Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Tips for Moving To A New City

I'm sitting in my new diggs in San Diego!! The movers delivered all our stuff yesterday and I am currently taking a break from unpacking. I am thinking about the ways that I am going to network and meet other nonprofit folks in this fabulous new city. For those of you who are also moving to a new city or trying to transition into the nonprofit sector in your area, here are some networking steps I am taking.

1. Before I moved here I contacted some large nonprofits and foundations in the area and asked them if there are any location specific nonprofit listservs I should join.

2. I checked to see if there is a Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) chapter in my new city.

3. I contacted the local volunteer center to sign up for one-day or half-day volunteer opportunities to meet new people.

4. I am in the process of signing up for boardnet USA a free board matching service so I can serve on the board of a local nonprofit.

5. I'm planning to attend the local Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) chapter meeting, the local nonprofit association meeting and a Volunteer Managers meeting.

6. I'm going to sign up for a workshop at the local nonprofit training center.

7. I'm trying not to overdo it and making time for play like signing up for a scrapbooking class and joining a new bell choir.

2 comments:

Rosetta Thurman said...

Oooh your move and new path sounds so exciting Heather. I envy that you will get to do so much professional development along with your PhD program. Since I am also considering pursuing a PhD, I look forward to hearing more about your experiences!

Rosetta

"a fundraiser" said...

It often depends WHAT new city you are moving to. Fundraisers in New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco and Philly have more options than others.

You might want to attend a FLIP happy hour reception if there is a chapter in your city - or contact them and ask to start your own!