By Laprisha Berry Vaughn Contributor, Gulf Coast Philanthropy
Shannon Prudhomme’s’ previous entry, Texas Restaurants Partner with UNICEF to Provide Safe, Clean Drinking Water to Children Around the World, highlighted UNICEF’s Tap Project. UNICEF touts having the largest volunteer mobilization effort for the U.S. We are less than 30 days away from National Volunteer Week (April 15-April 21, 2012) and it makes sense to think about how organizations can engage volunteers for National Volunteer Week and beyond.
Effectively recruiting and engaging volunteers can be a sustainable way for nonprofits to reduce organizational costs, publicize the organization, its mission and activities and engage the community. The most successful volunteer programs use multiple avenues to promote the opportunities available and to encourage initial and on-going participation.
Getting Volunteers Publicity: Get the word out about the volunteer opportunities available and how to apply using the organization’s web site, blog and/or newsletters. Feature active volunteers in the newsletter and on the web site and always include instructions about how to volunteer.
Talent Scouts: Empower the current volunteers to recruit their colleagues and friends.
Volunteer Job Fair: Set up a Volunteer Job Fair or table at your next event where interested parties can sign-up to be volunteers in the future. Current volunteers should be on hand to answer questions and serve as ambassadors and champions for your organization and its volunteer opportunities.
Retaining Volunteers Set Them up for Success: Give volunteers tasks in which they will be successful. Give volunteers all resources necessary to perform well.
Show Appreciation: Thanks and recognition are critical factors in motivating and retaining volunteers. There has never been a volunteer who has been thanked too often! • Volunteer Recognition Banquets can be a powerful tool to recognize volunteers among peers and may help with ongoing volunteer recruitment • Learn what motivates each volunteer and make your recognition appropriate to what he or she thinks is important • Thank volunteers genuinely and appropriately • Assess volunteers and promote volunteers to other roles that take better advantage of their talents
Show They’re Valued: Make sure the volunteers are doing work that is meaningful to them and the community. Show volunteers that you respect and welcome their feedback and opinion while planning and evaluating a process or project.
When volunteer recruitment efforts are thoughtful and deliberate, volunteers have meaningful work to do, and they receive appropriate orientation and training, are well supervised and receive feedback and are solicited for feedback and are recognized for their efforts, the volunteer experience will be satisfying enough that they will want to continue to be engaged with the organization for which they have volunteered.
By Shannon Prudhomme Contributor, Gulf Coast Philanthropy
It is said that everything is bigger in Texas, and this includes the immense philanthropic spirit of businesses throughout the Lone Star State. This year UNICEF – the United Nation’s Fund for Children – selected Houston as one of only five enhanced markets to implement its award-winning Tap Project. The result: several volunteers throughout the entire state have stepped up to register restaurants for this signature campaign to raise funds that will be used to support the UNICEF Tap Project.
“This project is an easy and efficient way for these businesses to help make a difference,” said Beaumont-based volunteer Candace Carver.
She said the Tap Project’s focus on water access and safety hits close to home for her. “In Southeast Texas, specifically, we know what hardships can be and we should know by now not to take our resources for granted.”
Texas joins thousands of restaurants, dining patrons, students and corporations, community, celebrity and government supporters nationwide. During World Water Week, which is March 19 to 25, these restaurants will participate in the UNICEF Tap Project, which is an annual nationwide campaign to provide clean water to children around the world. Patrons of participating restaurants are invited to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free. The water programs supported by these fundraising efforts aim to reduce the number of children at risk of waterborne illnesses; the second highest cause of preventable childhood deaths globally – killing more than 4,100 children every day.
Photo courtesy of UNICEF
The list of participating restaurants in Houston and throughout the state will be featured on the official campaign websitefor public viewing, as well as receive coverage from a nationwide marketing campaign that includes strategic partners like online dining sites ZAGAT, OpenTable, SeamlessWeb, and Yelp.
Native Houstonian Miko Tsubai is volunteering to recruit and register restaurants in Houston, and said this campaign will allow the community to gain a higher level of recognition for the city.“We are not often counted among the upper echelon of U.S. cities,” she said.
“This is the first time that Houston gets to be a major city for the Tap Project. Local restaurants that participate can take pride in the fact that they are participating in such a momentous event, and camaraderie will be created among the staff because they will feel like they are doing something great together.”
The concept of the Tap Project is basic and compelling: “When You Take Water, Give Water.”
Since its inception in 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project has raised more than $3 million in the United States and has provided clean water to children all around the world. UNICEF works in more than 100 countries to improve access to safe water and sanitation in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices. Over the past 16 years, more than a billion people have gained access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities thanks to the efforts of UNICEF and its partners.
