Did you miss today’s live broadcast of Perspectives From the Pipeline on BlogTalkRadio? Whew! On my radio show today, my guests opened a huge can of whoopass on the idea that you can’t get professional development if your job doesn’t pay for it. 170 live listeners and 48 chat room participants joined a great conversation with three leaders from the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network: Naomi Christine Leapheart from Philadelphia Young Nonprofit Leaders, Yesenia Sotelo from YNPN Chicago and Aaron Stiner from YNPN Phoenix. Naomi, Yesenia, and Aaron shared their (very!) different experiences in how they began their journeys into the nonprofit field. We learned how YNPN chapters all over the country are helping young leaders to get the training and leadership skills they need – for free or very low cost. One notable program was the six-week Board Prep Training provided by Philadelphia Young Nonprofit Leaders. We discussed the value of board membership and the importance of listing your involvement with organizations like YNPN on your resume. Each guest also shared a ton of ideas for DIY Nonprofit Professional Development, including:

1. Find your own mentors. Don’t wait for someone or some organization to “match” you up, use the relationships you already have -”organic mentoring” is the better approach
2. Your mentors may not be older than you; remember you can learn a lot from your peers as well and you can have more than one mentor for more than one purpose throughout your career
3. Don’t underestimate the power of reflection – take time to reflect on where you are in your leadership journey right now
4. Join a board of directors (or four, in Naomi’s case!) and list that experience on your resume
5. Communicate your leadership involvement with your employer
6. Be proud of the training you receive from your local YNPN chapter – it’s just as good as what you get at other associations! (And it is very often better, in my oh so humble opinion.)
7. Become an expert, become the go-to person on a particular topic
8. Invite yourself to everything (like free nonprofit events and conferences) and make a valuable contribution when you get there – ask a compelling question or make a comment during Q &A – this builds your visibility and reputation
9. Do a really good job in the position you’re in right now
10. Ask a lot of questions, don’t be scared to approach people – take advantage of the people around you!
11. Find your true passion; consider leaving your current job if it’s not the right fit for you and find something that is

If you weren’t able to tune in, you can listen to the archived show here and below!

Additional Resources

• Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
• 10 Ways to Become a Better Nonprofit Manager Without Spending a Dime
• Raquel Gutierrez – 22nd Century Leadership (coaching and leadership advice)
• How to Join a Nonprofit Board of Directors
• 10 Ways to Become a Better Nonprofit Leader in 2009

Mark your calendars for next week’s show, Wednesday Oct 28, 12pm EST: Real Talk About Race and its Impact on Social Justice Philanthropy with three very special guests!