It All Boils Down To This
Certified Volunteer Administrator, Editor, Consultant and Trainer
Hello, my name is Michele Baker. I’m an editor, consultant and trainer in Jackson, and I’ve held the international Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) credential for 15 years. During my time as a CVA, I have worked at the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service (now called Volunteer Mississippi) and with many smaller nonprofits like Mississippi Early Childhood Association (MECA); Mississippi Boychoir; and Crossroads Film Society, which produces the annual Crossroads Film Festival. I’ve also had the privilege of sitting on several local nonprofit boards – and a national board – to help them with their fundraising and volunteer goals.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned much about nonprofits and volunteers, and it all boils down to this: always start with the mission. That is the guiding star for any nonprofit, and must be the first focus when assembling a board, recruiting volunteers, asking for money, writing grants, or reaching out to the wider community. Why did the founders get together and create this entity? What cause does the organization believe in? Keep the mission clearly at the front of every decision, large and small, and honesty and integrity will follow.
Join us for one (or both) of these volunteer-based events Michele will be facilitating during National Volunteer Week:
  |
Related Articles
Forging a New Path Toward Stronger Nonprofits and Foundations—and a Stronger Mississippi
To the organizations, leaders, and communities we have had the honor of serving for the past seven years: I want to talk to you honestly about where the Alliance is and where we are going. Seven years ago, this organization launched with a bold idea: that nonprofits and philanthropic organizations in Mississippi would be stronger, […]
Woodward Hines Education Foundation Supports First-Gen College Success in Mississippi with $1.5 Million Grant to FirstGen Forward
The Woodward Hines Education Foundation is focused on college completion in Mississippi, and its funds will allow FirstGen Forward to expand its impact in the state.
State’s Nonprofit Sector: An Economic Engine
This commentary piece from the Alliance Executive Director originally appeared in the December issue of the Mississippi Business Journal.
The recent challenges facing nonprofits have dominated public discourse, overshadowing a fundamental truth: Mississippi’s nonprofit sector remains one of our state’s most vital economic drivers and community lifelines. As executive director of the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, I see firsthand the transformative work of thousands of organizations operating with integrity, transparency, and remarkable efficiency across our state.