Here’s a guest post about a great way for nonprofit professionals to find a mentor or be a mentor. Kudos to a mentor and ally of mine, John Haydon, for sending it along!
The nonprofit sector is a strong and vibrant community full of people willing to help each other out. And now more than ever, it’s important to come together and work as allies and mentors.
The value of being mentored seems pretty obvious: new skills, confidence, friendship, etc. And in fact, the research shows that people who are mentored get more job promotions and earn more than people who aren’t.
But mentoring is also great for mentors: networking opportunities, leadership development, and a stronger sense of community.
Jesse Bethke Gomez, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, was mentored early in his career. And now he’s paying it forward by helping others overcome their fears and develop their strengths:
So yes, nonprofit professionals like Jesse shine when they connect, learn and share with each other. They get stuff done. And they make a bigger impact.
But do you really need a that trusted ally?
Why you need a trustworthy nonprofit ally
Most nonprofit leaders are too stressed out or distracted to find that trusted friend or colleague who’s walked in their shoes.
But allies (mentors, peers, friends) are often essential for success. Here are a few examples:
- A veteran grant writer offers guidance to a novice grant writer that helps him or her achieve greater results.
- A promising nonprofit start-up founder can connect with an experienced leader who points out blind spots and encourages a drive toward success.
- A newly-hired Development Director is struggling to meet their capital campaign goals. She exceeds that goal with tips from a veteran fundraiser.
Find your nonprofit ally
Do you have experience or know-how to share with a nonprofit? MissionBox.com is a newly launched free resource that helps connects nonprofit leaders connect with that perfect peer who is seeking guidance.
The goal? Stop “reinventing the wheel” create a larger sense of community, and together, make a bigger impact.
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