“Crisis moments create opportunity. Problems and crises ignite our greatest creativity as they force us to focus on things outside the norm.”
- Sam Cawthorn
The COVID-19 crisis is changing the face of volunteering, spurring the growth of virtual skills-based volunteering, just one of the many creative, “outside the norm” responses.
Skills-based volunteering means leveraging the specialized skills and talents of individuals - often marketing, HR, strategy, IT and others - to strengthen the infrastructure of nonprofits, helping them build and sustain their capacity to successfully achieve their missions. It can be a “win-win-win” scenario for everyone involved: the nonprofit, the volunteer, and the company.
Haven Housing Development staff recently participated in a pro bono “Lightning Skills Session,” hosted by HandsOn Twin Cities, and had the opportunity to discuss strategies and ideas with two professionals from Land O’Lakes.
“It was so helpful to gain insight from for-profit professionals about some of our marketing and social media strategies,” says Amy Murnan, Haven Housing Communications and Grants Manager. “I came away with some helpful critiques, solid ideas, and a fresh sense of motivation. And I’m pretty sure that Haven Housing has two new fans.”
Megan Wolle, Land O’Lakes Community Relations and Foundation Manager, also appreciated the opportunity. “With the onset of COVID-19, it’s been more challenging to find volunteer opportunities,” Megan says. “I also have an infant at home, which adds an extra coordination challenge. This seemed like not only a great way to volunteer virtually, but also a unique way to leverage some of my professional skill sets.”
Plus, it was a fun and rewarding way to spend a couple of hours. “It was a lot of fun brainstorming together and thinking through ways to elevate Haven Housing’s brand,” says Megan. “Having previously worked in the nonprofit space myself, I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from an expert in the sector regarding challenges and opportunities.”
As the summer heats up, Haven Housing is looking especially for strategic-thinkers who can help us answer the question, "How do we get air-conditioning to bedrooms in a 3-story, 1948-built former convent building for women and children who have experienced homelessness or crisis?"
Do you have an answer to our question, or are you looking for a way to leverage your professional skills for the good of the community? Contact us.