In 2011 alone, nearly 700 restaurants and more than 2,200 volunteers from all 50 states participated in the national campaign, making it the largest volunteer mobilization effort for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.Funds raised through the 2012 UNICEF Tap Project will provide children with clean drinking water in Viet Nam, Togo, Mauritania and Cameroon.
For volunteers like Miko, the ability to illustrate that everyday citizens can support global philanthropic efforts is what motivates her to volunteer for this campaign.
“The Tap Project is a way to bring people from all walks of life together to enjoy a good meal and unite for a cause,” she said. “It asks us all to remember to not take easy access to water for granted, and to raise our glasses to fill hundreds more.”
The Houston Airport System (HAS)is a network of three airports - George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport, serving the city’s over 5 million residents.
Its mission is to “provide a safe and dynamic air services network that fosters economic vitality for the transportation industry and the greater Houston region.”
Rhonda Arnold, Director of Community Relations in External Affairs Division for City of Houston Department of Aviation, would like Houstonians to know more about HAS’ efforts of promoting and educating the community.
“It is our endeavor to provide a positive impact on the quality of life for Greater Houston and Southeast Texas Region and we need the community to thrive,” said Arnold, who has worked with the system since 2009. “As part of our Strategic Plan we must continue to build a better future.”
Rhonda Arnold of Houston Airport System (HAS)
speaks to high school students during a
Career Day event. Photo Courtesy of Houston Airport System
To accomplish this goal, the department develops and maintains positive, collaborative relationships with business communities, area chambers of commerce, local government, economic development agencies and community organizations in the greater Houston area.
In addition to Mrs. Arnold, Darian Ward, Community Relations Associate and Assistant Public Information Officer, and Mary McKnight, Senior Community Relations Liaison are also members of the dedicated and hardworking Community Relations Department for Houston Airports.
Last year more than 49.5 million passengers traveled through Bush and Hobby, including more than 8.5 million international travelers. The system forms one of North America's largest public airport systems, as well as positions Houston as the international passenger and cargo gateway to the south central United States and a primary gateway to Latin America.
Mrs. Arnold said HAS recognizes its prominence in the travel and aviation community, as well as its ability to serve as an example to others in the industry. The three key philanthropic areas of focus for the HoustonAirport System are education, small businesses, and the environment.
“We partner with HoustonIndependentSchool District, AldineIndependentSchool District and Houston Works, Incorporated to raise awareness of community participation and careers in aviation,” Mrs. Arnold said.
To date, the Community Relations Department participated in 43 Career Days and 9 tour-related activities. HAS also supports small business development in the area, which is a sector of increased importance in this economy.
“One of the many things we do to support small businesses is work closely with the Office of Business Opportunities to support the development of a sustainable pool of Houston-based MWBE Outreach,” she said. “We have also participated in the Runway to Business Opportunities event , and the Government Procurement Connections conference which introduces bidding opportunities available for certified small businesses.”
Houston Airport System's Rhonda Arnold (center)
poses with a local Boy Scout troop after facilitating an
aviation education session Photo courtesy of Houston Airport System
Mrs. Arnold said one of the most important programs that she collaborates with is the Combined Municipal Campaign (CMC), which is a program to engage airport employees and the general community to contribute to non-profit, charitable organizations. The Houston Airport System holds several community events that support this initiative.
“During the 2010 contribution year, the Houston Airport System was recognized as raising the most funds of all City of Houston departments,” she said.
This year the Director of Aviation, Mario C. Diaz, is serving as the co-chair of CMC for the entire City of Houston. Along with Ms. Gabrielle Dirden, the liaison of CMC for HAS, Mrs. Arnold hopes that the local aviation system will continue to be a leader with the campaign for years to come.
There are three signature events slated for 2012, the Endurance Run to be held at Bush Intercontinental; the 911 Heroes Run and Aeros & Autos are highly-anticipated events, both are held annually at Ellington Airport. The Aeros & Autos event benefits the United Service Organizations (USO) and showcases prized autos along with military and private planes.
In addition to its charitable giving and volunteerism programs, Arnold said HoustonAirport System is implementing measures to protect the environment as well.
“We are very cognizant of the importance of the green initiatives, so we work closely with area schools and chambers with activities to support these efforts,” she said. “In addition to assisting the Humble Clean Up Day with NimitzHigh School, last year we launched the more environmentally-conscious Ecopark shuttle service at BushAirport.”
Energy-efficient shuttles for the
Bush Intercontinental Airport's Ecopark
Economy Parking Lot
The shuttles run on compressed natural gas (CNG). The vehicles were made available due to a partnership between the Houston Airport System (HAS) and Houston-based energy giant Apache Corporation in an effort to support the City of Houston’s Green Initiative, which aims to reduce particulate matter and green house gas. The buses transport an estimated 676,000 people, operate more than 1 million miles annually and reduce fuel costs by an estimated $2 per gallon.
