VSN May/June09 Newsletter

  • Author: VSN

SOULUTIONS
June 2009
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in this issue
Be A Know-It-All For Good
You Make the Match
A History of Caring
Quick Wins: Three Questions To Ask When You Volunteer
 Dear Michelle,
What Would You Raise Your Hand For?
Our Vesper Advisors have raised their hands. They have told us they care about their communities, enough to do more than just talk. We think the best thing about being a Vesper Advisor is the opportunity to make a difference by doing what you already know how to do well. Our Advisors tell us they like knowing exactly what's expected of them before they agree to do a project.
This month we're highlighting some examples of what Vesper Advisors have gotten themselves into by raising their hands, and we'll show you an easy way for anyone to help the great organizations we work with.
 
                       
Vesper Home Page image 
Be A Know-It-All For Good 
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Would you like to share your knowledge for a good cause?

The organizations we work with often ask us to help them collect feedback on programs or services, or test a new idea, or find out what's happening in their communities. And sometimes they are looking for a specific types of people to talk to, like not-for-profit executives, or parents, or people who volunteer regularly.

We think our readers are thoughtful, caring people who know a lot about their communities and have smart opinions, and would be happy to occasionally share those opinions to help organizations that are making a difference. But you tell us. Would you be interested in helping not-for-profit organizations by occasionally answering some questions by phone, or joining an on-line focus group? Of course, we would always give you the choice to participate only if it fits your schedule, and like all Vesper Service Network projects, we would give you a small reward for your time.

Help us by letting us know if you are interested. Click here to learn more, and sign up to be notified if we have opportunities to be a know-it-all for a good cause.

You Make the Match
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Can you match the Vesper Advisor to their project?
1. Design a brochure                      a. Retired entrepreneur
2. Review a business plan               b. Retired business owner

3. Write a job description                c. CEO of a professional service firm

4. Conduct customer satisfaction      d. Catholic high school alum 
    interviews
5. Lead a strategic planning session e. Marketing manager

6. Participate in a focus group          f. Freelance designer

All of these are examples of projects Vesper Advisors have done for organizations in their communities. Can you guess which Advisor worked on which project? It's easier than you think because Advisors tell us what they're good at and what they're comfortable doing, so they're always a perfect fit for the job. And organizations looking for Advisors can review an Advisor's background and experience before they choose who they want to work with.
Did you make the right match? Check your answers here and learn more about what it means to raise your hand and be a Vesper Advisor. 

 
A History of Caring
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From a Signal Hill / Vesper Society Press Release: Long before any talk of the "emerging church," before the "purpose-driven life" entered church lingo, before "vocation" became a consideration for all believers, there was a movement that boldly claimed every Christian is a minister. The inspirational story behind this movement is the subject of a new book, Faith in the World: Mark Gibbs and Vesper Society, Being God's Lively People.
  
The first full-length book published by Vesper Society, this work blends biography and historical analysis to offer a compelling story that will engage clergy and laity alike. See the full press release here.
Quick Wins: Three Questions To Ask When You Volunteer
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How do you know your time will be well spent when you volunteer for an organization you care about? We know that sometimes good intentions can end in frustration, if either the volunteer or the organization aren't clear about what they expect from each other.
The next time you raise your hand to help, ask these three questions first.
1. What do you hope to accomplish by doing this project, and how will you know you've succeeded?
2. What do you expect me to accomplish and how will that help you be successful?
3. How much of my time do you expect the project to take?
Taking the time to understand the answers to these questions can improve your experience and help you create a greater positive impact for the organizations you work with.