Lori Swann, of Triangle2, details how to keep your center’s mission forefront in your community.
A lot of your staff and volunteers’ energy goes into keeping things humming inside your buildings, but getting involved in the larger community can pay dividends for all. There were many negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but one positive was when buildings closed, the community was able to better see the work rec centers were doing that didn’t involve treadmills and pools.
Feeding programs, senior check-ins and family advocacy were not new programs to rec centers, but few outsiders knew all the many ways these facilities were supporting their neighbors. Now that all locations are open and back to usual business, create a plan to be intentional on how you can keep your rec center’s mission forefront in the community.
Here are a few ways you can get started:
1. Lend a hand.
Rec centers are often better resourced than other nonprofits in the community. Become a resource to help smaller organizations by meeting with them and offering to help where you can. One easy way is to promote volunteer opportunities with other nonprofits through your membership, or offer to promote their events and needs through your member communication.
2. Share your space.
Yes, your building is busy, but there are times when you have spaces that are available for board meetings, staff gatherings or team building. Offering these to your neighboring nonprofits is a great way to build community with the larger nonprofit community around you.
3. Share your staff and volunteers.
When the local service club has a pancake breakfast or the church down the street has a Christmas pageant, show up and help. Nothing says “we’re in this together” like being on the frontlines with your neighbors.
4. Join in.
Rec centers are masterminds at getting others to join. Make sure your staff are just as good at belonging. There are many service clubs, chambers and community development groups just like you who are working hard to make your community the best it can be. The people you will serve with will be familiar faces, many are your members and volunteers. It’s all one community, after all.
I know you and your staff aren’t sitting around and looking for things to do. Community rec centers keep their staff and volunteers very busy. But it’s important to be seen as part of the larger community around you and not a community within your walls. When it’s your turn to make the ask for help, I’m sure your neighbors will be excited to return the favor.
