Everyday Giving Blog

4 Events to Keep up with Your Nonprofit Business

Running a non-profit business is a fulfilling endeavor, but one that brings with it a whole new category of stress given the unique set of problems to be faced and conquered. Luckily, the very nature of non-profit endeavors tends to draw in the most kind-hearted and generous of souls, and that means that connecting with your colleagues in the niche is the best possible method of keeping up with the latest news, technologies, and other developments that will determine your future success.

Give your cause the chance it deserves by checking out these four events to keep up with your nonprofit business:

1. Washington Nonprofit Conference

Focusing on marketing for a nonprofit cause, this conference is your home for learning about how to make the public more receptive to your fundraising efforts. Between a series of informative talks and workshops and the exposure that being in a conference hall with more than 800 of your colleagues provides, you're guaranteed to leave the Washington Nonprofit Conference with a better mind for making your cause a successful one.

When and Where: Pay a visit to the Renaissance Hotel Downtown in Washington, DC on February 7-8, 2013, in order to take in the Washington Nonprofit Conference.

2. Critical Conversations on the Future of Nonprofit Governance

Hosted by the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, 2013 will see the inception of the Critical Conversations on the Future of Nonprofit Governance event in Kansas City, offering a true all-in-one event for those who want to take their nonprofit endeavors to the next level.

With an eye for deep conversation, this conference will help you to better balance your nonprofit goals with your entrepreneurial spirit, helping you to turn ambition into charitable success. If you manage a board of directors, the focus on group decision-making and governance will be especially useful and, even if you're only planning for a successful future, you won't regret the early learning!

When and Where: If you've been waiting for an excuse to visit Kansas City, Missouri, you're in luck; that midwest gem will play host to this conference on April 4-5, 2013.

3. 2013 Nonprofit Technology Conference

Next year's edition of the Nonprofit Technology Conference promises to be the place to be for owners of nonprofit organizations who understand the importance of technology in business, even when profits are not a concern. Spread over three days, this event will teach attendees about the latest advancements in computer hardware and software, among other technological niches, in an effort to be sure that everyone leaves with a better understanding of how technology can help their nonprofit to be more successful.

When and Where: Set to run from April 11-13, 2013, the 2013 Nonprofit Technology Conference will be held in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. If you need a vehicle to get around that potentially unfamiliar city, book it via Cheapcarrental.net!

4. AICPA Not-For-Profit Industry Conference

Touted as the premiere event for those in the nonprofit sector in 2013, the AICPA Not-For-Profit Industry Conference will bring together all of the top players in nonprofit business from around the world. With an expected full house, an interesting stable of lecturers and workshop leaders will help to guide a conversation centered around the most crucial issues facing nonprofit organizations, including new regulatory issues concerning tax, accounting, compliance and auditing, new financial management tactics, and the latest fundraising techniques.

Whether your goal is to learn, stay up on the latest industry news, or to meet and greet your colleagues in the sector, this is one nonprofit event that will bring a little bit of everything to the table.

When and Where: This year's AICPA nonprofit gathering will take place from June 20-21 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC, giving you the opportunity to take in a few stately sights along the way!

Jessy is the lifestyle and charity blogger tweeting at @jessytroy

Living a Life with Arthritis

Arthritis doesn't just touch the elderly. It reaches out and affects our youth as well. Rather than me telling you about juvenile arthritis, I want you to hear it directly from someone who lives it every day.

There is no one better to discuss the impact of juvenile arthritis than my friend Margo Deihl. She is an amazing high school senior. Although she has already had to live with the pain of arthritis for many years, she has not let it stop her from excelling in many ways.

I've asked Margo a few questions about her life with arthritis and her efforts to fight the disease. She was very open with her answers to make this a very interesting and informative interview.

Many people don't realize kids are affected by arthritis. How big is juvenile arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis is so much larger than the average person would think. Arthritis in general affects 50 million Americans, which is about 1 in 5 people. Out of this group, approximately 300,000 arthritis patients are children! I believe that a very important part of advocacy with the National Arthritis Foundation is showing the legislators that this is more than an “old-person disease,” but affects the future of America. I think this misconception accounts for the fact that it took fourteen doctors to diagnose me with an overlap of scleroderma and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Juvenile arthritis is definitely not the first thought that comes to mind when an eight year old girl’s hand is swollen and in pain!

