Episode 206 - Strengthening the Impact of Young Professional Volunteers
Release Date: 10/19/2020
Time + Talent Podcast
Faiza Venzant used to focus on the paperwork and processes of managing volunteers in her work with the YMCA of Greater Toronto. But she doesn't do that anymore - she's shifted how she sees her work and the role she plays within her organization, and it's changed her whole approach to volunteer engagement!
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SOAR365 (formerly the Greater Richmond Arc) was founded 65 years ago by parents determined to find new and different ways to support their children with disabilities. The agency provides a range of services and employment opportunities for people of all ages with a wide range of abilities.
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In the past, Voya Financial’s Employee Volunteer Program was similar to many - legacy events that were uninspired and unfocused. But not anymore.
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Like many organization’s Habitat for Humanity, NYC has faced challenges when tapping into the time and talent of young professionals, but Ricardo Sebastian seems to have found the secret to success!
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Oasis Institute is the largest intergenerational K-3 mentoring program in the nation with 83 school districts and 4000 tutors. I the past, all tutoring took place in person before COVID-19 required a pivot.
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Cedars has been supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1919. Their residential and day programs are known for creating a life-affirming, loving environment in which participants are able to live creative, productive, and joyous lives.
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Metrocrest Services in the greater Dallas Area provides food and support services to 600-800 clients a week. While they had a diverse clientele, volunteers came from the surrounding suburbs and didn’t reflect the diverse community they served.
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After decades as a leader of volunteers for high-profile national charities in the UK, Helen Timbrell switched gears to work as an organizational development consultant and coach.
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What do you get when you interview a slate of talented leaders of volunteers and nonprofits professionals who understand the power of community? You get Season 2 of the Time + Talent podcast!
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In Part 2 of this interview, Dabash Negash from NYC Service shares practical ideas for starting a conversation and setting some goals and practices to help your organization understand and achieve better Board diversity, equity and inclusion. She also shares the ABCs of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. If you missed Episode 108, you can hear her discuss the results and findings from their survey and report on Board diversity in New York City.
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Like many organization’s Habitat for Humanity, NYC has faced challenges when tapping into the time and talent of young professionals, but Ricardo Sebastian seems to have found the secret to success!
When Ricardo took over the management of the Board he narrowed the focus of the Young Professionals Board to advocacy and fundraising and asked all current members to reapply. He wasn’t discouraged when only 3 existing members wanted to continue, and through careful and thoughtful recruitment he was able to build the Board to 21 members.
Prior to the pandemic, the Board focused on in-person events that focused on relationships and created member events that combined community, industry, and lifestyle activities all connected back to housing and the organization’s mission.
Ricardo’s approach focuses on flexibility and managing expectations, and he wants volunteers to find their passion even if it isn’t with the Young Professionals Board or Habitat for Humanity. He ensures that Young Professionals Board members are set up for success by deploying a 4 point system:
- Prioritize the needs of the organization
- Do what you say you’re going to do
- If you can’t do what you said you’d do let us know
- Meaningful financial contribution
He combines this with a very flexible leave system which includes professional leave, academic leave, and personal leave. Young Professionals Board members can take the time they need to manage other parts of their lives without feeling guilty.
While this does create more management work Ricardo’s strategy is to create a long-term relationship with these volunteers and doesn't just see them as the volunteer they are today, but envisions how Habitat for Humanity NYC can be a part of their lives even after they’ve finished their time with the Young Professionals Board.
Ricardo also knows that most of the Young Professionals Board members don’t have an opportunity to say no in many parts of their lives, so he really sees this work as a way for them to practice saying no!
When the pandemic hit this flexibility and the open lines of communication served them well. The Young Professionals Board was able to mobilize quickly and were already prepared to jump in when other members needed to focus on work or home life. Young Professionals Board members have taken the lead on online and social media activities and they are working to move their Fall Gala online!
Guest Bio:
Ricardo Sebastián
Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives
Habitat for Humanity, New York City
Ricardo’s work brings people together, builds community, and creates a positive impact. In addition to producing events, he offers brand and talent management, and digital marketing services.
Beginning August 01, 2020, Ricardo started a new role as the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives with Habitat for Humanity New York City. His journey with Habitat for Humanity began as a volunteer with the Habitat Young Professionals network, which led to signing Habitat NYC as a consulting client in 2017. He is honored and excited to take on his new role as they continue to develop and preserve affordable housing across all five boroughs.
For More:
If you are interested in more on how to build vibrant nonprofits governing an advisory boards, check out Season 1 of the Time + Talent podcast, Episode 108: The Rewards & Challenges of Nonprofit Board Diversity - Part 1 and Episode 109: The Rewards & Challenges of Nonprofit Board Diversity - Part 2.