Since last I posted, the world has changed drastically following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent lockdown. After finishing my last semester virtually, I graduated from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy with my Master’s in 2020, and since then I’ve been involved in a few short projects to stay busy in quarantine. I wrote an article on the coronavirus response, and I have been adding to my skillset through some online courses - I’ve done courses on contact tracing, data visualization, and Python, and I picked up Tableau - a cool little data visualization tool that I hope to use in my career in the humanitarian field.

While I and many other people have gotten used to life in lockdown, I am definitely looking forward to a future where we can move around freely. This experience has been a test in resilience, but I know that we’ll make it through. AmeriCorps members are strong, resilient, and dedicated to this country and its people. I remain dedicated to serving others, and right now the greatest service we can give right now is to keep ourselves safe and healthy, and help our hospitals and medical staff combat the virus so the world can begin rebuilding.

Samantha Chen, OKCNP AmeriCorps - Program Assistant
Originally posted on June 30, 2018

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.” – John Wesley

I first heard this quote from the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits CEO, Marnie Taylor. This idea resonated with me, because my future aspirations are to protect human rights and solve crises all over the world. This quote is a perfect representation of the heart and soul behind nonprofit missions, and I intend on taking this mantra and applying it globally.

I worked as an AmeriCorps member for OKCNP for two years. As a program assistant, I was responsible for training implementation in the programs department. Through this experience, I received an in-depth look at nonprofits and how they work, as well as a broad look at the sector as a whole. I learned from every nonprofit that entered our workshops, and gained connections as well as lifelong friends. I was nominated for NextGen by a co-worker from OKCNP, and I feel that this position has prepared me for my future career. I am currently a graduate student at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. I am studying Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Studies, which will give me the tools I need to succeed in my future career. I intend to do international nonprofit work upon graduation, and I am grateful for the foundation I built at OKCNP. I learned much about the importance of nonprofit work, and I believe in the missions that lead them; this is one of many reasons why I am proud of what I have accomplished at OKCNP.

As a 2018 NextGen winner in the Nonprofit category, I am honored OKCNP recognized my work and pushed my nomination forward. I appreciate the opportunities this award has afforded me. I value the time I’ve spent at OKCNP, and I have applied many of the skills I learned in my studies. These last few months, I’ve helped with conferences led by our school, and I am on the planning committee for a conference this fall. I look forward to applying all that I’ve learned in my future career, working for the good of humanity.

To learn more about AmeriCorps Oklahoma visit https://www.okamericorps.com/
To nominate someone for a NextGen award visit https://nextgenunder30.com/nominations/

One million. That is how many jobs were lost nationally in the nonprofit sector in the past year, equating to eight percent of the entire nonprofit workforce. It came at a time when nonprofits were already at capacity to meet community demands. As we know, the pandemic has only increased demands on nonprofits. This issue will be a major concern going forward for organizations. 

The nonprofit workforce both in Oklahoma and nationally is highly educated and highly specialized. Not only do jobs require advanced degrees, but also advanced training and certifications to do the work necessary to meet community needs. On top of this, nonprofits tend to pay less than the corporate sector, even for administrative positions in finance, marketing and compliance. 

Our nonprofits cannot afford to lose its most precious asset – the employees. Losing a highly specialized educator or clinician could mean a loss of services for hundreds of clientele. Additionally, nonprofits would struggle to rehire once funds became available. This could lead to a challenging situation for our sector.  

The good news is that Oklahoma has fared much better than the rest of the country. According to a survey sent to nearly 200 organizations in Oklahoma, only eight percent reported layoffs or reductions in force. That, however, is coupled with the fact that nearly half surveyed believed they would not make revenue goals. Nonprofits are being forced to cut budgets in other ways to preserve staffing. 

Fortunately, nonprofits had access to PPP loans in two rounds. We estimate nonprofits received more than $150 million in PPP last year and expect similar results for this new round in 2021. 

My hope is that Oklahomans will continue to show their incredible generosity again this year. Prioritizing services is important, but we must remember that those services are provided by skilled professionals. If we are to be a top-ten state, we will need nonprofits to continue meeting the myriad of community needs in Oklahoma with excellent professionals delivering those services. 

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event, we are celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Southern Oklahoma Library System (SOLS) is a finalist in the Community category.

SOLS has been serving the community since 1960 by providing easy access to information, inspiring curiosity, empowering the mind and expanding opportunities to advance the quality of life. Based in Ardmore, their programs reach Carter, Atoka, Love, Johnston and Murry counties.