The 20-year community leader said her work with HAS is fueled by her genuine passion for giving back, and also allows her to express her personal beliefs about philanthropy.
“My philosophy is 'pay it forward by enriching others and you, too, will find happiness'.”
To learn more about the community programs implemented by HoustonAirport System, visit the Fly2Houston website.
Video of the Houston Airport Systems September 11, 2011 Heroes Run at Ellington Airport:
Richmond Punch (far left) poses with participants
of the Dallas Urban Youth Orchestra
Photo courtesy of Richmond Punch
Violinist Richmond Punch is quickly becoming a recognizable name and face in Texas and beyond. The Founder of Richmond Punch Productions, he has traveled the world to perform for audiences consisting of up to 16,000 people. The 30-year-old musician also lends his time and talents to nurture youth through the Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra, a program of the Punch Family Foundation. The philanthropic entrepreneur graciously shared details with Gulf Coast Philanthropy about his family’s charitable organization, as well as his journey to becoming a highly sought-after Violinist. Scroll to the end of this feature to view a performance by the Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra.
Gulf Coast Philanthropy: You were essentially a child prodigy. When did you first pick up the violin and what prompted you to continue playing?
Richmond Punch: I was introduced to the violin at age 5 in public Montessori school by a teacher with a amazing dedication to each one of her students. It was in that environment, combined with the nurturing upbringing of my mother, that allowed me to fall in love with the instrument on a personal level. After participating in my first summer camp at the University of Texas at Austin, I studied at the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan, Southern Methodist University Pre-College, and Aspen Music Festival. I also got to play in England, France and Scotland with Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. Combined with hard work, this type of exposure and the free lessons offered by a program of the Dallas Symphony helped me to be able to go to my first choice school, The Juilliard School, which is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. I also completed my master's degree at Yale University, a peaceful place to hone your skills academically and artistically.
GCP: When did you launch Richmond Punch Productions and how has it grown since then?
RP: In 2005 I started Richmond Punch Productions after facing difficulty finding a job as a member of a major symphony orchestra. When I became an entreprenuer, I had only a violin for the events I wanted to do and some jazz and classical music under my belt. Now, in 2011, I have Violin, Violin with DJ, Jazz Band, String Quartet. At a recent event I played everything from New Orleans Jazz and Devil Went Down to Georgia to I Want You Back [by Jackson 5] and Black Eyed Peas' I Gotta Feeling.
GCP: Who are your musical influences?
RP: I love the music of “Stuff” Smith, my favorite violinist, but I am also influenced by Itzhak Perlman, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Quest Love, Esperanza Spalding and others.
GCP: When was the Punch Family Foundation started, and why was it launched?
RP: Punch Family Foundation was started meet my financial needs to be able to graduate from Juilliard and Yale, and it continued thereafter because many musicians back home in Dallas had similar needs. We sought a way to help others and began with a partial college scholarship initiative and then continued with the Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra. We also are excited about the growth of our community service and doing workshops, concerts and summer camps in Houston and around the U.S.
GCP: Do other companies collaborate with you to support your Foundation?
RP: Yes they do. In 2007 we started what is today our largest program, Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra. In transitioning from giving scholarships to training students in an orchestra, we needed to find a place to teach our Youth. Since 2007, The Trinity Trust, which funds the Trinity River Project in Dallas, lent their space to our non-profit. Next, we were able to use space at a church, St. PaulUnitedMethodistChurch, and we've spent the last two years at The PointCenter for Arts and Education at C.C. Young retirement community. At present we are searching for a new home in Dallas because of C.C. Youngs need to bring more seniors into living spaces and provide activities for the seniors themselves. These partnerships have worked well. In each venue we would give free community performances as a thank you for their lower rent and fully donated properties for our use. Since we presently searching for a new practice facility, we are asking for any suggestions in the Dallas, Uptown, North Dallas and other centralized locations so that we can find a new home for our 2011-2012 Season.
GCP: There are essentially three programs associated with the Foundation, but you are specifically the Artistic Director of the Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra program. Tell me about this initiative and your involvement with youth.
RP: Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra is a music program for youth ages 5-18. We teach kids orchestra, private lessons, music theory through classical music and styles of music that young people today are listening to. We want each kid to have a chance at a music scholarship to college and our focus is Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass. We work with Southern MethodistUniversity and other local colleges where we seek volunteers and pay other teachers to teach our students. A Violin is as low as $100.00. We welcome sponsors for all our areas of need.
GCP: Growing up in Dallas, were there any individuals and/or community organizations that nurtured your academic and skill development?
