Volunteerism

What is constituent empowerment?

Because I spend so much work time immersed in this area, I tend to assume that other people I talk with know what constituent empowerment is and why it is important. But then I remember my 8^th grade science teacher who has a saying about the word “assume.” He said that when you assume, you make an ### out of U and ME. So, I’m going to stop assuming that everyone knows about constituent empowerment and why it is important, and I’m going to do it right now.

I always say that constituent empowerment is allowing your constituents to do your work for you. That’s the simplified version. The reality, of course, is that you can’t just hand over work. If that were the case, I would never have to take out the trash or fold the laundry (ahhh…a man can dream). No, in order to get others to do your work for you, you need to do a few things first.

• First, you need to have a group of people who are at least willing to consider the idea of doing your work for you. I think there are two parts to this. You need to explain why you need help and then you need to watch and listen to identify the people who are sympathetic to you plea.
• Second, you need to make it easy for these people to pick up your work and run with it. This means tools that are readily available and easily mastered. No one but the most committed person is going to spend a ton of time learning a whole new skill just to help you out.
• Third, you need to make it known that helpers will be recognized. Let’s face it, there is a very short list of people who are completely self-less and do good deeds without any expectation, even at a sub-conscious level, of recognition.
• Fourth, to be really successful at this, you need to make sure that people have some choice in what work they take on for you. Nobody, not even in the military, just loves being told what to do.

So, let’s assume you buy into this constituent empowerment fad, and you think you can handle the four criteria above. What is in it for you? Reach and Context.

Reach

Empowering others with your message and the tools to spread the message is the cornerstone on viral marketing. And how quickly can that spread occur? Well, let’s do some math.

Most people have a close circle of people that numbers 12. This extends out to about 40 well-known acquaintances. So, we’ll start with each person being able to reach about 40 people relatively easily.

If each of those 40 people reaches out to their 40 people with the message, roughly 1,600 people have now heard it.

If each of those 1600 people reaches out to their 40 people with the message, roughly 61,000 people have now heard it.

And then 2,370,000 and then 92,360,000.

You get the point.

Context

Have you ever seen one of those commercials where the uptight parent tries to talk to their kids about drugs by performing some very bad rap? As marketers, this is our worst nightmare, right? Trying to reach out to somebody without any clue as to how to deliver the message in a meaningful way is destined to fail.

By empowering your constituents, you have just recruited one of “them” to speak to “them.” You constituents know how to position the message in a way that is meaningful to their friends, because they are friends.

Some organizations will balk at the idea of putting the words into the mouths of constituents, for fear of losing control of the message. All I can say is, unless you know how to clone yourself, there is no better way to reach more people.

Volunteer seeking work (for free!)

Having recently moved to a new city for the third time in the last 5 years (though I think I’m sticking around here for a while), I’m faced again with finding the perfect volunteer opportunity. I work from home, so volunteering regularly is the perfect way for me to get out of the house, meet new people and of course, do something good for my community. I’ve been lucky enough in my past two cities to find the perfect volunteer commitments but here, it’s been a bit more difficult.

My search began on VolunteerMatch. All organizations that need volunteers use VolunteerMatch, right? Hmm, not so much. Maybe there are other sites or communities where non-profits post their volunteer opportunities or maybe non-profits in my area just don’t need volunteers, because the postings here for my criteria were few and far between.

When that route proved unfruitful, I tried the old-fashioned way and started asking people. I found a few great spots around town that need volunteers and visited their websites. Again, confusion… by the looks of their volunteer sections (if there was one), I’m not exactly sure what their needs are and if I’d fit in, but once I’ve finished my applications, maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

So, what are your thoughts on providing ways for volunteers to find you? Are there sites or communities other than VolunteerMatch that you’re using and if not, is there a need for a new avenue for providing this information? And also, once I do find you, what kind of information do you provide for me that will indicate that I can find a great opportunity with you? Are there barriers to that information such as a rigorous application process? Perhaps a follow-up is to come on great volunteer sections so stay tuned…

Developing Philanthropic Children

This Sunday is Father’s Day.  As the proud parent of a 4 year old I can honestly say that I have learned a lot about being a parent.  Some things I intuitively knew how to do.  Other things I had to learn along the way.  And in hindsight there are probably a few things I wish I would have done differently. 

This got me thinking.  As parents we’re continually learning, but what are we teaching our kids?  If things like giving are a learned behavior, what are we doing as parents to actively teach our children about the importance of philanthropy?

Sure, any parent who has lived through the terrible twos can attest that a certain amount of self-focus is natural among children this age.  However, despite the tantrums, and the “it’s mine” and the “I want” children are amazingly aware that there is a broader world around them.  Since they're paying attention to our lead, I think the key to raising a giving child starts with being part of a giving family.

Here are a couple of easy ways to get your children involved:

• Create family rituals around philanthropy.  Help children identify causes that they can relate to and feel passionate about.  Then give your children a say as to which charities you’re going to support as a family each year.  It could be making a financial contribution, participating in a food drive, or simply donating a book to the local library.
• There is power in children helping children.  Children have a natural empathy for other children and want to contribute to those in need.  For example, started by a child as a front yard operation, Alex’s Lemonade Stand grew into a national charity raising over $5 million for kids with cancer.  See more child founded charities here:  http://www.kidzworld.com/article/6444-child-founded-charities
• Frequent businesses that support charitable giving.  Dropping your loose change in the giving box during a visit to McDonalds is an easy way to keep year round giving top of mind for your children.
• Help your kids design and decorate a giving jar separate from their piggy bank.  Offer to match a portion of your child’s allowance towards a contribution to an organization or cause of their choosing.
• When there is a drive for canned goods, new school supplies, or unwrapped toys, have your child pick out what to purchase and donate. Make sure your child understands the item(s) are not for him/her to keep.

Providing positive examples to our children will help them become passionate about giving, show them that their actions can make a difference, and form a meaningful connection to a larger world.

Reply to this post with any examples you use with your kids, or programs your NPO has to help parents educate their kids about the importance of giving back.