Visioning YNPN-TC: Connecting through purpose

by Rinal Ray
follow me on Twitter: @uptownRinky

If I don’t tell the universe (or myself) what I want for my life, how will it know what to deliver?  A few months ago a group of really fab honeys and I came together to create our own personal vision boards.  I worked on mine for a while—flipping through all sorts of magazines, scouring for images that spoke to me and words that reflected how I want to feel. I want to feel like Julia Child in the kitchen and in life.  I want to be a soul survivor and brave thinker, envision a life of beautiful vistas and relaxing sunsets. This is my vision of what I want the universe to fork over!

I know it’s not as easy as a weekend art project to fulfill the vision of your life. I get that. But looking at this board every morning makes me happy, calms me, inspires me to work toward those lovingly pasted feelings and goals.

I started thinking about YNPN-TC’s vision of our network, sector, and world where young nonprofit professionals connect through purpose, challenge to change, and lead together. DAMN! We’d be unstoppable and kick-ass. Can you imagine what that vision would look like? I can. Using Pinterest, I started a virtual vision board.

What do you envision for YNPN-TC? Check out our Pinterest board and add your own visioning of our collective work!

 photo provide by Rinal Ray and from the YNPN-TC Pinterest board

The Nonprofit Olympics

by Rinal Ray
follow me on Twitter: @uptownRinky

So what do the Olympics have to do with working in a nonprofit anyway?

I unabashedly love the Olympics! The global spirit, ceremony, fanfare, and anticipation of athletes representing far corners of the world stir in me excitement, joy and wild rooting usually reserved for strategic planning! Seriously. As I’ve been watching the games these last two weeks, I have marveled at the supernatural feats of Olympians. But I know they are just humans – at the top of their game.  In addition to their raw talent, incredible commitment, endurance, and strength, I also admire how they play the game, their triumphs and defeats.

There’s a lot we young nonprofit professionals can take away from the Olympics.

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Blowing up the box: YNPN-TC's three year strategic plan

Have you heard? The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network is one of the nonprofits to watch in 2012, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Here in the Twin Cities, we hope you’ll be watching (and participating or helping) as we roll out our three year strategic plan. This plan has been in the works since this summer when the YNPN-TC Board gathered for a series of retreats to contemplate how to most strategically provide and promote opportunities for the development of young nonprofit professionals and bring our vision closer to our reach.

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Reflection in times of crisis.

I answered a call by making a call. From my cozy, sunny office, I made two phone calls (of course, on my break time and from my cell phone)–one to Senator Klobachar and one to Senator Franken. As a constituent, a former AmeriCorps member and public interest lawyer that facilitates legal volunteering, I explained how I have seen AmeriCorps improve communities through education, jobs training and environmental programs. Until it all came tumbling out of my mouth on those phone calls, I didn’t realize how much service meant to me and the people in my life.

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Strategic Engagement: Saying No, Negotiating to Yes

As YNPs, we have a lot to offer–fresh perspectives, young networks, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves. We’re ready to get out there and do good! And it’s that type of energy that institutions, organizations, campaigns, and people want to pull-in to their programs, boards, and outreach efforts. Win–win, right?

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