“I have used quite extensively the reference section, the Septuagint that is provided, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible for my studies,” said Howard McMurry of Ardmore. “I also used the generous number of resources on Greek culture and Roman life. I was able to incorporate that into my dissertation, which I was able to finish up this summer.”

The SOLS community is comprised of 98,000 individuals of varying age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and education. Not only do they offer their branch locations, they also offer the Big Red Bookmobile, bringing access to books to their clients.

SOLS programs are mindful of the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the residents in their communities. Their programs provide informational resources, inspiring conversations and connections that lead to lifelong enrichment.

“Kinley just got a library card about a month ago,” said Neshia Crane, branch manager. “She comes in every Saturday with her mother and brother to check out books. She’s a huge fan of Erin Hunter, and for being in elementary school, she already reads at a high school level. Friday was Kinley’s 11^th birthday. Her mother called me earlier in the day to see if I could stay a little late. All Kinley wanted to do was visit the library on her birthday. I made her a little gift bag with candy and pencils. She picked a book from the book sale room as her birthday present. On her way out, she told her mom I was her favorite librarian. This may be my day as the Love County Librarian.”

SOLS services include 24/7 access to digital resources. They also offer internet/computer use, e-books, DVDs, health literacy, tutoring (including English as a second language), passport assistance, faxing, notary services, financial education, income tax help and printing services, among many others.

Their programs not only serve private individuals, but also businesses.

“The manager of the local Dairy Queen, Whitney Hurley, stopped by on December 16 to use the Microsoft Excel program we provide to the public,” said Michael Henthorn, branch manager, Johnston County. “She was very appreciative and happy to have been able to find a computer with Excel that she could use to get caught up on some bookkeeping.”

To learn more about Southern Oklahoma Library System, visit their website: https://www.southernoklibrarysystem.org/.

The ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://www.okcnp.org/page/one-awards.

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event, we are celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Oklahoma Youth Orchestras (OKYO) is a finalist in the Arts and Humanities category.

“I am exceedingly proud of how our wonderful board of directors, staff, families and volunteers have come together through challenging times to encourage and inspire students with music education and leadership training,' said Melody Garza Mikkelsen, executive director, OKYO. “OKYO has enriched the lives of thousands over the past forty years, and we are so grateful and honored to now be recognized by OKCNP!”

Since OKYO’s founding in 1987, they have been serving the mission: “Through quality instrumental music education programs for students and accessible cultural offerings for the Community, OKYO provides opportunities for artistic excellence to central and western Oklahoma.”

Their programs include providing a weekly orchestral ensemble experience for over 300 students located in central and western Oklahoma. Students range from 8 – 18 years of age. In addition to being challenged beyond their traditional classrooms, OKYO provides a summer camp for middle school-aged string instrument students.

“I can’t imagine a life not performing with other people,” said Jaylin Vinson, violinist, senior, Midwest City High School. “Even just one rehearsal was transformative for me. I hadn’t played in an ensemble since March. That one single moment while we were playing Sibelius changed my life.”

OKYO adds to the student experience by bringing in world class guest artists and featuring their own senior members as soloists.

OKYO provides students with the confidence to continue their passion in music by giving younger students the opportunities to be involved in non-auditioned ensembles, and later auditioned ensembles, such as string orchestras, wind ensemble, guitar ensemble, etc.

“OKYO is a blessing to our family,” said Michelle Seybolt, parent volunteer. “It has allowed my son to find an extracurricular that speaks to his passion of music.”

To learn more about OKYO, visit their website: https://oyomusic.org/.

The ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://www.okcnp.org/page/one-awards.

It’s interesting that Black History month is in the same month as the day we show each other love. It seems appropriate that the race equity work that we need to do in this country is seen along with affection and appreciation for one another. I remember as a kid that Valentine’s Day wasn’t about romance but about telling everyone in the class that you loved and appreciated them – albeit with flimsy cardboard and sticky candy. Race equity work needs more substantial support than flimsy tokens and saccharine affections, however. The long arc of justice that Martin Luther King, Jr., described belongs to all of us. It needs the sustaining devotion of naming the particular needs and assets of communities when we are addressing the power imbalances inherited and perpetuated in society. Real appreciation, and dare I say love, is needed if we are to build more equity into our communities.

Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be the only day in the year that we tell people we love them, and February shouldn’t be the only month we discuss the significant contributions and influence of African-Americans in the shaping of America and our communities. Yet, it doesn’t hurt to have a day like Valentine’s Day when we are intentional about demonstrating love to one another. And, it benefits us all to have a Black History month when we are intentional about focusing on the stories, voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of African-Americans and the contributions that they and other people of color have had in developing our communities.

