Check out the helpful tips that our members shared at this quarter’s NCN member Roundtables:
1. A “Love Local” event to spark engagement.
Looking to keep the spark alive with your tenant partners and grow community engagement? One member shared they host an annual “Love Local” event in their center’s parking lot. This event brings together local vendors, food, artists, entertainers, and more! It’s a great way to connect businesses, nonprofits, and the local community while making great use of parking lot space in off-peak hours.
2. Lean on your networks for recruitment.
Recruiting for a new staff position or trying to fill a vacancy in your space can be challenging at times. When exploring ways to advertise, consider options beyond your normal newsletter or website announcement. Reaching out to your networks directly can help you connect with mission and skill-aligned individuals and organizations. This might look like associations, community action groups, collaborative partners, or regional entities. Imagine a candidate and be proactive in reaching out to the groups and communities they belong to.
3. Tell your story when connecting with funders and vendors.
Many nonprofits are navigating funding cuts and working hard to keep budgets afloat. This might include renegotiating terms or services with vendors and seeking out new funding sources. In either situation, remember that sharing your story – your mission, impact, and communities you serve – can help build support for your organization. When a vendor or funder can connect with your mission and situation, it can sometimes be easier to identify creative solutions or new possibilities in challenging times.
4. Create safe spaces – online and in-person.
Community spaces and centers strive to establish places for people to connect, collaborate, and thrive. To make these spaces effective, a focus on safety is key to create an inviting and inclusive environment. Consider not only your physical spaces and the populations using them, but also your communications and marketing via email, social media, and publications. From messaging to built environment, creating safe spaces can and should be considered from many fronts.
5. Longevity leave to support your team.
Regularly evaluating and updating the benefits and amenities you offer your staff can go a long way in employee retention. A few members shared their organization’s policy around longevity leave or sabbaticals for staff that have several years of service. This benefit typically offers several weeks for months of paid time off to recognize an employees’ commitment and sustained service. It can also help to battle burnout and provide time and space for individuals to rest and feel renewed when returning to work. Something to consider in next year’s benefit package!