December 2007 E-bulletin

FEATURE ARTICLE
Executive Directors - The State of Our Non-Profit Leaders
RELATED RESOURCES
Support for Non-Profit Leaders
TIPS & TOOLS
How Can Boards Support Executive Directors
SPECIAL EVENTS
Executive Director Leadership Group - Register Now
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Recipient of the Royal Bank Local Hero Award (2007)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
International Volunteer Day - December 5 !
Winnipeg UAS Community Forum - December 6
Community Places Program Increases Funding by 50%
NEW 2007 CONTACT Community Information Guide - Hot off the Press
Imagine Canada introduces: Promising Practices Catalogue and Knowledge Exchange
Tips to Get Technology Funding

FEATURE ARTICLE

Executive Directors - The State of Our Non-Profit Leaders
by: Tracy Douglass, Community Outreach Coordinator, Volunteer Manitoba

"Nearly 2,000 nonprofit executive directors in eight cities completed the survey for Daring to Lead 2006. Three quarters do not plan on being in their current jobs five years from now, and nine percent are currently in the process of leaving." (Daring to Lead 2006 - a National Study of Nonprofit Executive Leadership)

This is alarming news. Why are our non-profit leaders leaving and what can be done to stem the flow and prepare new leaders to take their place?

Main reasons given by Executive Directors for leaving, as reported in the study, "Daring to Lead 2006" are: frustrations with boards of directors and institutional funders, lack of management and administrative support, and below-market compensation.

The data from this study raise important questions about the future executive leadership of nonprofit organizations and suggest the need for boards of directors, grant makers, and other nonprofit sector stakeholders to focus on supporting and sustaining the best current executives, developing the next cohort of leaders, and preparing for inevitable executive transitions.

Volunteer Manitoba is committed to supporting our current leaders by coordinating an Executive Director Leadership Development group every winter. This program is starting it's third year and we've developed a curriculum and delivery method that addresses the needs of today's nonprofit leaders.

Participants in the group will meet 4 times through March and April to address four main topic areas:
- Defining the Role of Executive Director
- Supervising Staff
- Supporting the Board
- Improving Time & Organizational Management Skills

This is not a workshop, but rather an opportunity to share experiences and learn from other Executive Directors through short presentations, activities and discussions. The goal is to share best practices and address real issues that are affecting your non-profit organization. Through a peer learning approach the participants form a cohesive group of mentors and sources of information and support long after the meetings have stopped.

Registration for this group has now started. The deadline is January 30 and you can download the form at this link: http://www.volunteermanitoba.ca/newsite/ED%20Leadership%20regis%20-%20Jan08.pdf

If you have any questions about Volunteer Manitoba's Executive Director Leadership group please contact Tracy Douglass, vmoutreach@mts.net, 477-5180 ext. 222.

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RELATED RESOURCES

Support for Non-Profit Leaders

Here is a list of resources we have in our resource library:

Coping or Collapsing: Dealing with Stress - a booklet outlining the causes, consequences and cures of stress.

First Things First - a book by Stephen Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People) that goes beyond time management and connects the investment of time to our deeper priorities in life.

Recruiting, Encouraging and Evaluating the Chief Staff Officer - a booklet to prepare Boards when they must recruit and select an Executive Director.

The Not-For-Profit CEO: A Survivor's Manual - A succinct, ready to use book outlining six basic elements of management survival in the not-for-profit sector.

To borrow any of these resources, contact Jody, our Resource Coordinator, 477-5180 ext. 223 or e-mail vmresource@mts.net

Here are some web sites on this topic:

Daring to Lead 2006 Research Study - comprehensive national study of executive leadership at community-based non profits. Based on nearly 2,000 surveys from 8 metropolitan areas, the report provides current data on executive turnover, compensation, career plans, and retirement. It also explores leading causes of executive burnout. It identifies the skills that community-based executives most want and need to build along with the professional development strategies that they employ. The report concludes with recommendations to executives, boards, funders, and capacity builders. To download the report visit this web site: http://www.compasspoint.org/daringtolead2006

Preventing Burn-Out - a web article to help you determine if you are stressed or burned out plus strategies to avoid burn-out. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm

Delegating Effectively - a web article to help you determine which tasks can be delegated. A template is included. http://www.iedex.com.au/essentials/html/delegation.html

Executive Director Job Profile - a list of responsibilities and qualifications typically required by an Executive Director plus 2 sample job descriptions - one for a recreation/sports organization and one for a social service organization. http://www.hrcouncil.ca/staffing/pg003a_e.cfm

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TIPS & TOOLS

How Boards Can Support The Executive Director
recommendations from Daring to Lead 2006 research report

1. Take responsibility for the board - The performance of the board has a direct effect on executive satisfaction and retention. Board chairs and officers in particular should take personal responsibility for the efficacy of the board.

2. Engage in succession planning for the executive and the board - Board members should recognize that executives will eventually leave and should bring succession planning into the annual executive evaluation discussion. The board should ask whether the executive still feels well matched to the strategic issues facing the organization, as well as how future leaders on staff are being developed.

3. Insist on adequate salary and benefits for the executive director - The board has a responsibility for stewardship of an organization’s resources, including its human capital. This study revealed that many executive directors are dissatisfied with their salaries, and that low salaries play a role in executive turnover and burnout.

4. Articulate an appropriate and achievable board role in fundraising - Rather than letting unmet expectations lead to executive frustration and deficit budgets, board leaders should work with the executive director to determine what board fundraising is realistic given the organization’s revenue makeup and board composition.

5. Analyze the diversity of your board - In addition to providing an invaluable mix of perspectives and community connections a diverse board also makes it easier for the organization to recruit future executives from a wider pool.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Executive Director Leadership Group

Register now to participate in Volunteer Manitoba's Executive Director Leadership Group. The group meets 4 times over the course of 2 months beginning in March. Participants will hear presentations, participate in workshop activities, and share experiences and knowledge with their peers on the following topics:
- Defining the role of Executive Director
- Supervising Staff
- Supporting the Board
- Improving Time and Organization Management Skills

For more details visit our web site: http://www.volunteermanitoba.ca/newsite/executive_development.htm
To download the registration form click here...

Deadline for registration: January 30, 2008

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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Recipient of the Royal Bank Local Hero Award (2007)

The following outstanding individual was this year's recipient of the Royal Bank Local Hero Award:

Marjorie LeBrun - Winnipeg
Nominated by: Kerrine Wilson

The value of music education and mentorship may not be measured easily, but the ‘Music-thon’ concept created by Marjorie LeBrun is certainly music to the ears of the Variety Club.

Created by Marge in 1990, the ‘Music-thon’ is a unique and creative fundraising concept, when each year, a 3-day continuous concert is coordinated where 300 music students as young as 4 years-old perform at the recital.

Students instructed by Manitoba Registered Music Teachers’ Association instructors collect pledges in support of the Variety Music in Daycares program. The fundraising drive benefits over 1,300 children in the inner city who participate in the program.

Overseeing teachers, performers, venue, sound systems and numerous other duties, Marge’s longstanding commitment, determination and passion for the event has raised over $145,000 in 18 years.

Another program which is funded as a result of Marge’s diligent work as a volunteer is the music therapy program for children with disabilities ranging from Retts Syndrome to autism. Using percussion instruments, movement and dance activities, the classes develop increased confidence and independent response to the musical material.

Thanks to Marjorie LeBrun’s vision, energy and dedication as a volunteer, thousands of young musicians and those in need benefit through the gift of music.

For more stories of the 2007 Volunteer Awards recipients...

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