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CrossConnect 2009 Presentation Materials

Light a Fire Under Your Education Programs! Breakout Session

Turning Worries into Action Plans Breakout Presentation

Relationships that Matter: A Young Professionals Opinion

After spending a year in the non-profit sector I have adapted to a new way of thinking. I have also realized that one of the most important factors in non-profit work is the importance of building meaningful relationships with co-workers, members and volunteers. I like many individuals have worked in the for-profit sector and migrated or landed in the non-profit world. Working with boards and committees was a new experience that came along with working in non-profit.

I had always simply made the decisions that I was authorized to make and sought approval for the ones I wasn’t from a superior. Now I have adapted to taking decisions to a committee or board to assist me and the rest of the staff members in making the most appropriate choice. While this has been new and taken some adjusting I now enjoy the process more than the traditional approach. It allows the staff and volunteers to interact on a meaningful level with the members of the organization. It also allows the membership to get what they want from their association. It is important to embrace the different opinions and views of the members, those vested in the association. I have not only embraced this new way of thinking, but have grown an appreciation for it.