Melissa Lewis’ Post

Anti-trafficking nonprofits MUST understand the importance of survivor leaders. By incorporating survivor leaders into board and program director roles, nonprofits not only follow best practices but also ensure their work is truly impactful, ethical, and survivor-centered. Survivor leadership transforms organizations, making them more compassionate, effective, and capable of addressing the complexities of trafficking. Here is what a survivor had to say about the importance of having a board member or program director in the organization..... “Survivors on boards ensure that organizations stay grounded in reality. We are the ones who know the survivor journey inside and out, and our insight can keep programs effective, trauma-informed, and responsive to real needs.” ~ Tina Frundt, trafficking survivor and founder of Courtney’s House (Source: Public statements and advocacy work) #togetherfreedom #EndHumanTrafficking #survivorvoices #survivorleadership #Survivors #bestpractices #ethical

Over the coming weeks and months, we will be sharing what we’ve found as a result of this initiative to build awareness through advocacy and education. Our goal? To bring people together through leadership, and to create meaningful change now in our joint efforts towards reducing embodied carbon in buildings. This is the beginning of the Carbon Coalition... #beaninitiatorofchange #smallstepsbigchanges #carboncoalition #earthday

📣 Grassroots Leaders 📣 There are three emails you must send to your volunteers or members before closing out your work for the year. You can’t go dark just because Congress is going home (and your fundraising team wishes you would). 📧 WRAP UP YOUR FEDERAL CAMPAIGNS It’s important to let your volunteers know the outcomes of the many actions you’ve been asking them to take. Even if your bill didn’t become law, milestones like a public hearing, a record number of cosponsors or a committee mark-up demonstrate real progress. And don’t be afraid of reporting a loss. When leveraged properly, losses can motivate volunteers more effectively than victories. 📧 CELEBRATE THE VICTORIES YOU HAD THIS YEAR Focus on successes that directly impacted your constituency and advanced your mission, not internal achievements. Share a volunteer story that illustrates the "street-level impact" of that new law or regulatory change - it makes wins tangible and personal. 📧 THANK THEM! It can be done with a short note, a team picture with a big thank you sign or a brief video from a member of your senior leadership. However you do it, be sincere and effusive with gratitude. #grassroots #advocacy #digitalstrategy #volunteers Rubenstein Impact Group, LLC

Such an inspiration, Jim Rudicil! Check out this video of Jim sharing more on his impact on Muskegon and the Lakeshore through United Way of the Lakeshore!

As professionals in education and advocacy, stepping into the sunlight can be a metaphor for enlightenment and growth. Whether cultivating our skills or absorbing new knowledge, let's allow the warmth of our collective progress to inspire and rejuvenate us this week. #ProfessionalGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #EducationalAdvocacy #ContinuousLearning #Leadership #MindfulLiving #Inspiration #NatureAsTeacher #Wellbeing #ReflectivePractice

In many congregations, there is an implicit understanding that clergy are called to serve their faith community with dedication, passion, and tireless energy. However, this noble calling often comes with a set of unrealistic expectations that make it difficult for clergy to thrive, both personally and professionally. From inadequate compensation to overwhelming demands on their time, clergy are frequently placed in positions where they are expected to give far more than is reasonable, often at the expense of their own well-being. Let’s take a closer look at some of these expectations and how they impact clergy and the congregations they serve. https://lnkd.in/gEFcu8-D

Uncomfortable truth: Being an advocate is not enough. Advocacy requires action. You can't just stand on the sidelines. You have to pick up the phone, listen to survivors, and be willing to talk about it. Do you know what to say when someone needs help? What if they say those 5 words that you can't even stutter? Each month, I sponsor a veteran, first responder, or someone impacted by their service. I push for real leadership because I've experienced the impact of true leaders during difficult times. Starting a sponsor group for first responders and the military is tough, but it's a mission worth pursuing. 1 call, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 vest – making a difference one step at a time. We will start with 50 sponsor cards. Each sponsor will hold the card until they find a peer to sponsor then sign it as a pledge and give to the peer. They will promise 1 call, 1 hour, and 1 day to each peer. #Advocacy #Leadership #SupportVeterans #SupportFirstResponders #Askabouttheshirt

Strategic partnerships are vital for development organizations as they amplify impact, resources, and expertise. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, governments, and private sector entities, development organizations can address complex global challenges more effectively. These partnerships foster innovation, enhance resource mobilization, and promote sustainable solutions. By working together, development organizations can leverage each other's strengths, scale successful initiatives, and drive meaningful, lasting change in communities worldwide. #partnerships #Networks

During their induction period new People First advocates are asked to reflect on their learning. They are asked why advocacy is crucial and what advocacy means to them. Eloise wrote these heartfelt words and presented them to her peers. We thought they would be a wonderful way to start Advocacy Awareness Week and the conversation around the impact of advocacy. 🥰 Click the link to read: https://bit.ly/3BJoNUG #AdvocayAwarenessWeek #AdvocacyWorks #AAW24

Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between appreciation and recognition, and appreciation is the more valuable of the two in showing people how much you value them. This TED talk explains. https://lnkd.in/geZ69NHp #lovols #appreciation #volunteer