Volunteering in the community – where to start?

By Pete Parker There are countless benefits associated with community volunteerism. From improving one’s health to positioning organizations for growth, the impact of “giving back” or “making a difference” can have is significant. There’s one dilemna, however, how does someone start volunteering and where does he/she go for direction? Nevada’s very low rate (ranked 50th …

Conducting the successful board retreat

By Pete Parker Strong organizations are governed by outstanding leaders. Fueled with passion, experience, and commitment, the board members of community organizations play vital roles in the direction, management and impact of these groups. However, the strength of this leadership…and engagement…isn’t always immediately felt upon creating the board or recruiting the new board member. As …

Newsletter #2 – Making Community Involvement work in businesses and families.

  Welcome to the second newsletter from Parker Development Services, a small company focused on creating and leveraging opportunities for non-profit and corporate growth. http://www.npcatalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/july2010newsletter.htm   In this issue you’ll find interesting articles about: Realizing corporate growth through community investments of capital and volunteerism (click here for the article); and, Recognizing the impact people can …

What’s Your Philanthropic Footprint?

By Pete Parker Do you or your business follow a charitable giving “plan”, or similar strategy, to make donations of time and dollar to charitable organizations? If you do, is it working for you…for your business…for the community? Could you (or your business) be leveraging your giving to generate positive awareness, seek new customers, develop …

Community Investments as Vehicles for Corporate Growth

By Pete Parker As a business leader, what is your impression of the non-profit community? Do you view the organizations within the sector as always seeking support in their attempt to create impact? Or, do you look at community organizations as vehicles of opportunity; vehicles of performance; vehicles of growth? As a leader of your …

The first PDS email newsletter

Here is the first email newsletter I’ve created. I hope you find it informative and inspiring. It’s located at:  http://www.npcatalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/may2010newsletter.htm In addition to two articles, the first issue announces our participation with the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey. We’re taking a fresh spin to the 178-mile team relay race. We’re partnering with a great local radio station (KTHX-FM), an incredible local brewer (Buckbean Beer), …

Call for Community-Benefit Organization Information

By Pete Parker It’s no secret that building community strength lies at the heart of my personal and professional missions. I’ve sought to accomplish this by creating opportunities for both community members and organizations, linking organizations to resources (and vice-versa), and opening doors of possibilities. While I continue working to strengthen community organizations, I actively engage …

Corporate Giving Programs Can Give Businesses a Boost

By Pete Parker. Creating corporate giving programs can be both exciting and challenging. There are many opportunities associated with advancing the greater good. Taking the first step towards developing the plan might just be most difficult, yet empowering step taken. Do you hire staff…a consultant…or do it yourself? How much time, energy and funds do …

Getting the most from personal and corporate giving

By Pete Parker If you’ve read my blogs or consider me a friend or acquaintance, you quickly recognize that my passion lies within philanthropy…particularly building community strength. In a simple, single term, the word “giving” is central to the impact people can make within their communities (both locally and globally). And, while there are numerous …

Corporate Success Can Be Found Through Community, Citizenship

By Pete Parker Running a business during these economic times has been and will continue to be extremely challenging. Whether it’s managing a large corporation or small business, today’s business leaders must change as the overall business environment changes.  While there doesn’t appear to an ideal formula for success, corporations are beginning to take greater …