I understand you have suffered from arthritis since a very young age. What was life like then and how were you able to cope?

I started showing symptoms of arthritis at age 8 and was diagnosed at age 9. Before being diagnosed with arthritis, I like to think of myself as a “champion” of the monkey bars in elementary school and I was even involved in gymnastics. I started playing the piano at age 3 and violin at age 5. What had been easy and fun tasks soon became very difficult, as I ran the mile for school one day and could not walk the next day.

I soon realized through involvement with the Arthritis Foundation that I needed to look beyond my disability and see my capabilities as a young girl as well as an aspiring musician. If I had given up the fight against my arthritis at a young age, I know I would not be where I am today! Through many prayers and the help of many medications, I have been able to cope very well with my arthritis!

How has your life with arthritis changed over the years since then?

I have been doing very well and am improving so much. I used to take 64 pills each week and now am taking less than 20 per week! I still go to hand therapy and have routine blood work done as well as routine doctor visits. I continue to play my instruments and am about to enter college!

I will be attending James Madison University (JMU) as a biology major and music minor. I have the goal to become a pediatric doctor and I know that I will be able to use my struggles with arthritis to relate to my young patients. I believe that arthritis will help me become a better professional in the field of medicine since I will so easily be able to relate to the children in my care.

Although I still have many rough days in between all of the good ones, I have come such a long way and I am so thankful that the Arthritis Foundation has been behind me and my family every step of the way!

You are a dedicated advocate and volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation. Why do you consider it important to support the Arthritis Foundation?

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading organization dedicated to the health and wellness of arthritis patients in the United States. The Arthritis Foundation gave my family information and direction after I was diagnosed and continually opens up opportunities to get involved in various fundraising activities.

It is so important to give back because of the hope that the Arthritis Foundation gave to my family when we were completely lost. I came to a turning point when I recognized that the big family known as the Arthritis Foundation needed help too, not just me and my family. I consider it a blessing and honor to be able to affiliate myself with such a caring organization that is truly there for every arthritis patient seeking direction and the comfort of knowing that you are not in this fight alone!

What are some of the ways you have been able to support the Arthritis Foundation and the cause to fight arthritis?

One can always find ways to get involved with the Arthritis Foundation. I have been an Arthritis Walk team captain for many years now and that fundraiser truly helps to get your community on-board with funding new arthritis research! I have been able to get my classmates at my school involved as well as neighbors, friends, church, and family. I have also visited Capitol Hill three times advocating for the cause, where I spoke directly to my Congressmen and their legislative staff. That way, my legislators can hear my personal story and put a new face to the disease and know that when they agree to support the arthritis legislation, they are helping my future! I was told by my Representative that I directly influenced his decision to cosponsor the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act. It is in moments like that that I realize that speaking out for the cause of arthritis is never in vain!

Is there something you would like to say to those who are thinking about supporting the Arthritis Foundation?

When I was first diagnosed with arthritis, my family did not know where to turn. It was the moment that my doctor showed us the Arthritis Foundation that my family was introduced to a much bigger family – The Arthritis Foundation. The Foundation immediately took us under their wing as we attended our first Juvenile Arthritis Conference the summer after my diagnosis. We have learned so much because of the Foundation and I have recognized a very important thing: I am not alone. The Foundation has offered me hope and has educated my family about the latest treatments and what we can do to make a difference for the lives of others suffering from the disease. I would say that it is such a worthy cause and is truly an investment in America’s today and America’s future.

Is there anything else you would like to say that I haven't asked you about?

Well, one mindset that I have kept throughout the process of dealing with my arthritis on a daily basis is that arthritis is a blessing. Many people suffering from the debilitating disease may question that and disagree. But over the years, I have seen so many opportunities open up for me to share my personal story with arthritis and be an inspiration to others. I know that arthritis is more than a blessing than a hindrance to my abilities because I have had so many opportunities to travel to Arthritis Foundation events that have given me the chance to share my personal story!

