Over the last six months, we’ve seen our city, state and nation face immense and, at times, seemingly insurmountable challenges. Families have been devastated by the spread of COVID-19, businesses of all sizes have struggled to keep their doors open, unemployment numbers have risen dramatically, and even just the simple yet powerful act of gathering together in a room – as friends, volunteers, board members, and community leaders – has been put on hold.
This pandemic and the shifts it has necessitated have been particularly challenging for our city’s nonprofit community. Once consistent volunteer pools are unable to serve. Charitable giving has slowed. And organizations all across Central Indiana have had to make tough choices about how – if at all – they can keep advancing their missions.
Both IndyHub and Leadership Indianapolis work everyday to empower and uplift these nonprofits – connecting them with talented and passionate people that serve across a broad spectrum of their organizational needs and providing learning opportunities that supercharge their work. Each summer, IndyHub brings together over one hundred nonprofits to connect with thousands of potential volunteers, committee members and champions at our massive volunteer event and celebration, IndyVolved. And each fall, Leadership Indianapolis hosts Get On Board to help many of these same organizations identify the advanced volunteer leaders who will help guide their work and increase their board capacity.
As the leaders of these two organizations, we know how high the stakes are. We know that now – perhaps more than ever – we need leaders of every age, background and perspective to step up, jump in, and find ways to invest in the common good. So rather than hosting our traditional, single-day events, we’re ensuring that the next two months in this city are laser-focused on what matters most – taking care of our neighbors, doing good however we can, and empowering people to make the greatest impact possible.
Throughout September, IndyVolved 15 presented by Indianapolis Power & Light Company will highlight 100+ Indy nonprofits, showcasing the ways that they are serving our community and providing opportunities for you to get involved. We’ll host conversations that tackle the issues facing our city and let you hear directly from the front line workers who are fighting everyday to design solutions and get results. We’ll help you plan your impact and ensure that whether it’s your time, talent or treasure, what you give is paying off. And we’ll even provide some useful swag that helps you give back to our city as often as you’d like.
In October, Leadership Indianapolis will take over with a month-long expansion of Get On Board. Participants will take part in workshops that help strengthen organizations and prepare individuals to serve in meaningful ways throughout our city. You’ll have a chance to listen in on conversations with leaders as they reflect on their own experiences of serving nonprofit organizations and share their advice for those looking to get more involved in the city now. And we’ll provide resources that connect you with nonprofits that need volunteer leaders in the coming year.
Indianapolis has consistently proven that it’s a community willing to collaborate on ways we can get stronger and smarter, and to build a bench of leaders that are ready to tackle our challenges and innovate on an even brighter future for all of us. This is a moment that demands leaders who are willing to “do good often” and “get on board.” We’re committed to doing this work together, and we hope you’ll join us in the months to come.
-Blake Johnson and Rebecca Hutton
