Non Profit Leadership

Community is a very important component of the Education = Family + Community + Schools equation, and can be far more diverse because it includes government (local, state and federal) and non-profit organizations / service providers. These institutions are products of the community and are there to contribute to the fabric of life enjoyed by the residents.

Whether you agree with the current seat holder or not, political leadership positions are regularly put up for public scrutiny and eventually an election. Heck of a way to make a living.
Have you seen any of the latest political poll numbers? Gallop’s monthly ask of America “Do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job” showed that 80% of us disapprove of what our elected leaders in Washington are doing. Approval will fluctuate for all candidates as they go about government as they see it. Politicians know that eventually they will have to stand before the community and justify their vision of leadership, and this public vindication by election is probably the most important component to responsive leadership within government. People expect the right to vote for their vision of leadership, the right to offer their opinion on the direction of the town, county, state or federal government.

Unfortunately, there is no comparable way for residents to offer opinion on staffing or the management direction of local non-profit organizations. That’s generally the responsibility of each non-profit’s board of directors, often with little regard for the plans of other similar non-profits. If you support an organization financially or through your volunteer time, you should take the time to find out how they’re doing. Check their financials at www.guidestar.com . It is important to make sure the board is doing its job. Do they meet regularly? Find out if the organization is doing what you thought they were doing. Could they be doing more? Doing better? Are there other non-profits who are potential partners in developing alternatives to meeting your mission? The current economy will present challenges to fund raising for many non-profits and it will be important for each organization to maximize its available resources through creative partnerships. Non-profits are only as strong as their volunteer leadership. Get involved!

Wednesday: Educational success starts with the family