Auditorium. Chris Parrish founded the organization after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer: “The Purple Iris Foundation…..It’s my dream. I want to raise money for people who have pancreatic cancer that can’t afford treatment.” ~ Chris Parrish

Sanford:

Grahamtastic Connection hosts its 4th Annual 5K Run & Walk. Registration and packet pickup begin in 8:00 a.m. Leslie Morissette is the founder of this organization to honor her son, Graham, after he lost his life to cancer. Grahamtastic Connection provides laptops, tablets, and internet access to seriously ill children.

Caroline and me at last year's Grahamtastic 5K Run & Walk
Caroline and me at last year’s Grahamtastic 5K Run & Walk

While running or walking in these 5Ks will support the nonprofit community and the people they serve, these 5Ks are also good for participants. Whether it’s your first 5K or your 100th 5K, the exercise you’re getting will help you stay healthy and fend off illness. If it is your first 5K, use this as a benchmark and train throughout the winter months. You’ll be surprised at the progress you can make running three time a week. I was able to participate in last year’s Grahamtastic Connection 5k with my husband, my Goddaughter Caroline, and her mother. It was Caroline’s first 5K; since then, we’ve followed a plan to run three times a week. The results: we’ve run a 5-mile race and a 10-mile race together!

So…support those in need with your registration fees and donations; support your own health by moving those feet!

Let’s stay connected: Sign up for blog posts, and drop me an email to let me know about the good work of nonprofits in your community.

 

Running for Good: Good for the Community and Good for You was last modified: October 14th, 2014 by Deb Nelson

TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race: There’s Room For Everyone at Joanie’s Run

Here it is Sunday night, the weekend’s winding down, and I’m watching the Boston Red Sox play those dreaded New York Yankees. tdWhile this is a good way to end the weekend (as long as the Red Sox win), I find myself thinking about yesterday’s TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race along the coast of Southern Maine. It was the third time I’ve run this race, and it’s the third time I’ve thanked the running gods for Joan Benoit-Samuelson.

With countless 10K races in Maine alone, what’s so special about this race? Well, let me tell you. In a word: Joanie is what’s so special about this race:

Every year for the past 17 years, Joanie has brought runners of every ability “to some of [her] most favorite training grounds.”

Every year elite runners from around the world are joined by not-so-elite-but-no-less-enthusiastic runners from around the country. 46 states were represented in this year’s race.

Every year the residents of Cape Elizabeth open their town and their homes to host elite runners visiting the Coast of Maine.

Every year the people who live along the race route create a party atmosphere that powers the runners to dig a little deeper and have a little fun as they climb that last hill.

Every year a local nonprofit is selected as the beneficiary of the race and receives publicity, a cash donation from TD Charitable Foundation, and has the opportunity to put together a fundraising team of its own for the race.

Every year at the start of the race, we hear Joanie tell us how important the runners and volunteers are to this race.

Key to why we all love Joanie and the TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race is that every year Joanie puts the spotlight on someone other than herself. In 2012 when the documentary There is No Finish Line: The Joan Benoit-Samuelson Story was released, Joanie ran with back of the packers (including me) around Portland’s Back Cove. She ran with us, chatted with us as we ran, and offered up some advice for each one of us. Joanie continues to observe, encourage, and inspire the back of the packers to run every day of the year.

Shirts, bibs, and cowbells
Shirts, bibs, and cowbells

She and her team, which includes race director Dave MacGillivray, work behind the scenes year-round to make adjustments to the race. The rest of us wait to see how the race will be improved from the previous year – even though we thought it was just about perfect to begin with. No detail is forgotten ­­­at any stage of planning, which is something we’ve come to expect from our Olympic Gold Medalist who puts together a race that sells out in minutes and is talked about for years.

An important detail. . .
An important detail. . .

As I left the packet pickup expo, I heard several people commenting: “they’ve got this down,” “they know their stuff,” “wow – that was organized.” After the race, buses were ready and waiting to take runners back to their cars; praise all around for the volunteers and logistics. ­­Complaints and whining? Are you kidding? The only thing that comes close to a complaint is those of us who wonder what our time would have been if we’d gone up that last hill just a little faster.

So, thank you Joanie, for bringing a race to Maine that welcomes and accommodates every runner, walker, and wheelchair participant. And thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and spectators for being a part of this race. See you next year, going up that last hill just a little bit faster.

TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race: There’s Room For Everyone at Joanie’s Run was last modified: August 3rd, 2014 by Deb Nelson

Yarmouth Clam Festival: Still Fresh After 49 Years

Steamer, the festival mascot
Steamer, the festival mascot

The weather gods were looking out for the organizers of the 49th Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival last weekend. Perhaps the unseasonably cool temperatures and lack of humidity were Mother Nature’s way of acknowledging a job well done.

