16: Dear Founder, Volunteer
Dear NGO Founder,
How have you been since my last mail? If you left a comment or sent me a message, I'll get to it soon. Before we move into today's letter, there's a poll below that I would like you to engage with. Thank you as you look out for it.
The journey of how individuals become non-profit founders differ. Some founders never volunteered, but the idea to start an organisation was conceived out of passion or observation. On the other hand, there are founders who had volunteered for other nonprofits before they realised that they wanted to solve a different kind of problem. Which of these founders are you? Regardless, this letter is for you.
Imagine that Bill Gates asks you to come and volunteer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, would you take it? An average changemaker would take it. That is exposure to a whole new system and level of information. Now, I'm not saying you should write an email or message to Bill. You can watch Inside Bill's Brain though. I'm saying there's value in you, as a leader, going to serve under a more experienced leader.
Leaders of other organisations may not be able to show you how to replicate their systems or ideas on panels, podcasts, or interviews. You can only learn some things firsthand. Dear founder, volunteer. By volunteering in a good organisation (that aligns with your values or vision), you'll learn new ways of doing and leading. You will be expanding your network, and your organisation will be better for it. All you have to do is find a non-profit that would serve as a good training ground, or a national or international agency, and sign up to volunteer. After you sign up, serve genuinely and be open to learning. Yup, that's all the advice for today.
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See you soon!