Ultimately what this comes down to
is belief in you mission. It is possible to see work at a nonprofit as just
another job, and to justify that you don’t give because you may already be
working at below market rates to be able to work at a nonprofit. The key thing
here is optics. As someone who works at a nonprofit, you can be visible in your
community – both the place you live or work and the people you serve. Your work
can be taken for granted, especially if you are not in a direct service role.
What is needed from staff is buy in
to the agency and the mission. This means that you don’t just work there
because it is just a job, but you accept that you will face below market rates
and you still give both your time and money to the cause whenever they need
arises.
I was thinking of this as a
potential board member when I was reading as well, and the same applies. There
are many reasons to work on a nonprofit board, but ultimately you are serving
the cause the nonprofit serves as well. You have to give not just your time but
your money as well.
Why do we have to do this as both
workers and board members? Outside people look and see what the people closest
are doing. If you’re going to ask someone for money or time and they will
receive no extrinsic reward, you have to model that for potential donors and
volunteers.
It’s pretty simple but easy to lose
track of. If I worked for a Ford Manufacturing plant, I’d buy a Ford.
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