As we look forward to what 2014 has in store for each of us, it is good to reflect on what a year it was. Professionally, I set my sights on putting some roots down in 2013, and in August, I returned to the world of higher education when I accepted the position of Associate Vice President of Leadership and Fund Development for Chattanooga State Community College. I was also satisfied to complete my Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential this past year. I hope 2013 brought you (more…)
online volunteer solutuions
2013 Sneak Peak, a New Social App and the Top Three Posts from 2012
To say 2012 was an exciting year would be an understatement. I’ll spare you the nitty gritty, but among the highlights was having a small part in two different institutional milestones–an independent school client began their Centennial Celebration while a nationally recognized Aquarium client marked their 20th! These occasions provide the first sneak peak for what’s ahead for nonprofitunity in 2013 and beyond.
I look forward to exploring how nonprofit organizations can benefit from strategic-thinking and institutional planning around major milestones like anniversaries. Perhaps this is a topic you also care about? If so, I’d love to hear from you. (more…)
Simplify with Online Volunteer Organizing Solutions
When was the last time a notepad was passed around the room asking people to sign up for tasks or shifts for volunteer projects? Or how about a long e-mail thread with the same intent? Fortunately, online solutions offer a better way for organizations to help volunteers and volunteers to help organizations. Let’s look at two online solutions designed to take the hassle out of organizing, recruiting and reminding volunteers:
I recently used SignUpGenius to help staff the popular inflatables at an upcoming church picnic. It was fast and easy to not only login via the SignUpGenius link sent by our group organizer but also to select my shift and reminders. My scheduled shift not only integrated into my iCal, but I also received a handy e-reminder.
SignUpGenius was created by Skylark Productions in Charlotte, NC. “to simplify and organize the various groups and communities” that need volunteers. Founded in 2008, SignUpGenius focuses their business on custom sign-up pages for any type of organization or group, for-profit or non-profit.
When I mentioned SignUpGenius to a friend and professional volunteer, she suggested I also check out VolunteerSpot. And I did! I learned that both online tools offer similar ways to easily organize, recruit and manage your valuable volunteers without incurring any expenses. Both programs make it easy for busy volunteers to get and stay plugged into your events and projects.
VolunteerSpot launched in 2009 to enable “ANYONE to quickly mobilize and coordinate volunteers in their community, congregation and social network.” Founded by Karen Bantuveris, a management consultant working-mom/Girl Scout leader /PTA volunteer, VolunteerSpot supports nonprofits with a variety of services including collecting money for teacher gifts, fundraising projects, t-shirts and trips.
It seems to me both SignUpGenius and VolunteerSpot have clearly created better ways to organize volunteers!
What affordable solutions are you utilizing to help manage volunteers more effectively?
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