I am surprised by my beloved group of volunteers over the last 3 months. They have given the best experience running a new nonprofit.
Let me share my experience establishing this nonprofit organization. I initially formed a team of friends who shared our values, showed enthusiasm, and had relevant skills. On top of that, I wanted to help this team with their career growth. However, the journey wasn't as smooth as I'd hoped.
Over time, some team members became less engaged and communication dropped off. Even though we had a solid onboarding process with good resources and training, some people couldn't keep up with their commitments. When my leadership style was questioned, I chose to see it as a chance to grow professionally.
Then came a crucial insight: success depends on finding people who truly believe in our mission, not just those who join because of personal ties.
I'm proud that several founding members showed incredible dedication, staying committed throughout our growth and making vital contributions to our progress.
When we recruited again, we took a better approach. We clearly stated what we needed and focused on finding people who showed real passion for our cause. This change worked wonderfully.
Today, our team shows what excellence looks like—they're committed, share our values, and bring genuine enthusiasm. They offer different viewpoints while staying focused on our shared goals. Their dedication keeps pushing us forward, and I'm deeply grateful for everything they contribute.