When you support the Arthritis Foundation, you are helping millions of people of all ages. Please go to http://www.charitywalksblog.com/arthritiswalk and join me in supporting the Arthritis Foundation in their fight against arthritis.

Thanks,
Roger Carr

My Interview With Dr.Mani

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Dr.Mani. If you don't know who Dr.Mani is, you need to get to know him and his charitable work. I will boil it down for you in a simple statement:

Dr.Mani is passionate about saving the lives of young children in India who suffer from congentital heart defects and whose families cannot afford the cost of heart surgery.

His purpose, passion, and persistence will motivate and inspire you. Go to http://www.nams4kids.com/blog/general/a-rare-interview-with-dr-mani and listen to the interview. You will be glad you did!

Thanks,
Roger Carr

Leave The World A Better Place

I recently attended my son's National Honor Society ceremony at the high school where he attends. The ritual is for several seniors to present speeches dealing with character, leadership, service, etc.

One speech, in particular, caught my attention. The presenter, student Beth Kerlin, delivered a simple, yet profound idea: leave the world a better place. I gained her permission to share it with you on this blog. I trust it inspires you to continue giving everyday of your life.

"When I was about 6 years old and in the 1st grade I lived right next door to the church where my father was a pastor. The only thing separating our yard from the church yard was a sidewalk. One Sunday after church I remember running down that sidewalk feeling like I was flying. This is my first memory of service. I don't remember who it was that I helped other than that it was an elderly woman from my church. I can't even remember what I did for her. All I remember is that I felt like a superhero. I know it sounds kinda cheesy but that was how I understood service as a child.

"Whenever I helped someone I would get this warm fuzzy feeling in my heart; like if I closed my eyes I would be soaring above the earth. I couldn't get enough of this high feeling, so I jumped at every opportunity to help someone. I would even wash the dishes after church luncheons for hours when I was barely tall enough to reach the faucets.

"Now 12 years later I am still washing dishes for the church, but I know longer do it because it makes me feel like a superhero. You see somewhere along the way I learned that serving someone isn't about the way it makes me feel but the way it makes them feel. It isn't about you feeling like you’re flying, but making others feel like they’re flying.

"Inductees over the next year you will be involved with things through NHS that will help you to understand more of what I am talking about. You will help out with the mitten tree around Christmas. I remember the day of the deliveries, walking into Mrs. Toy's room and almost crying at the beauty of a room filled with gifts. On that day you will get to play Santa Clause because you will be bring a little magic into the homes of complete strangers and makes some dreams come true.

"For some it may have been delivering a bike to the little boy who asked for one. Or maybe seeing the face of a mother light up when she knew for once her children would have more than enough. For me it was the moment I made my first delivery. I was carrying presents into the home of someone I had never met before and placing them under her tree.

"Her Christmas tree that looked exactly like the one I see on Christmas morning. A real live tree that you have to water every day. Covered with homemade and antique bulbs and more tinsel and icicles than you can imagine. The branches were literally sagging from all the weight. But to me this was beautiful. I remember looking at that woman as I left and hearing, "Merry Christmas!" and replying, "Merry Christmas to you too!"

"In that moment there was nothing different about us. We were two human beings just doing our best to leave the world a better place after we were gone. I believe that it was in that moment or maybe awhile later when I was remembering it that I learned what true service is. It's not about giving money, or possessions, or even time, though you can give all those things, but true service is about a relationship; about making someone else higher, even if it means making yourself lower. It was the look in that woman's eyes as they lit up with joy when she thought we were done bringing things in and she hears that there's more. It was the opportunity to make her life a little brighter, even if only for a moment. A true servant sees an opportunity like this and takes it. Yes there will be times when you are tired and would much rather be sleeping then making countless trips in and out of the cold to load cars with groceries and gifts, but in the end, when it is all over, you will be able to look back and see that you did something worthwhile; that you helped your fellow man.

