The Philanthropic PM: Challenges and Opportunities

Michael R. Wood is a Business Process Improvement & IT Strategist Independent Consultant. He is creator of the business process-improvement methodology called HELIX and founder of The Natural Intelligence Group, a strategy, process improvement and technology consulting company. He is also a CPA, has served as an Adjunct Professor in Pepperdine's Management MBA program, an Associate Professor at California Lutheran University, and on the boards of numerous professional organizations. Mr. Wood is a sought after presenter of HELIX workshops and seminars in both the U.S. and Europe.

  Career Development   Governance  

Providing project management services on a pro bono basis can not only help a nonprofit organization deploy much needed project related initiatives, it can provide you with a great degree of personal satisfaction--and even provide you with a unique opportunity to expand your professional network and connect with influential people who you may otherwise not have access to. Providing your skills and talents to charitable and other nonprofit organizations can provide a pathway to growing your professional career.

Once you have decided to pursue PM philanthropic efforts, you will need to find an organization that is appropriate for your capabilities, passions and situation. Here are a few questions you may want to consider before searching for opportunities:

• Do you have a preference as to type of organization you wish to help (religious, scientific, medical, healthcare, research, activist oriented, charity, governmental, etc.)?
• What role do you want to play (lead projects, governance, change management, part-time support, etc.)?
• Is there a particular cause or passion that you want to make a contribution of your time and talents to (cancer, diabetes, children, elder care, global warming, etc.)?

Understanding what will contribute to your own sense of belonging, giving back and legacy can help steer you into a stimulating …

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