{"id":3087,"date":"2020-06-18T16:50:44","date_gmt":"2020-06-18T16:50:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nnycf.org\/new\/?p=3087"},"modified":"2020-06-18T16:51:01","modified_gmt":"2020-06-18T16:51:01","slug":"leading-the-way-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nnycf.org\/new\/leading-the-way-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Local Young Professionals Launch Volunteer Network for Nonprofits"},"content":{"rendered":"

Community Foundation\u2019s LEAD Council Establishes LEADing the Way Initiative<\/i><\/h3>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>WATERTOWN \u2014 <\/b>The Northern New York Community Foundation\u2019s LEAD Council has organized the skills and talents of its young leaders in a volunteer network to assist nonprofit organizations across the region.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The LEADing the Way initiative will provide additional support to help lift the mission and work of nonprofits that serve Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The LEAD Council is an advisory committee of the Community Foundation empowered to identify and strategically address critical needs that impact nonprofits across the region. LEADing the Way was developed to support nonprofits facing key organizational and mission-centered challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>\u201cOur communities are fortunate to have devoted, civic-minded young professionals with a breadth of meaningful experience,\u201d said Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director. \u201cThere is an energy and willingness to help at a time when nonprofits need it most. LEADing the Way is an opportunity to tangibly connect the valuable skills of our young leaders with the region\u2019s nonprofits at a critical time. The Community Foundation is honored to work alongside the LEAD Council in this effort and is inspired by its vision and enthusiasm.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The LEAD Council is comprised of 26 young professionals who live in the tri-county area with an interest in strengthening the quality of life in the North Country. LEAD is an acronym that reflects four important guiding principles tied to the Community Foundation\u2019s mission and values: Leadership, Engagement, Access and Direction.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>\u201cI have never felt more fortunate to work with such an amazing group of professionals and an organization so committed to helping out our region. The \u2018LEADing the Way\u2019 initiative is one of the many efforts that makes the LEAD Council so special,\u201d Council member Erin Simser said. \u201cWith a group comprised of some of the most talented, kind-hearted, generous people, I am always inspired by what is accomplished and I am sure this initiative will be no different. We are excited to offer help to those in need and share our talents and strengths so our communities can continue to grow and thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Since its inception in 2014, the LEAD Council has developed several creative initiatives that augment the Community Foundation\u2019s work. Strategic efforts to date include enhancements toward child care and early childhood development programs, hyperlocal support for anti-poverty initiatives, and building philanthropic values in local schools through student-led projects. The Council also oversees the \u201cLEAD Impact Grant Program,\u201d which awards key grants to organizations focused on specific areas of need that nonprofits within our tri-county region address.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>\u201cThe LEAD Council fosters the spirit of giving in its members and inspires philanthropy throughout our community,\u201d Council member Jessica Piatt Walczyk said. \u201cThis new initiative, \u2018LEADing the Way,\u2019 introduces a creative way to cultivate vibrant ideas and welcome new allies to Northern New York\u2019s nonprofit sector.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>The LEAD Council is made possible thanks to generous support from the Hyde-Stone Charitable Foundation at the Northern New York Community Foundation, Carthage Savings and Loan Association, and donors to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Here are more details on how the LEADing the Way initiative will operate:<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>How can nonprofits connect with LEADing the Way?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Contact the Community Foundation with your inquiry or request and share if your need is for a specific individual, group, or general help to the organization. The Foundation will identify LEAD members who can help with the nonprofit\u2019s request. Once LEAD members have been identified to help, their volunteer assistance may be deployed to the nonprofit via phone, email, virtual meetings or conference calls, group meetings or classes, and\/or personal visits depending on COVID-19 restrictions.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>What are the focus areas of support?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Nonprofits may request LEAD support for individual, group, or organizational needs such as, but not limited to: Professional development, marketing and outreach, finance, education, health and wellness, self-sufficiency projects, recreation, and others. The Community Foundation and LEAD will collaborate with a requesting nonprofit to identify the most appropriate plan and method for volunteer support.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>How can nonprofits ask for help?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Organizations may contact Kraig Everard<\/b>, Community Foundation director of stewardship and programs, at 315-782-7110<\/b> or kraig@nnycf.org<\/b>. Please allow one to two days to pair up your nonprofit\u2019s request with appropriate LEAD members. If the request is urgent, please note so in your request for support.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>LEAD Council Members<\/b><\/p>\n