"Service to your fellow man is one of the reasons why being in NHS is such a unique and high honor. There are plenty of other awards and scholarships you can get for getting good grades in school or having a high G.P.A. But NHS is more than that. It is an award that says you have strong character. That not only can you study hard and be successful in school but also that you spend time doing things for others. NHS is a group of servant leaders, so it is my honor to tell you that this evening represents that you are one of them. So congratulations and be proud of yourselves."

Scott Couchenour is a guest blogger for the Everyday Giving Blog.

www.servingstrong.com

www.servingstrong.typepad.com

47 Broken Hearts Repaired

Would You Like to Save a Child's Life?

47 children's hearts have already been repaired. Right now, you have the opportunity to improve your life and help save another child's life too!

Dr.Mani

Dr.Mani is not your average internet marketer. Yes, he is an expert on creating information products and marketing online. But what makes him unique is his passion to save children's lives in his home country of India.

Dr.Mani is a heart surgeon who uses his writing and marketing expertise to raise money to perform heart surgeries.  The heart surgeries are done for families who have a child with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and can't afford the expensive operation and care needed to save the child's life.

"47 Hearts" and How You Can Help

47 Hearts: How to Live Your Dream Life With Passion, Purpose & Persistence is Dr.Mani's latest book that launched today (Valentines Day). He has done a terrific job of capturing important principles that can turn your life into a more passionate, meaningful and fulfilling life. The book also represents the first 47 lives saved by Dr.Mani that was made possible through people like you.

How can you help Dr.Mani's efforts? I have donated to his efforts, purchased several books to read and give away, and am now sharing the opportunity with you. You can do one or all of these actions yourself. Get started at

http://www.47hearts.com

I had the privilege of reviewing a pre-release version of the book. It is an inspiring book that I recommend you get for yourself now. You will also want to buy more copies to share with family, friends and co-workers. You will feel great knowing you are helping save a child's life.

Go to http://www.47hearts.com now. You will be glad you did!

New Year's Resolutions for 2009

Image via Wikipedia

Convio recently asked me to discuss my top 2009 New Year's resolution on the Everyday Giving Blog. I will only do it if you promise to hold me to my commitment.

Focus in 2008

This past year was great. My major focus in 2008 was to participate in some new and unique volunteering and fundraising opportunities and share some of those experiences online. I hoped it would encourage others to support worthy charities.

If you follow this blog, you know that I've been a photographer at nonprofit events, passed out food to needy families, and even dressed up as a clown and visited with patients in a hospital. I had an exciting time doing these and many other volunteer activities throughout 2008.

I also did more to promote and raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation and other nonprofit organizations. I was surprised to receive the prestigious Arthritis Foundation Online Fundraising Innovation Award for these efforts.

Top 2009 New Year's Resolution

I will obviously continue my volunteer work this year. But I want to make even more of a difference. I am only one person and there are millions of volunteers who can do what I do.

I have had several friends and family members search for me on the Internet and their response is always the same: "You are everywhere!" There is power in online social networks and nonprofits need a stampede of online volunteers supporting their cause. Think about it. What better way to deal with the poor economy than by having a team of volunteers effectively promoting your mission, seeking new volunteers and raising funds for your organization through their online networks.

During 2009, my New Year's resolution is to teach and coach more nonprofit organizations and volunteers how to take advantage of the online technical tools that are available for promoting their mission and raising needed funds.

It is already starting. Saturday I will be part of a team that will be training Arthritis Walk volunteers from across the state of Virginia. One of the things I will be sharing is some creative ways that they and their team members can use the Web to meet and exceed their goals.

I'm looking forward to what 2009 will bring.

Resolutions of Other Nonprofit Bloggers

Would you like to know what resolutions other nonprofit bloggers have declared for 2009? Check out what these bloggers are committed to doing this year:

• Judi Sohn at A View from Judi Sohn
• Michael Cervino at Beaconfire Wire
• Beth Kanter at Beth’s Blog
• Jordan Viator at Connection Café
• Jeff Brooks at Donor Power Blog
• David Neff at FI Space
• Matt Wilson at Mobile Commons
• Holly Ross at NTEN Blog
• Peter Deitz at Social Actions Blog
• Robert L. Weiner at Tech Soup and Robert L. Weiner Blog
• Wendy Covey at TREW Marketing Spotlight

What Are Your 2009 Resolutions?

