The worst of times, the best in people

I have attended a couple "survival" meetings recently, focusing on how the non-profit sector can weather the economic storm. Some advice is helpful, such as sharing "back room" administrative expenses with another non-profit. And some advice...well, not so good. "Get rid of the fat." What fat?

My organization is not immune from the recession. Our budget is relatively small, just under $2 million. But giving is way down this year and we expect that 15% of projected revenues will not materialize. So we have had to make painful adjustments affecting people.

The plan is to "bite the bullet" in February, slashing salaries for staff and stipends for 120 volunteers for one month. We will keep programs going and will ask great sacrifices of everyone. By taking this preventative action, everyone feels relief knowing the "downsize" will only last a month.

The response to this decision is creating some amazing stories of human kindness. A 75-year old Experience Corps member serving 8 hours/week will not receive her meager stipend in February. When we told her that we didn't expect her to serve for the month, she was insistant. "Who will read with my students? What will I do with my time? I will serve." Another Experience Corps member when informed of the situation declared it time to make a cash donation and also insisted she would continue to serve. Staff offered to reduce their pay. Our AmeriCorps members and VISTA volunteers are waiting to hear how they can help fill some of the gaps.

On March 1, everything will return to some semblance of normal and the recession will most likely continue. We will need to be realistic, practical and creative as we go forward.

But for now, while going through a down-size of the checkbook, we are realizing a rebirth of spirit, energy, and commitment to service and to our mission. Times are very tough, yet its amazing what a team of caring and committed people spanning 3 generations can do when everyone at every level agrees to sacrifice.

Happy New (Mentoring) Year!

We all know January to be a time for fresh starts, new resolutions, and… mentoring? A National Mentoring Month? Well mentoring is important year round but this January marks the eighth time an entire month has been dedicated to it.

This month of awareness-raising mentoring gives what we do here at Generations Incorporated a national platform, and I love that. To celebrate the month last year we hosted Irene Smalls and our mentors had a wonderful time.

This year we’re putting a different spin on how we observe the month. We’ll be making a special effort on January 22^nd to get all our staff and AmeriCorps members to participate in Thank Your Mentor Day™ (and I encourage you to join us). For those interested in participating there are “Four Ways to Honor Your Mentor”:

1) contact your mentor directly to express your appreciation
2) pass on what you received by becoming a mentor to a young person in your community
3) make a financial contribution to a local mentoring program
4) write a tribute to your mentor for posting on www.WhoMentoredYou.org.

For more information visit: www.nationalmentoringmonth.org