LEAD STORY
Attracting and retaining the best talent: What’s your message?
Attracting and retaining the best talent is challenging for everyone these days, with unemployment at record lows. Your message can either make you the clear choice or send your candidates somewhere else. Here are some reasons why and what you can do to message is helping, not holding you back.
People want to feel as if they are part of something bigger than themselves.
WHAT CANDIDATES WANT
Why it’s important: Many data sets demonstrate that the majority of candidates today are looking at more than salary and benefits when making a decision about their next job. People want to feel as if they are part of something bigger than themselves. Do they share important values with their employer? Do they make a positive difference in the world? Does it have a positive company culture? Luring candidates with money and perks just doesn’t cut it anymore.
April is National Volunteer Month
April is national volunteer month, so we thought we would share some less than obvious ideas for showing your appreciation to those who give of their time and talent so freely. “Obvious” doesn’t mean unimportant. Thank-yous in the form of letters, notes, gifts, and spoken words are invaluable and their impact should not be under-estimated.
To augment traditional thank-yous, consider these five ideas:
Tie their work to the big picture. We all lose sight of the bigger picture from time to time. Your volunteers are just as susceptible to that phenomenon. It’s an easy fix, however. For example, reminding hospital volunteers that they are helping people heal is completely valid, even if they never come in contact with patients.
WEBINAR & WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED
How to tell if your message is failing your organization
Spencer Brenneman is delighted to partner with Top Nonprofits to deliver two online events: a free webinar and a fee-based workshop. Spencer Brenneman President Douglas Spencer will lead both.
How to Tell if Your Organization’s Message is Failing
April 28, 2022 2:00-2:45 PM EDT
In this free, 45-minute webinar, participants will learn how their message impacts crucial areas within their organizations as well as how to determine where it might be failing. After ample time for questions, they will leave with a framework for grading the effectiveness of their current message.
How to Improve Your Organization’s Message Where it Matters
May 19, 2022, 2:00-4:00 PM EDT
This two-hour workshop will provide participants with insights, approaches, and tools to review and improve their organization’s message and its impact on: fundraising, decision-making, overall efficiency, talent management, and media relations. Receive the early-bird rate of $49 now through May 7, 2022.
MISSION DRIVERS
New York State Children’s Alliance
In this recurring feature of Focal Point, we profile people and organizations on a mission! If you have someone to suggest, let us know!
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is the perfect time to feature one of our most recent clients, the New York State Children’s Alliance (NYSCA). NYSCA delivers the expertise and resources needed to care for abused children.
NYSCA represents and supports the Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) that provide services to abused children in 61 New York State counties and four tribal nations. In 2021, these child advocacy centers investigated more than 23,500 child abuse cases in New York state. Unfortunately, only one in 10 sexually abused children will disclose their abuse, and 90% typically know their abuser. Normally, it’s someone they know, love, and trust.
NYSCA’s work focuses on fostering relationships and collaboration, inspiring communities to take bold actions, and equipping teams with the latest, culturally competent, and equitable approaches to serving victims of child abuse. Learn more at nyschildrensalliance.org.
MESSAGING ON A MISSION
Listen Up: New Episodes Available!
We have two extremely important topics to share from March. The first addresses an issue that does not get nearly the amount of attention it deserves: Discussing Mental Health. The second dives into a topic that is top of mind for all nonprofits: Creating a Fundraising Board. Listen now wherever you find podcasts.
If you or your organization have a story to share about how your message impacts your work, don’t be shy! Let us know! We’re always looking for new guests.
Focal Pointing: Education
Focal Pointing shares some of the books, podcasts, and other resources that are helping us learn, create, and grow.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing and How to Get Started
Frontiers in Social Innovation
Center for Excellent in Nonprofits
Blog Posts You May Have Missed
Well Said
"It is wrong—deadly wrong—to deny any of your fellow Americans the right to vote in this country. There is no issue of States' rights or national rights. There is only the struggle for human rights."
— Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973), often referred to by his initials LBJ, was an American politician who served as the 36th president of the United States from 1963 to 1969. He had previously served as the 37th vice president from 1961 to 1963 under President John F. Kennedy. A Democrat from Texas, Johnson also served as a U.S. representative, U.S. senator and the Senate’s majority leader. He holds the distinction of being one of the few presidents who served in all elected offices at the federal level.
In April of 1968, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law.
