Devon wrote:
I'm currently serving on the board of a local non-profit organization. This organization is a fundraising organization for our 50 member organizations (similar to United Way), some of which are very well known in the area and recognizable nationally. We are a pretty small organization in terms of assets (just under $1mm) and staffing (ED plus two full time employees). It also isn't an organization that is nationally well known. I also chair the event committee which is responsible for planning all of our events.
I'm interested in taking on another volunteer opportunity, with significant leadership opportunities, international exposure, and/or broad name recognition. Preferably all three. However, I'm having a lot of trouble finding organizations in my area that meet these requirements. Also, regarding the international thing, I have a full time job and am going to be staying here until I apply in the fall, so I don't know how that would even work.
Any ideas on how to remedy this?
Well, I'd say the best way to start is with the brand name. If you are looking into huge organizations like Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, Amnesty, Greenpeace and so on, it's pretty easy to find out if they have a branch around you. If not, then settle for something smaller, but put emphasis on the leadership opportunities. There's no "Secret formula" here. Just find something you like, you are interested and passionate about, and where you notice room for improvement and impact on your part. Doesn't have to be much more complicated than that.
You could also come up with your own idea and just do it. It doesn't have to be huuuge of massively complex. for example, I had a client once who wanted to help a poor neighbor of his get a computer. He did that once, getting the computer as a donation, and then realized that he could do the same for many others. So he got a big donation of really old computers from his workplace or maybe somewhere else, and then found some kids who could use the computers. Eventually he ended up registering his Nonprofit. Oh yeah, and he got in EVERYWHERE. And with money too!