“Who do you work with?”
This is a question I often get asked…and in some ways, it’s a hard one to answer!
Because I work with all sorts of organisations.
While they are generally not-for-profits, I have also worked with small businesses over the years, but these days it is mainly not-for-profits, as I see this is where I can have the biggest impact on the things that improve people’s lives, that help the environment, and that make a difference to other important causes out there.
Obviously within the not-for-profit space there are so many different types of organisations, and I think I have probably worked with most of them – from small grass roots groups that run on the smell of an oily rag, to more substantial organisations with budgets in the millions.
From environmental groups, to disability support providers, to educational organisations, to Men’s Sheds…and many others in between – I have worked with them.
Basically, if your organisation is trying to make a positive difference in the world, I’d love to make a positive difference to your organisation. And that goes for the growing number of businesses (like mine) that work ‘for purpose’ too.
All organisations can benefit from upskilling their leaders, from levelling up their planning, from some external support to achieve their goals and meet their obligations – and that’s just the start of how I help not-for-profits (or small businesses).
Here’s one example of an organisation I have helped in recent years…
RIAC – the Rights Information and Advocacy Centre – is a not-for-profit organisation that helps people (and their families and carers) to build their capacity and wellbeing, through advocacy and support services.
RIAC is funded by the state and federal government to support people across 22 local government areas throughout regional Victoria and into southern New South Wales.
With my background of decades supporting people with disability, I had seen the good work of RIAC from afar for over 20 years, so of course I was delighted when their CEO Karryn Goode approached me in 2019 to talk about how I might be able to help the organisation.
And between my role as a Volunteer Citizen Advocate, my background in the disability support sector, and my current work supporting not-for-profits with their good governance, we had a lot to talk about!
We looked at training for staff in undertaking the role of an advocate, we discussed governance training for the Board, and we talked about a planning session for the Board and the Executive team to get together and map out the future direction of the organisation (that’s us all working on that in the picture above).
Since then RIAC was fortunate to secure additional funding for us to be able to deliver a capacity building day, and provide follow up plans, to enable the organisation to become more user-led.
And (despite covid) the staff team, who are spread across much of Victoria, managed to come together online and develop a raft of ideas, suggestions, and recommendations for the Board to consider for RIAC’s important Financial Sustainability Strategy.
This is why I love the work I do. Having the opportunity to work with wonderful people, who are passionate about the people they serve and the value they add to the community. What’s not to love!
So if you are busy trying to change the world, but also recognise that to do the best job for those you serve, you also need to work on the inside of your organisation as well, reach out to me like Karryn did and let’s see how I can help your organisation do some great work too!
Drop me a line at megan@mjbconsulting.net.au and we can start a conversation – I look forward to hearing from you soon!
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