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Business professionals play a crucial role with nonprofit organizations by providing resources, expertise and focus—essential for helping Indy thrive. Having engaged with several nonprofits over the past 25 years, I’ve observed what motivates businesspeople to volunteer. Certainly, offering time and resources brings immense value to nonprofits. But those who volunteer on boards get so much in return.
I’m often asked by younger colleagues how to plug in and get involved in the community as I have. I remind them that folks should not join a board just to build their profiles. Rather, align your interests and passions with your volunteer work. Find your theme.
My experience with several boards has been enormously rewarding and, I hope, has resulted in making each organization better. My specific involvement revolves around themes of youth leadership development and environmental improvement.
Frankly, I didn’t necessarily plan it that way. I fell into community engagement when I exited an Indianapolis public works leadership role 25 years ago and joined the private sector as an engineering consultant. My volunteer work has happened very naturally, driven by a life-changing college experience at a youth summer camp that opened my eyes (and my heart) to youth formation and the beauty of our natural environment.
That experience directly led me to positions on the Catholic Youth Organization board, leading the Camp Committee; Keep Indianapolis Beautiful for 12 years, including serving as board chair during a challenging time for the organization; the Washington Township Schools Foundation, collaborating with a large alumni group to greatly broaden the organization’s network; and Scouting America, starting as an engaged father and then serving in several key roles on the executive committee. These outstanding organizations focus on youth development or initiatives for neighborhood and environmental improvement and often align with both of my passions while making the time invested feel natural.
Over the years, I’ve admired those who exit boards before their terms end if they truly feel the organization wasn’t the right match or right time. Bravo for making room for others better suited.
Recently, I had the privilege of mentoring a young professional and friend whose deep faith inspires her commitment to nonprofit work. She channels her passion through her church’s outreach, focusing on advocating for women and girls. What a beautiful way to make a meaningful impact in her community by knowing her “theme.”
A few points of advice for young professionals getting involved civically in Indianapolis:
◗ Prioritize quality over quantity. Focusing on a few boards can have a greater impact than spreading yourself too thin.
◗ Be prepared to be all in. Nonprofit boards are the governing body and can be time-consuming in challenging situations.
◗ Back out early if it’s not for you. If unsure when asked about joining a board, try it out, but make space for someone better aligned if you’re not motivated after a year or two.
Find your theme when stepping up, and the rewards will be numerous for both you and the nonprofit!•
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George is senior vice president of CHA Consulting.
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Business professionals looking to get involved with local nonprofits would also be wise to remember that for many of them, particularly the smaller boards or ones early in their development, your work will be more akin to tactical work on a committee than setting policy and strategy.