By Amy Klein, Executive Director of VolunteerConnect.
I like to joke that my pro bono “aha” moment was when Taproot founder, Aaron Hurst, retweeted one of my tweets. But it truly was when a corporate pro bono volunteer told me what a personal impact her project had and how grateful she was for the experience. She had become “happier at work,” remembered her love for volunteering, and recognized the community impact of sharing her professional skills. Her comment, and many more following, reinforced to me that the pro bono movement was no longer just for lawyers and that our organization, VolunteerConnect, was clearly heading in the right direction.
As the executive director of VolunteerConnect for the past three years, I’ve enjoyed being a part of our “renaissance,” helping a small, traditional volunteer center transition into the premier New Jersey resource for strategic nonprofit pro bono support, board training, and professional development. I have a greater appreciation for the struggles nonprofits face daily, the desire of professionals to share their skills while balancing work and family obligations, and the goals of corporations trying to weave social responsibility into their daily culture. It’s hard work for everyone! Yet when I describe our model and the pro bono movement, people always respond with enthusiasm, interest, and a “how can I help” attitude.
Joining the pro bono movement
New Jersey has over 43,000 registered nonprofit organizations rising to the challenge to create social change and improve their communities. As one in the ranks of the thousands, and the new kid on the block of the pro bono movement, helping them all build their capacity and support their boards can sometimes feel overwhelming… until recently. I was honored and humbled to be invited to Taproot Foundation’s 2015 U.S. Pro Bono Summit. This two-day summit reinforced that I am part of a global movement, educated me on the continuing impact of pro bono, reinforced that my successes and challenges are on par with other intermediaries, and most importantly allowed me to connect and meet other professionals that were more than willing to share their experiences.
Being new to the pro bono movement has been exhilarating, fun, endlessly rewarding, and yes, sometimes exhausting. Thanks to the Taproot Foundation, and the many intermediary organizations across the globe, I know that I’m not alone. I’m ready to go back to New Jersey, raise the pro bono flag, and shout, “Let’s Make it Happen!”