The nonprofit sector, and our organizations, are no exception to this need to grow in our race equity work, my own organization included. As we find our way forward through the long arc of justice, here are two opportunities to help keep ourselves aligned with the trajectory.

Dream Clock – A Guide to Improving Racial Relations on Friday, February 19: This very practical and step by step guide to discussing and building understanding between communities was developed by Rev. Dr. Clarence Hill, the founder and visionary behind the Stronger Together Movement. His model for building racial equity which he calls, “The Dream Clock,” was featured in the Oklahoman and has been used by organizations to create pathways for inclusion in their organizations and communities. The very practical model applies to larger or small communities, metro or non-metro communities, individuals and families, and organizations of all sizes. Dr. Hill is the Senior Pastor of Antioch Community Church in Norman and has received the Community Champion award as a result of his work in gathering leaders and addressing health and other disparities in marginalized communities. This 2-hour seminar is virtual in order to maintain health, safety, and access opportunities to everyone in our network.

Race to Lead: Addressing the Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap, February 26: The Building Movement Project – a national organization that aligns nonprofit missions with their values around equity and fair treatment – are back in Oklahoma for a FREE seminar – to show us their next round of national data on the truth and opportunities of racial equity work within the nonprofit sector. Their national survey is now in its second cycle and this data-driven discussion on diversity in Oklahoma’s nonprofit leadership structure is worth our attention. The discussion will include a panel of participants who will reflect on the survey’s findings and lead a conversation about responses and opportunities in continuing to move forward in race equity work within our sector. Panelists include:

                Sean Thomas-Breitfeld -- Building Movement Project

                Sara Price, M.S., Ed, -- Muscogee (Creek) Nation

  Jabar Shumate -- Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City

Adam Soltani – Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Oklahoma

Senator George Young – Oklahoma State Senator, District 48

Janetta Cravens, MDiv, MA – Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits

This 3 hour learning event is virtual in order to maintain health, safety, and access opportunities to everyone in our network.

I have been a fundraising professional for 24 years. Whether I was writing grants, designing direct mail pieces for donors, helping to plan events for fundraising or stewardship, or giving tours of a nonprofit, I acted as a fundraising professional.

Being a fundraising professional certainly has its perks. I have taken a donor to church, then lunch, then shopping (but gave up a Sunday for that), helped another donor replace about 20 light bulbs in her apartment (she was “height challenged” and certainly appreciated the work I did on getting her place illuminated), made lots of airport runs with donors and board members, and most recently dropped off some lasagnas for a donor who broke her leg.

That’s what we do with our donors. We go above and beyond!

But there is a big difference between a fundraising professional and a “Development Director.” A fundraising professional takes care of our donor needs. They communicate. They serve. But a development director truly “directs.” A chief development officer is going to oversee all of the various components of a fundraising program at a nonprofit. This person will drive the strategy as well as the processes that must happen to be successful.

In short, this is my definition of development director:

Professional Thanker

Asker

Event Planner

Grant Writer

Grant Reader

Marketing Expert

Mental Health Expert

Bill Collector

Public Relations Spinner

Mess Cleaner

Board Member Wrangler

CEO Supporter, Dissenter, Best Friend and Greatest Critic

Bartender

Cheese Plate Creator

Negotiator

Closer

Contract Reviewer

And 1,000 more …

These are not qualities found in many people. I know that negotiation is a skill I have but bill collection can be tricky and challenging. I have delivered great news and bad news. I never avoid the bad news anymore because I usually get great advice followed by a check.

Unfortunately, I have a lot of friends who are CEOs looking for development directors, but many are getting resumes for young fundraising professionals. Now don’t get me wrong. Early in my career, I was aggressive. In fact, I remember interviewing for a director level position for a major health care provider in Kansas City when I was just 27. The CEO was so gracious and knew I was green. I caught up with her a few years ago when she retired. I sent her an email and thanked her for even giving my green self an interview. She sent the sweetest response and said, “I saw potential in you and I’m so glad you’ve realized it.”

For CEOs out there needing a “development director,” be honest about what you need. Strive to create a job description for the chief development officer that is really a partnership with you and the board. But if you’re looking for a fundraising professional, develop a description and plan for someone who may have a good skill set but has a ways to go. And be clear to set a path so that they may grow from grant specialist to development manager.

And to young development and fundraising professionals – I say “Be Bold.” If your job description only contains events, grants or stewardship, start asking for more work. Learn about donor cultivation. Observe a fundraising call. Ask to attend a board meeting to learn more about governance. To be a development director, you need a wide set of skills and lots of experience – good and bad.

