Читать книгу The Consulting Bible - Alan Weiss - Страница 22

We're going to see major increases in volunteering because of retired people with time on their hands, the American ethic about helping others (much stronger here than in Europe, where government is expected to provide such help), and companies lending executives to nonprofits, community organizers, and other social movements. However, as I've said on every board on which I've ever served in the arts and charity, “Nonprofit doesn't mean nonprofessional.” The excuse “I'm just a volunteer” doesn't compensate for sloppy management, wasted money, and a disappointed constituency.

What it means for consultants: The nonprofit world, bereft of government funds and corporate donations for years compared to historical giving, and hurt badly during the COVID crisis, has managed to survive to the extent it has through volunteers and intelligent management of resources. But tens of thousands of these organizations have disappeared. There will be a growing need to educate board members, staff, and management on how to acquire, train, evaluate, and retain volunteers. A poor volunteer is worse than no volunteer. And the money will be there, through donors, sponsors, patrons, and fund‐raisers.