1. 1 Engaging Pro Bono and Skilled Volunteers Jennifer Bennett, Manager of Volunteer Programs, VolunteerMatch Maura Koehler-Hanlon, Client Relations Manager, VolunteerMatch

2. 2 Introduction Defining Pro Bono Consulting & Skilled Volunteering Getting Started –Building Support –Developing Projects –Finding the Talent –Managing for Success Working with Corporations Q&A

3. 3 Who are Pro Bono Consultants? All volunteers have skills Pro bono consultants use professional skills Traditionally associated with attorneys –Now also being applied to other professions Marketing/PR Graphic/Web Design IT Accounting

4. 4 Getting Started: Building Support Identify Stakeholders –Board, Exec. Management, Program Managers, Paid Staff, Volunteer Staff Communicate to create buy-in –How could the impact of staff members, programs, the organization be expanded by engaging pro bono and skilled volunteers? Reach out to your champions

5. 5 Getting Started: Developing Projects What could your organization accomplish if not limited by available skills and time? Successful projects include: –Measurable deliverables or outcomes –Accountabilities –Timeline –Evaluation http://www.probonoactiontank.org/competencies-map-1.0/

6. 6 Getting Started: Finding the Talent Communication Plan –Internal and external Research Existing Volunteer Pool –Applications, Resumes Recruit from Outside –Corporations, Colleges, Professional Groups Screening the Candidates –Approach as if you would be paying for service Say “No” and Hear “No”

7. 7 Getting Started: Managing for Success Define the Project –Who, What, When, Where, How. –MOU, Letter of Agreement –Include key evaluation or check in points. Delegate –The outcome is more important than the process. –Let go without checking out Manage Expectations –Does everyone have the same definition of success?

8. 8 Working with Corporations Identify skills areas needed –May be primary or support functions Match corporate structure to organization –Grassroots nonprofits consider small businesses Work towards creating long-term relationship –Single day, ongoing, leadership roles

9. 9 Things to Think About Start Small Work with your Champions Tout Successes Don’t Force It Exit Plan –Don’t give up, return to the phase where the project went awry.

10. 10 Questions?

11. 11 Thanks for attending! californialibraries_support@volunteermatch.org VolunteerMatch Learning Center http://www.volunteermatch.org/nonprofits/learningcenter/ Help with Best Practices Jennifer Bennett 415-321-3639 jbennett@volunteermatch.org