Volunteer News & Events

2012 Volunteer Survey Results

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to the 2012 Volunteer Survey. There were 116 respondents to the survey who gave plenty of great feedback that will be used to make the volunteer experience at 501 Commons even more rewarding. We found that service corps members are interested in receiving more feedback from client organizations. In response, 501 Commons continues to encourage client organizations to evaluate their consultants and to inform 501 Commons of the success of projects.

The responses you provided help 501 Commons create the best volunteer experience possible. Service corps members continue to believe they are making a positive change on their community and have had a positive experience with 501 Commons. See the full results here.

As We Grow, Your Opportunities to Serve Grow!

Now that we offer the tech services of NPower Northwest we are beginning to contemplate how we can leverage the tech skills of volunteers to help nonprofits make better use of technology. We are launching a planning project in Spring 2013 that will determine ways we will engage volunteers in technology projects. In the meantime, we are sticking a toe in the water by recruiting service corps members and new volunteers with tech skills to participate in the Tech Corps Deep Dive Cohort program. This program - much like our Springboard, Catalyst, and VIP 360 programs starts with and assessment and then the development of a plan. After the plans are done, we will place volunteers with organizations to help them implement them.

If you are interested in helping with the 501 Commons Tech Volunteer Strategy and Plan or with the Deep Dive Cohort, contact Liz Waesche at liz@501commons.org

Service Corps Award Winners

Congratulations to the six service corps members who were honored at our annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on October 27, 2011. And thank you to everyone who attended. Read more about the awards and winners below, and check out the program and annual report.

Bruce Laing, John Pehrson Award

This award recognizes a member who has contributed significant time over multiple projects and has shown a willingness to go "above and beyond" in meeting the needs of our clients.

Bruce has chaired the Port's Neighbors Advisory Committee for the past five years. Appointed by the Port Commission, Bruce helps the Port stay in touch with the community about potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

Shirley Bishop, John Pehrson Award

Shirley has worked on numerous service corps projects over the years, including four in 2011 alone. She worked with Central Area Senior Center, Highland Park Improvement Club, Volunteer Centers of Washington, and Wellspring Family Services.

Bruce Lamb, Merlin Award

The Merlin Award recognizes effective consulting and an excellent product used by a new or emerging organization.

Bruce provided great leadership for four months as Interim Executive Director to the newly formed International Leadership Academy of Ethiopia.

Steven Franz and Kristina Bass, Legacy Award

This award recognizes an exemplary project report that serves as a model for other 501 Commons projects.

Steven and Kristina were consultants for the Springboard program, which serves arts and cultural organizations. They worked with Ballet Bellevue to develop a comprehensive succession and financial plan.

Dennis Ahrens, Coaching Award

This award is given to a coach who has been available for multiple projects and has demonstrated best practices in leadership coaching.

Dennis has provided outstanding leadership coaching for several 501 Commons clients. This year, he worked with an arts education leader through a contract with the Kennedy Center. He also served Hopelink through a project that provided coaching to 11 Hopelink managers.

2011 Volunteer Survey Report

Thanks for your responses!

Thanks so much to everyone who took time to participate in the 2011 annual service corps member survey. We had 107 respondents and lots of great commentary! We found that our service corps members want more feedback and more follow up from client organizations, to better understand the larger impact of their work. And In response to a desire for more involvement with 501 Commons, we are also developing new volunteer opportunities.

Your responses help 501 Commons create a richer, more rewarding experience for our volunteers and clients. Overall the survey results show that volunteers believe they are having a positive impact. As one service corps member commented: “There is no doubt in my mind that corps members' services make a difference in the world by helping mission-driven organizations to adapt and thrive”. See the results for yourself.