A reminder of why it all matters

by Lauren Van Schepen
follow me on Twitter: @lvanschepen

It's easy to identify the excitement and meaning in others' work, but lately I've been trying to intentionally connect some of my more mundane tasks with the mission of the organization I work for. This work may not make City Pages, or even Pollen, but I know it is important. It can just be difficult to feel its importance.

I've mapped out the effect of a few of my least glamorous job responsibilities below. I would highly recommend diagramming if you're questioning the importance or meaning of your work. Visualizing a connection to an inspiring mission may be what you need to not just get through that mail merge, but see its meaning. Happy diagramming! 

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Is “De Facto Diversity” Enough? Exploring Intentional Community-Building

I recently had a conversation with a number of YNPN-ers about diversity within our own organization and how we can be intentional in reaching out to under-represented groups in our membership. As often is the case in these discussions, we alluded to the goal of being “representative” or “reflective” of the nonprofit community. . . . Is it enough to be representative of the nonprofit sector as it currently is? Are we comfortable reflecting the status quo, or do we expect more?

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Finding “The One”: Thoughts on the Job Search

Alright, you. Deep breath. Remember your talking points, check your teeth for cilantro from lunch, and smile. Another deep breath. Dry-off your sweaty hands. Confidence, poise. Keep. Breathing.

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