Sometimes You Just Need to Take a Step Back

Too often (especially in this economy)  fundraisers and Development officers don’t have the opportunity to engage in their organizations programs and essentially their mission.  I have been fortunate these past two weeks as I’ve had the opportunity to both volunteer with JA at Capital One/ Junior Achievement Finance Park and attend the 3/31 NJ Business Hall of Fame (NJBHOF) Meet and Greet, both extraordinary programs that reinforced my belief in what I do.

Although not an easy task to put aside my “work” during my busiest season, I’m certain that revisiting my organizations mission gave me the boost that I needed.  Having just completed two new and large projects (JANJ’s Annual Report and the 1st Annual Latino Professional JA Community Initiative), I am significantly far behind in securing items for the NJ Business Hall of Fame (NJBHOF) auction that is just two weeks away.

At the NJBHOF Meet and Greet today, I had the absolute pleasure of attending Franklin High School where JA High School Heroes received real-world advice from the 2011 NJBHOF Laureates.  Student’s received a crash course in overcoming challenges, skills to success, the importance of education, and how confidence plays a role professionally, educationally and personally.   Albeit an outstanding group of students that donate their time to better their communities, today’s event will no doubt help shape their futures.

Last week I took on the role of a JA volunteer at Capital One/ Junior Achievement Finance Park and walked students through a day in the life as an adult (and literally we walked through this virtual city as students chose their cars, homes, clothes, etc. based on their real life scenario and personal budget).

I have a renewed sense of energy seeing first hand how Junior Achievement’s programs are engaging youth in programs that will help shape their futures (and ours, as they are tomorrow’s leaders).  At a time when so many schools have faced budget cuts, JA is being called upon to help satisfy the newly implemented 9.2 standard requiring students receive 2.5 credits of financial literacy prior to graduating.  Our programs are free to the schools and our programs are in high demand.

My job is to develop relationships and raise funds so that we can provide more youth with JA’s financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs.  But it goes way beyond that.  So, for the next two weeks I will bust my butt to put together another jaw-dropping online and silent auction because I know that the funds raised will give students a head start on figuring out the stuff that really matters!

Social Media From a Non-Profit Perspective and Why It’s Like Being a Five Year Old in a Candy Store

Social media from a non-profit perspective (at least mine) is like being a five year old in a candy store with one minute to fill your goody bag. Before diving in a good 5 seconds is spent taking in the moment and realizing how many choices you have, followed by 40 seconds of filling your bag with every candy possible, 5 seconds worrying that you missed something and the last 10 seconds spent confirming everything you missed and wondering how to throw it in your bag anyway.

Familiarization changes everything and once you’ve been to one candy store you kind of know what to expect (except when it comes to Jelly Belly’s because we all know there are way more then the 50 official flavors). The world of social media is not only having to decide what candy you want, but what color Starburst, red or black licorice, Malt Balls or M&M’s (you get the point).  The possibilities are endless!

I need a list, which is humorous because anytime I’ve attempted to bring one to the supermarket I’ve left it in the car or on the kitchen table. I need to know all of the options, what audience I’m reaching and what tools are needed to maximize my efforts. I am the “social media expert” for the organization I work for and well, I’m writing this blog because I am confused and overwhelmed (after reading a dozen or so “social media guides for non-profits”).

Just when I think I do have a grasp, I realize that I haven’t checked my organization’s Facebook page or group in over a month, I still haven’t figured out the Causes feature and I don’t have a clue what Digg is (I’m serious). I am sure there is a Dummies guide to Social Media, but new and updated applications are introduced daily and by the time I actually do purchase the book – it will be outdated (I say this with the utmost respect for the Dummies series).

Socialpedia – I actually checked on this and it’s already purchased, but not being used (someone reading this should attempt to purchase the site, how’s that for sharing an idea). A Wikipedia for social media – a reference of every site, the purpose they serve, the benefits and a breakdown of every possible tool you can use on the site. For instance, Twitter – a reference of every application available (something I can only find via a Google search which I know means I’m doing something wrong). Figuring out the different applications and their purpose is like having to pick all the red skittles out from the rest (in the big tube in a candy store), finally separating them all and then dropping them on the floor. You know it’s overwhelming and tedious and you know it’s going to take a long time. Just when you get it, Twitter Lists come out and you now you have something new to figure out.

In my world, in the world of fundraising and development – the potential of social media is endless. I have introduced my organization to countless volunteers, foundations, corporate partners and similar non-profits that could lead to future collaborations. Junior Achievement of New Jersey (@jaofnj – hey, I’ve learned something) is part of a worldwide organization and through social media I am able to connect with colleagues around the world to share best practices, read articles and blogs on programs being offered and have access to endless resources related to JA’s purpose (financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs for today’s youth). I’m able to acknowledge, thank and praise JANJ’s supporters immediately – a development officers dream. I have “met” fascinating people, conversed with great minds and been introduced to incredible organizations while building my network and resume. And although I have accomplished a lot, I know there is so much more potential and so many more ways I could be connecting with people!

I am literally a five year old standing in front of 99 different types of chocolates trying to figure out where to start.