Not many of us keep our New Year's resolutions for very long. That is a shame. Especially when carrying through on the resolutions can make a tremendous difference in the world.

Convio has established an online poll and community discussion area on the topic of technology resolutions that can help your nonprofit make 2009 the best year yet. Go to http://www.convio.com/resolve2009 and get started. Participating can help you carry through on your resolutions rather than letting them waste away.

What Is Your World-Changing Story?

Everyone has a story that can help change the world.

This morning I had the privilege of sharing part of my story to a distinguished group of people. It was at an Arthritis Foundation fundraising event called Commitment to a Cure Breakfast. I thought you might like to read my speech and learn a little about why Everyday Giving and my volunteer work is so important to me.

You may believe that 46 million people in the United States are affected by arthritis. You are wrong. There are many, many more.

My name is Roger Carr and I do not have arthritis, but I am affected by it. My wife Kim does suffer from arthritis.

We have a fifteen year old son, Trevor. We have relatives and friends, as I hope you do. Kim owned and managed a business that employed workers. All of them have been affected by Kim’s arthritis as well.

Several years ago, we were a normal two income family living in Fredericksburg, Virginia. We were involved in our local church and scouts. We regularly enjoyed meeting and doing activities as a family and with friends. Kim was successfully building a thriving business. It started out as an online store that quickly expanded into a traditional store in Fredericksburg. Workers had to be brought in to keep up with the growing orders. Her store and products were featured in the national media, including the Wall Street Journal and Good Morning America.

But as Kim’s business grew, her health declined. She had pain throughout her body that only got worse over time. She struggled daily with fatigue. Finally, depression set in. Kim was diagnosed with several conditions including osteoarthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia. The depression was also confirmed as “severe clinical depression” and we discovered it is common among those dealing with chronic illness.

Soon Kim was:

• Replacing hours at her store with hours at doctor visits
• Replacing packing slips, invoices and receipts with medical bills and insurance paperwork, and
• Replacing hours with friends and family with needed hours in bed

Eventually, Kim was forced to give up the store and send her workers home. Many of our friends disappeared when we were not able to participate in activities with them. Even our family activities don’t happen as frequently as they used to and are usually reserved to things we can do at home. Our lives have changed, and so have the lives of our friends, family and store workers.

Although we would not wish arthritis on anyone, we realize it has also changed us for the better.

We have developed new and stronger friendships with extremely generous people, several who are in the room this morning. Participating in an Arthritis Foundation event and visiting the Arthritis Foundation offices is like spending time with family. You will not find a place with harder working and caring people.

Kim and I have a better understanding of what people go through when they are affected by arthritis and we have developed a passion to help them. We are finding ways to help those who are hurting physically, emotionally and financially. Supporting the Arthritis Foundation with our time and money is at the top of our list.

There was a time when I felt helpless to do anything but watch Kim suffer. I no longer feel that way. Over the past four years as a volunteer, I have been excited about the work of the Arthritis Foundation, I have been amazed at the incredible changes taking place in the lives of many with arthritis. I am going to continue to support the Arthritis Foundation until that change takes place in everyone who suffers from it.

There are 46 million people who have been diagnosed with arthritis. There are many, many more who are affected by it every day.

Perhaps you are one of the many people affected, or will be some day. I hope you will join me in my support.

If you would like to help me in the fight against arthritis, I would love for you to consider making a donation at my Arthritis Walk webpage at http://www.everydaygiving.com/arthritiswalk. If you would like to learn more about my story and the genesis of Everyday Giving, go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/PASTICCIOTalkRadioShow/2008/11/20/Altered-Reality and listen as Becky Cortino interviews me.

Contagious Smiles

Celebration after successfully performing a "nose transplant" on FRMC employee

I recently went into the hospital. But it wasn't to get tested or treated. It was to help provide some humor to the patients and staff at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, North Carolina.

A volunteer team called Charlie's Chaplains visits their local hospital twice a month. I was excited to be a part of their clown ministry for a day.

