In the past year, I’ve been using Catchafire.org to connect with new pro bono clients from small nonprofits. Catchafire matches professionals who want to donate their time with nonprofit staff and leaders who need support in variety of areas including human resources, tech, marketing, development, leadership challenges, and board development. I’ve partnered with nonprofit leaders at organizations in Arizona, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. My clients have worked at a range of organizations from botanical gardens, to youth programs, and domestic violence prevention. I recently matched with a client in Marin County closer to home. If you are an experienced nonprofit leader with time to give or a smaller nonprofit looking for expert consulting and support, I encourage you to explore Catchafire!

Early in my career I worked in non-profit fundraising and I spent many, many hours compiling, formatting, and proofreading annual publications featuring long lists of donors. I always wondered if it was worth the time and effort. Does anyone give more or improve their opinion of an organization when they read their name on a published list? This article suggests not. I’m sold. Let’s ditch the donor lists!

During my career, I’ve trained many, many people on giving good feedback in the workplace. This NPR story (you can listen or read a transcript) provides clear steps, and some helpful metaphors to help you give productive feedback. Here are three highlights: 1. Reflect on your own potential biases before you begin. 2. Ask for consent; get a “micro” yes as you open. 3. Describe the actions or incident you are referencing very clearly and specifically. Think about a video camera. What could have been recorded in the moment? What could have been seen and what could have been heard? The piece is a worthwhile listen, even if you are an experienced manager.