RP: Yes. Individuals who have made a difference in my life include Isabell Cottrell. Organizations such as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Sponsors of the Dallas Symphony and local arts in Dallas, The Brotherhood Inc. of Anchorage Alaska, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters Dallas and National have also made a difference in my life from giving my single parent mother resources to hiring me for corporate and special events entertainment.
GCP: What is your philosophy about giving back?
RP: Great question. I donate to many causes as I have constantly expanded my window of opportunity and I notice that my life and career is growing as a result. My philosophy is this: give back to something new such as Punch Family Foundation, give wholeheartedly and your best, and expect a return because it will happen.
GCP: What is the ideology by which you live by each day?
RP: Well I am a Christian and I believe that God has placed me on this earth for a reason. I also believe that even if I can touch one person in an audience of 10,000, I am doing God’s work. I am able to do it in so many styles of music, venues, and reach so many cultures. It is an honor to do something you love. God is good!
The most effective initiatives often utilize the appeal of popular social events to inspire and motivate community development. Houston’s WadeWilsonArtGallery is doing just that: leveraging the vibrant art community to support nonprofit programs. Founded by longtime art critic and enthusiast Wade Wilson in 2006, the gallery is located in the city’s historic Montrose area. WadeWilsonArtGalleryshowcases painters, photographers and sculptors whose work “reflects current movements in international art circles”.
“Houston has an extraordinary art community and a great community period,” Wilson said. “It’s rare that you’ll ask someone to step up and they don’t - that’s what I love about philanthropy in this town.”
Wade Wilson,
Owner of Wade Wilson Art Gallery Photo courtesy of Wade Wilson
Wade Wilson Art Gallery is one of many supporters of the Brilliant Lecture Series, a Houston-based non-profit organization whose aim is to motivate and inspire by presenting national and international leaders, role models, philanthropists, artists, humanitarians, authors, and entrepreneurs.
Scott Brogan, Founding Director of the Brilliant Lecture Series, said the organization accomplishes this goal through its educational programs, including an International Youth Leadership Exchange, the Brill Talks in-school interactive dialogues, and the quarterly Conversation with… series. Previous speakers include international luminaries Diana Ross, Sir Sidney Poitier, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Global Colors Founder Barton Brooks and Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan to name just a few.
“We provide a unique forum in Houston that integrates education and entertainment without social or political agenda,” Brogan said. “The young and the young at heart come from across the United States and around the world to share these rare and candid conversations with the most fascinating people in the world.”
The collaboration was launched when Wilson and Brogan were introduced by mutual colleagues. Both shared the belief that one person can initiate change, and are committed to inspiring and motivating people to achieve their goals.
Most recently, the two organizations collaborated to host an educational program focused on Haiti at the WadeWilsonArtGallery. Wilson said he has been especially impressed with the school-based inspirational lecture programs of Brilliant Lecture Series, and how the speakers really impart the idea that one idea and one person can change the world.
“That sort of empowerment can create a level of confidence that doesn’t exist in many students these days,” Wilson said. “That’s the beauty of the Brilliant Lecture Series: it inspires people to be better, to do better with what they have, and to try to stretch beyond their limitations.”
Scott Brogan,
Founding Director of
Brilliant Lecture Series Photo courtesy of Phoebe Rourke-Ghabriel
Scott Brogan launched the Brilliant Lecture Series in 2005 after recognizing the lack of opportunity most have to hear from and speak with such influential people. “If our speakers came to Houston, most of them spoke at private, black-tie events. At such events, these icons of our society are not sharing the unique journey of their life but are telling the dinner guests how wonderful they are for attending the event and supporting that particular cause,” he said. He found that these events, while worthwhile, are not accessible to most people, especially our youth who need to hear from these role models now more than ever.
“Prior to the Brilliant Lecture Series, there was a huge disconnect between their powerful stories and the people that need to be in the room to hear and receive those messages,” Brogan said. The former political strategist decided to leverage his connections to address this need and ensure that these types of stories were shared.
For Wilson, this collaboration with his art gallery allows him to continue his support of local organizations. During his career in the arts, Wilson has helped to support fundraisers generating over eight million dollars for community initiatives since moving to Houston in 2000. Wilson asserts these community involvements efforts have been mutually beneficial. “Corporate support for programs like this is invaluable,” he emphasized. “It helps me to be a part of something bigger and engages the community I want to engage.”
For both Wilson and Brogan, this partnership effectively merges the creativity of the art world with the inspirational stories of people who manifested their basic ideas into global movements.
“I really love the idea that we’re changing the public’s vision of people who are changing the world,” Wilson said.
Brilliant Lecture Series will host an evening with Dr. Maya Angelou on Thursday, September 22nd. To purchase tickets or sponsor this program, visit the organization's websiteor call (713) 974-1335.
To receive notices about events at Wade Wilson Art, subscribe to the gallery’s mailing list.