Before I went, several friends and readers of my blog said that many children and some adults are scared of clowns. Although they said they were supportive, it was clear they were also skeptical. Fortunately, I was able to see and experience it first hand and I had a BLAST (and so did the kids and adults)!

Coco Loco and Ditzy give a new perspective on what volunteers look like

The visit was very organized. The clowns, magician, and puppeteer/juggler were split into teams and assigned areas of the hospital. Each team had a cart full of props to use for the visits. They met with the staff on duty and visited the patient rooms they were allowed to enter.

It was a few hours of jokes, riddles, and performances. Almost all of the patients allowed us to visit with them.

What was exciting was to see the smiles appear on everyone's face when they saw us. The smiles were contagious. After telling a joke or funny story, some patients had to tell us one before we could leave. Now that is audience participation!

Coco Loco, Scrubs (me), and Kookoo

Children visiting a parent or grandparent in the hospital would stick their head out the door and watch us as we made our way down each hallway. Charlie's Chaplains are trained in how to design a "kid-friendly" face and how to approach children for the first time. I saw nothing but smiles and excitement from the kids during the visit.

The staff were not left out. A couple of very good practical jokes were played on them as well.

At the conclusion of the hospital rounds, the Charlie's Chaplains volunteers spent a few minutes celebrating in the cafeteria.

My thanks goes out to Chaplain Ford, Becky Cortino and the rest of the FRMC Charlie's Chaplains team for providing me such a wonderful experience and for making me feel welcome from the start. You truly are making a difference in people's lives.

Related posts:
Running With the Clowns
You Don't Have to Join a Circus to be a Clown

You Don't Have to Join a Circus to be a Clown

Did you ever think about being a clown?  I didn't, until I discovered a hospital clown ministry made up of volunteers.

Several weeks ago my clown journey began as I was doing some research on laughter and humor therapy. I met Becky Cortino through a free online class she was teaching on the topic called Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy! I learned that Becky was also the coordinator for a nonprofit volunteer group of clowns and creative arts performers called Charlie's Chaplains.

I was intrigued by the concept of volunteers helping hospital patients and staff by applying the concept of humor therapy. So intrigued, that I traveled to Hickory, North Carolina to participate in their annual clown "skool."

At the Frye Regional Medical Center Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '08, they taught the basics of:

• Creating a clown face
• Developing a clown costume
• Face painting
• Laugh yoga
• Puppeteering
• Juggling

They also discussed many critical items that apply specifically to performing in a hospital:

• How to determine the patient rooms you can enter
• How to approach patients
• how to maintain cleanliness within and between patient rooms
• How to approach children to avoid them getting scared
• How to handle certain circumstances

Clown Skool was extremely fun and informative. I was even able to see Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino conduct a special performance for us.

I met many volunteers who are passionate about performing in the hospital setting. Some of them have multiple personalities. I mean that in a good way! They have multiple costumes and distinct personalities to go with each. They're generous with their time and talents, bringing smiles to the faces of the hospital staff and patients.

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains surprised me by making me an honorary member of their group. I am only the second honorary member since they started in 1991. What an honor and privilege!

If you have a desire to learn more about participating in a hospital clown and performing arts ministry, let Becky know (Twitter: @BeckyCortino). She has the expertise and materials available to get you started. You can help others when they need a smile the most.

Repairing Hearts through Twitter

You can learn about true passion by observing Dr. Mani. You can't get any more passionate about something than he does.

Dr.Mani Is a heart surgeon in India. But he's not your ordinary surgeon. Dr.Mani reserves his specials skills for families who can't afford to pay for the heart surgery required to save their child's life.

Dr.Mani can't do it alone. He needs your help and  mine. He has been very creative in using online methods to get others involved. His latest online event is no exception.

The Heart Kids Tweet-a-thon is scheduled for September 12th. Dr.Mani will be posting on Twitter all day and night for 24 Hours to raise awareness about Congenital Heart Defects and to raise the needed funds to perform surgeries. We have the privilege of being able to help Dr.Mani save a child's life.

Go to http://www.chdinfo.com/tweetathon.htm and learn how you can join me in supporting Dr.Mani and the families that desperately need our help. You will be glad you did.