President's Perspective, Fall 2008
Recently the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut presented the Chuck Loring's "Your Board Made Perfect" seminar for improving nonprofit organizations. The seminar was sponsored by The Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut, in conjunction with Pfizer. The session zeroed in on board governance and fundraising. With nonprofits, such as New London Main Street, while fundraising is always a priority, board governance is usually not on the front burner, but actually needs more attention.
For example, according to Chuck, an organization such as ours, needs to have a succinct mission statement that each of its Board members knows and is committed to sharing. Main Street's mission: "…to preserve, enhance, and promote New London's Historic Waterfront District" includes ten powerful words that says it all! And, we should be sharing it with all we know.
One of Chuck's suggestions that I really appreciated is taking advantage of task forces, rather than standing committees to get work done. This model suggests that we gather talented people with the skill to solve a particular problem, be it fundraising, strategic planning or special events. Then give them a charge and time commitment and let them go to work. This way there is not a long-term commitment, and the burst of creative energy can result in positive results for a particular need. If this idea appeals to you, give me a call and we'll chat about the opportunities available within New London Main Street, where a task force may be most effective.
We also learned that across the U.S. most folks contribute to their religious organizations, but only about 5 percent contribute to arts and culture, and 7 percent to programs that are beneficial to the public. And, we learned that of all charitable contributions, 75% comes from individuals-not corporations, not foundations, just folks like you and me. To move us towards our vision statement, you can help by signing up for a task force, or by becoming a Main Street member. You can join online at newlondonmainstreet.org or by mailing in the membership form on the back of this newsletter. Finally, you can give to our second Annual Appeal. Following Chuck's advice, the board will be spearheading this effort. Please encourage us and give! See you on New London's main streets.