The  town of 8,300 along Maine’s southern coast prepares to welcome 100,000 to its village every year to celebrate in a clamtastic way. The Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce is tasked with organizing this annual three-day event and making sure there’s something of interest for the young, the old, and everyone in between.

While the parade is a staple with its fire trucks and wild Shriners, the theme changes every year to give it a fresh look. Bands come and go as our music tastes change, and the artists and crafts people change up as well. Steamer was added as the festival mascot in 2004; he wanders through the festival all weekend, posing with anyone who wants to get a photo. Steamer and selfies go together like lime rickeys and sweet potato fries.

I’ve been attending this festival for 19 years, since moving from Massachusetts to Yarmouth. And each year, the festival succeeds in entertaining the masses. Festival attractions include a parade, 5-mile road race, professional bike race, diaper derby, clam shucking contest, firefighters’ muster, craft show, fine arts show, carnival, live music, fireworks, and more.

There’s also a food court featuring clams, clams, and more clams. No worries, though, if clams aren’t part of your diet; there’s a little something for everyone at the food court, where the vendors are Yarmouth nonprofits raising funds to do good work.

Shibumi Silk Scarf
Shibumi Silk Scarf

While lots of favorites returned to the craft show, this was the first year I noticed Shibumi Silks. A unique addition to the show, Shibumi offered festival goers the opportunity to create their own silk scarves. Events change up over the years as well. The canoe race now accommodates canoes and SUPs. The variety of shows pretty much guarantees there’s never a dull moment from start to finish at the Yarmouth Clam Festival.

Friday evening parade
Friday evening parade

Congrats to the Chamber and its many volunteers for putting on a good show! 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of the clam festival. The Yarmouth Clam Festival is always the third weekend in July, and is always worth attending. I hope to see you next year July 17 – 19 on Yarmouth’s Main Street!

Yarmouth Clam Festival: Still Fresh After 49 Years was last modified: July 23rd, 2014 by Deb Nelson

The Sky’s the Limit When Your Board Has the Tools to Give You the Help You Need

Entering the new year is the perfect opportunity to press the reset button and recharge your nonprofit’s board of directors. By letting each hot-air-balloon-67816_640member of your board know exactly what action they can take to help you reach your goals in 2014, you can put your plan into motion and make this year a successful one for your nonprofit.

Your board of directors should include your most powerful advocates; give them the tools to support your organization and you’ll all be better for it. Here are five easy-to-implement tactics to move your board to action early in 2014:

  1. Give your board of directors a printed list of your organization’s goals for 2014. (You’ve set your goals, right?) While sharing goals with your board sounds obvious enough, it’s amazing how many board members are banging their heads against the wall in frustration as they try to figure out what they can do to move your nonprofit forward. 
  2. Keep board members updated as you move toward your goals and celebrate small victories. Monthly updates at a board meeting can cover this: a brief recap at the meeting itself and a visual in your board packet. Include a graphic element for those who need images to get the full meaning of progress toward goals. Continued focus on your goals will keep both board and staff energized throughout the year.
  3. Help board members spread the news about your organization’s good work. Have a mission moment at every board meeting: bring in someone who’s benefited from your organization to share how his/her life has changed thanks to your organization. This is a powerful way to engage your board – making them proud to be associated with your organization AND providing them with a great story to share with friends, family, and colleagues.
  4. Ask each board member to call four donors to say thank you. If they get voicemail, simply leave a message and this job is done. If they get to talk to the donor, make sure you’ve provided them with talking points so they can speak to how the donor’s funds will be / have been put to use (see points 1 and 3).
  5. Ask five board members to visit with three donors to say thank you and to update them about your organization’s work. (What’s that, you don’t have five board members? That’s a whole other issue.) This will help strengthen the relationships with supportive donors and board members. 

Bonus tip number 6: schedule a coffee meeting with any board member who isn’t able to make a board meeting to keep them current with board activities. If a board member doesn’t have time to chat about your organization’s goals, have that tough conversation to find out whether being on the board is a good fit for you both.

You can see that these tactics are certainly not rocket science – you’ve probably had these ideas in the past. The difference this year is that you’re going to make sure they actually happen. Put the plan in motion, follow up, and follow through. You’ll be amazed by the number 0f new stories these simple actions can generate. Enjoy the ride and share your successes below or connect with me directly!

The Sky’s the Limit When Your Board Has the Tools to Give You the Help You Need was last modified: January 6th, 2014 by Deb Nelson