Launching an Ambassador Board Presented by Jessica Elkan
What is an Ambassador Board? An Ambassador Board can serve many purposes for varying organizations. For this presentation, I m defining an Ambassador Board as: a group of young professionals coming together to support the mission of a non profit organization
What is the purpose of an Ambassador Board? A leadership opportunity for the next generation of community leaders Young professionals raising awareness for your mission Increasing support from a younger demographic of donors Making connections for your agency within specific fields and audiences A leadership pipeline for your Board of Directors
What are Ambassador Board Members looking for? An opportunity to connect to peers and network Civic engagement Professional and personal development A way to build relationships and valuable connections A desire to support the Portland community To be a part of a highly successful group To give back to the community To connect with like-minded people To grow a network Being part of a fun organization Allowing one to take a hobby or passion and use it to make a difference To develop philanthropic skills Volunteerism **Taken directly from the annual New Avenues AB retreat survey**
How do you determine if your organization would benefit from an Ambassador Board? Could your agency benefit from new, energized leadership? Do you want to engage a younger demographic of supporters? Do you have unmet needs for the organization that could be met with a group of willing and dedicated volunteers? Are there projects or events that you already have initiated that need enhancement?
Getting Started 1. Define the purpose What will the Ambassador Board do? 2. What kind of people and skills do you want on the Ambassador Board? 3. How large should your Ambassador Board be? 4. What staff member will be responsible for Ambassador Board oversight? 5. How will you handle recruitment of your first members? 6. What will the Ambassador Board leadership and committee structure look like? 7. How will you engage and empower your Ambassador Board?
NEW AVENUES FOR YOUTH: A CASE STUDY
History of the New Avenues for Youth Ambassador Board The goal was to cultivate a new demographic of donors and bring innovative ideas and energy into the organization The agency founders that are still active on the Board of Directors wanted to create a pipeline of new leadership for the organization
Mission and Focus The mission of the New Avenues for Youth Ambassador Board is to raise awareness about New Avenues in the community, to assist in fundraising for the organization, and to foster development of future community leaders. Three focus areas: 1. raising awareness 2. raising funds 3. direct service
What skills does the New Avenues for Youth Ambassador Board bring? reliable design jds creative compassionate northwestern financial advisors software vice presidents directors berkeley parents advocates beer experts energy entrepreneurs energy experts committed public policy marketing animal lovers lawyers hospitality volunteers wharton selfless masters degrees mbas banking analysts real estate
General Information Membership fluctuates between 20-25 members Bi-monthly meetings rotate between Ambassador Board member workplaces An annual retreat No term limits or requirements No minimum giving requirement
Leadership Structure Chair position holds a two year term Committee Chairs for the following: Membership Service Special Events Education and Advocacy
Membership Application and Interview Process Marketing (materials, website, Facebook, events) Written Application (handout) Service activity with current AB member Interview Accountability, Policy and Consents Job Description (handout) Ambassador Board Agreement (handout)
Service Serving meals in the drop-in day services center Participating in mock interviews with youth Ambassador Board career day College mentors in education Facilitating annual Civil War Charity Challenge clothing drive Providing holiday meals for youth in housing Quarterly and annual group service activity
Signature events: -Raised $24K in it s second year, 500 attendees -First Rare Beer Auction in the United States, $10 general admission
Signature events: -Raised $10K, 200 attendees -Collaborative artworks by local professional artists and youth that were auctioned off at an event
Education and Advocacy Committee Educational component to every board meeting Develop aspects of the annual retreat Send Ambassador Board members policy and relevant news related to youth homelessness Organize community-wide education programs for November National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
Leadership Development Board and Ambassador Board mentor match Annual Board and Ambassador Board social Annual luncheon with the Board Chair to discuss agency and leadership development Board Service 101 class offered to all Ambassador Board members Ability to attend agency board meetings Opportunity to sit on agency committees Agency goal of transitioning four Ambassador Board members onto the Board of Directors over the next three years
Evaluating Impact Annual day long retreat (year end review, goal setting) Report card with outcomes: - volunteer hours - meals served - funds raised
10 examples of how the New Avenues Ambassador Board has leveraged our mission: 1. Raised sponsorships and acted as table hosts for signature agency fundraiser 2. Made strategic connections with other non profits that have resulted in new partnerships 3. Assisted with numerous pro bono legal supports including child custody cases, license agreements and other direct client support 4. Provided professional graphic design work for the agency 5. Conducted a facilities maintenance cost projection 6. Used connections with employers for in-kind donations of new clothing 7. Connected New Avenues for marketing opportunities 8. Supported our Social Purpose Enterprises 9. Represented New Avenues at meetings to meet requirements for fundraising activities 10. Worked with employer to develop job training pipeline for youth
Questions?