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| Path: Main Street : Resources & Library : Research Articles : Feature Article |
The Next Leaders Network: A career path for young professionals
By Karl Noseworthy
November 19, 2009
In today's nonprofit sector, it is becoming ever apparent that past ideas and managing methods must become part of history, allowing for new and innovative ways of thinking. Such is the way for a relatively new association created by Vantage Point that connects young leaders and young professionals in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. This program, called the Next Leaders Network (NLN), is led by Lynda Gerty, the marketing and communication manager for Vantage Point. I spoke with Gerty to get some information on the network, as well as with Trina Isakson, who works with Volunteer Services for Simon Fraser University, is a member of the NLN, and is also on the network's steering committee.
The purpose
The NLN is a relatively new program that was officially launched last May. Target members include young leaders or young professionals within the community. The network also includes current leaders within the community, such as executive directors. As Gerty describes it, "The goal is to connect young leaders or young professionals that are working in the nonprofit sector in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. This will provide networking, career exploration and development opportunities." The idea is that the network can both effectively enhance the member's current position and, simultaneously, direct his or her career toward the future. The members of NLN also have the ability to network with each other. However, the program is attempting to create a more engaging and vibrant peer network because that is what its members demand. What makes this network stand out is that it focuses primarily on leaders in the nonprofit sector. However, it is open to anyone who believes that it is of value to them. As Gerty states, "This is where we feel we can offer something valuable. We want to offer some innovative and unique professional development and learning opportunities."Learning opportunities
A network for young leaders is a great concept, but the other unique offerings separate this program from your typical association. One example is the workshops that the NLN provides for its members. "People today have a lot of information right at their fingertips," explains Gerty. "As a result, we really want to offer learning opportunities that provide something they cannot get on the Internet or through usual channels." The important aspects of the workshop are not taught as a formal lecture, but are interactive and incorporate some sort of experiential learning. This includes non-traditional structures so members can consider new ideas. Some will focus on an assortment of hard skills such as marketing and social media, while others will centre on soft skills like personal development and leadership. The workshops also offer an opportunity for members to connect. It is a place to discuss issues that are at the forefront of the nonprofit community. This in-person nature of the network is one of its main values. The idea is to create a network where meeting face-to-face provides opportunities that do not exist when speaking virtually. "We are about doing the legwork, researching, organizing, and outreach...The network has to be about the experience and what can be offered beyond information to the members," says Gerty.
A member's perspective
Knowing what the network is and what it can provide is important, but it is also crucial to get a member's opinion. Isakson has always seen herself working in the nonprofit sector. She trusts that the NLN will assist with her development in becoming a nonprofit leader. Professionalization of the nonprofit sector through young leaders is also important to her. Isakson feels there is a lot of passion and skill in the nonprofit sector, but often people lack the know-how to run an organization. "If the next generation of people involved in the nonprofit sector not only have a passion for causes, but also possess important skills like marketing, organizational development, finance, etc...I think it will help further itself." From her perspective, the NLN can play a role in this professionalization by helping members understand their personal strengths and gain knowledge regarding mentoring or networking, chiefly through more skill-specific workshops.
The workshops are important, but for Isakson the main benefit of the network is the connections she is making through both membership and the steering committee. "Meeting other people who are in leadership roles, have passion about their career paths, but also have knowledge in this sector has been my favourite thing. This allows me to branch out and meet people that I may not have been able to. This builds connections that could benefit me in the future." She also feels that the network helps reenergize passion for a cause as a result of other members' enthusiasm.
Leadership defined
Before signing up, though, ask yourself what it means to be a Next Leader. Gerty says the network is open to anyone who believes that it may be of value or is appropriate to them. There is no set age range, though the content and the offerings are targeted at people in their early 20s to their early 40s who either work in the nonprofit sector or plan to. This could be students, volunteers, people currently working in the sector, or professionals who are interested in becoming involved with a nonprofit. Typically, these people would be tech savvy, value innovation, and are not necessarily going to do things as they have been done in the past. "It is less about a defined goal than it is about developing a member's own skills, abilities, networks and resources," she explains.
This is the understanding of what it means to be a Next Leader from the network's point of view, but how about from a member? Isakson is in her late 20s and has been working in the nonprofit or social benefit sector since university. "To me, a Next Leader means someone who is or will be in a role that might be impacting change; any societal change that is for the betterment of the global family." A person could be in the early stages of creating change but is seeking to have a broader reach or impact. This could be achieved through career advancement, starting a nonprofit group, or expanding the definitions of the nonprofit sector.
Working toward the future
As the Next Leaders continue to work toward future aspirations, the network will have to grow with its members. From a short-term perspective, the NLN works with their steering committee, a group of members and representatives of both big and small organizations, to help grow the network. "Our focus for 2010 is to grow our membership and stick to our vision of being able to successfully host ten to twelve very engaging and innovative workshops," says Gerty. She believes there is huge potential for the network to become the go-to resource for young nonprofit professionals in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. They are also open to the idea of connecting with parallel networks throughout Canada but, based on their research, the NLN currently appears to be the only network of its kind in Canada.When asked for final thoughts, Isakson recommended the network to others. She suggests the NLN to new graduates at Simon Fraser University who are interested in furthering themselves in the nonprofit sector. "Within my personal network, I promote the NLN using things like my Facebook profile. I have and will continue to recommend it." For Gerty's final thoughts, she discussed the success of the network. "To me, success is in knowing that we are able to generate a buzz in the city and get something really interesting happening. This can be done by convening interesting conversations and having an interactive experience that pulls on the knowledge, strength, energy, ideas, and passion of its members."
Karl Noseworthy is a freelance writer from Newfoundland who currently resides in Kitchener, Ontario. He can be reached at karlnoseworthy@hotmail.com.
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