And don’t ever hesitate to help a donor with something. The relationships I’ve made over the past 20 years have come from those less-than-formal interactions with board members and donors. I’ve carried a few purses, changed a few light bulbs, picked up candle holders at Pier 1, and every interaction has taught me something.

My friend, Randy Parsons, owns an antique store on Western Ave. It’s the store with the chicken in front. Randy raised money for decades and he will tell you the number one thing he learned. You have to love your donors and know what you’re doing. That comes with age, experience and wisdom.

Today, I wish that at 27 I would have had the wisdom and experience I have now. But I sure wish that now I had that same level of self-confidence or maybe self-annihilation that would make me apply for a major development position at 27.

Get out there and Be Bold!

I think everyone was glad to see 2020 end on Dec. 31. While most of us were celebrating privately this year, we are all looking forward to the future. 

I want to say that while 2020 was traumatic for our sector, nonprofits have much to celebrate. We never closed - we continued to serve our clients and communities through trusted, hardworking leadership. We adapted - our nonprofits found clever ways to connect with those we serve, our donors and our stakeholders. We planned - more than half of Oklahoma organizations created emergency plans, contingencies or new strategic plans to operate in a new normal. 

We made it! I applaud our sector. 

This new year of 2021 brings us some hope. With the rollout of vaccines, the idea of "normalcy" is now starting to take shape. While it will still be many months off, we are all beginning to see a glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel. Just before the end of the year, a federal stimulus package was signed that will offer nonprofits access to further PPP loans through the small business administration. It extends a charitable gift incentive to 2021. We are fortunate that nonprofits continue to be included, recognized for the important role we play in not only our communities but economic sector as a whole. 

Nonprofits continue to be "guarded" in their outlook for this year. Demand continues to run high, donations will take more work to solicit and receive, and leadership including management and boards will have to continue the hard conversations we had in 2020. I am certain our sector will prevail. 

This year, I urge all Oklahomans to continue their support for their favorite local charities. I encourage you to find innovative ways to volunteer. Be a cheerleader for the missions you care about. Donate to nonprofits. And most of all, be a champion for the sector. 

Let's make 2021 the best it can be by supporting our incredible nonprofit sector. 

Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is celebrating 10 years of VISIONS on December 1, 2020, virtually.

The Visions Awards honors those who act as agents of change in the community, providing leadership to enrich and enliven those whom they serve. These men and women are thoughtful, passionate, tenacious and creative in seeking out solutions to problems that affect change. They inspire others with their conviction and drive, give a voice to those without, and act with the highest integrity to provide Oklahomans with resources otherwise not available. Visions recognizes these great men and women as passionate champions of service to Oklahoma.

Over the next few weeks leading up to the event, we will spotlight each of the honorees.

Melvin Moran, owner, Moran-K Oil, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, at the home of his mother’s parents. However, at the time of his birth, his parents lived in Maud, Oklahoma.  Melvin grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was his service in the Air Force that led him to meeting his wife, Jasmine, on a blind date in England.

After Melvin convinced Jasmine to relocate to Oklahoma, they settled in Seminole, where they raised their three children. In addition to his work in the oil and gas industry, he has dedicated much of his time to public service in Seminole and serving on state boards.

Both Melvin and Jasmine credit their upbringing to their desire to do good and serve their community. They take pride in serving 700 people Christmas Dinner every year, along with their follow Seminole Rotarians.

In addition to his time serving as a Rotarian, Melvin has become known for the philanthropic endeavors in which he and Jasmine have engaged over the years. Melvin has been involved in the Made in Oklahoma Festival, hosted by Seminole Chamber and The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum.

Melvin has also served on the board of directors for banks and oil and gas associations, Board of Regents of Seminole Junior College (now Seminole State College), and several state boards and committees.

Melvin was named Seminole Citizen of the Year, inducted into the Seminole Hall of Fame, received the 1993 Governor’s Arts Award, and named 1993 Philanthropist of the year by the Oklahoma Chapter of the Society of Fund Raising Executives

Melvin is being honored with the OKCNP VISIONS 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. This award will go to an individual(s) who dedicated a lifetime of philanthropy and volunteer leadership to charitable causes and has been instrumental in the success of one or more charitable organizations.

Past honorees include Ron Norick, Lew Ward, Ken Fergeson, Wanda Swisher/Rita Moore, Larry Pulliam, H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt, Dr. Kay Goebel, Jim Toldbert, and David and Jean McLaughlin.

For more information about Visions 2020 visit: https://oklahomacenterfornonprofits.site-ym.com/page/Visions