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Ready to Lead- Seven Recommendations for Current Executive Directors (Part 2)
Written by Chuck Bean, on April 20, 2008
Last week I provided advice to current executive directors related to a few of the recommendations from Ready to Lead. The recommendations I discussed were all aimed at professional development of your staff. this week I want to discuss recommendations related to the structure of your organization and communications with your staff:
“Replace dated power structures.” To paraphrase in my words: “Don’t be an old-fashioned, top-down, cranky, General Macarthur-type.” You can demand a lot and hold staff accountable, but emerging leaders in the survey said they want EDs to be better supervisors and better communicators. Less hierarchy. More transparency.
“Pay reasonable salaries and provide benefits.” Whew, this is a big one! After the report came out, some seasoned EDs told me, “Chuck, what can I do about this? I’m doing all we can to fundraise already!” I don’t have the silver bullet answer – does anyone?!? But, I know we need to shift from “the whine” to cope with the reality of the DC-area high-demand job market (Arlington has a 2.3% unemployment rate!). The reality is that the local nonprofit community is going to compete not only with business and government, but also with the national nonprofits that are based here as well. Raise more money from individual donors is one answer. Is another answer to employ fewer (but more highly -qualified) people, but pay them better?
On April 21, the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place ― together with our partner organizations and Washington National Cathedral ― will bring together public officials, homeless service providers and homeless advocates for an address by one of the nation’s most eloquent and persuasive advocates for “the abolition of homelessness.” Philip Mangano, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, and Nan Roman, Friendship Place Board Member and Executive Director of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, will offer remarks at the event.
This important event exemplifies the extraordinary level of collaboration among homeless service providers ― especially faith-based groups ― in upper Northwest Washington. Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place heads an event-planning team of the Friendship Place Partners: Anne Frank House, Church of the Annunciation, Church of the Pilgrims, Capital Interfaith Hospitality Network, Community of Christ Church, Crossroads Shelter at St. Alban’s Church, Metropolitan House at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, St. Ann’s Catholic Church, St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, St. Luke’s Shelter, St. Paul’s Shelter, Washington National Cathedral and Carrie Simon House at Washington Hebrew Congregation.
Our consortium believes that ending homelessness is practical and feasible, and we join together to take concrete steps to make the abolition of homelessness a reality in our community.
The goal of the symposium is to create greater public awareness of solutions to homelessness, to build closer collaboration among service providers and advocates, and to inspire those who have the will and the means to end homelessness in the District to take decisive action.
“The Abolition of Homelessness,” Monday, April 21, 6:30-9:00 p.m., The Perry Auditorium, Washington National Cathedral. Open and free to the public, but space is limited and reservations required; contact Bill Long ― (202)364-1419 x23
Written by Susie Kay (Hoop Dreams), on March 05, 2008
Recently, the Washington City Paper featured a cover article accompanied by an online audio/slideshow on H.D. Woodson Senior High School where I taught for 13 years and where Hoop Dreams has had an office. The headline of the story is ‘The End of an Error’ and it features the school’s physical and all around demise. It’s a very sad but powerful read - I encourage you, my nonprofit peers and partners, to read it.
The article’s three main voices are Coach Bruce Bradford (a WONDERFUL former long time teacher, swimming coach and dear friend); Mrs Aona Jefferson (the former principal, my former boss and long time supporter of Hoop Dreams) and Latara Meyers (my former colleague). These three individuals represent the MANY wonderful and devoted teachers who were deeply committed to young people at Woodson.
Preparing your organization in the event of an emergency should be a priority for all of the region’s nonprofits, however it is often pushed aside or ignored for initiatives that are more mission centered. The problem, as usual, is capacity. What many nonprofits fail to realize is that when you are not prepared prior to an emergency you guarantee your organization’s inability to carry out its mission during an actual event.
Ensure your ability to operate in the event of a disaster:
The best way to make sure that your organization survives an emergency is to have an up to date Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). A good COOP should include:
Last week I provided advice to current executive directors related to a few of the recommendations from Ready to Lead. The recommendations I discussed were all aimed at professional development of your staff. this week I want to discuss recommendations related to the structure of your organization and communications with your staff:
On April 21, the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place ― together with our partner organizations and Washington National Cathedral ― will bring together public officials, homeless service providers and homeless advocates for an address by one of the nation’s most eloquent and persuasive advocates for “the abolition of homelessness.” 
Preparing your organization in the event of an emergency should be a priority for all of the region’s nonprofits, however it is often pushed aside or ignored for initiatives that are more mission centered. The problem, as usual, is capacity. What many nonprofits fail to realize is that when you are not prepared prior to an emergency you guarantee your organization’s inability to carry out its mission during an actual event.