By Shannon Sackmann, SVP Boulder County Membership Director
What has the first four months as SVP Boulder County’s new Membership Director meant for me? Lots of coffees, lunches and great conversations! Over the last four months, I have met with nearly half of the Partnership and loved every minute of those meetings. I’ve asked Partners about their experience as new, and in some cases not so new, Partners.
After receiving feedback and a number of great ideas from the Partners, I know I need to find ways to welcome and engage new Partners as soon as they join, and make sure current Partners continue to have interesting ways to engage. As new Partners join, I will find them a “buddy” (log in to SVP Connect to see the new Partner Buddy job description) and have a Board member call to welcome them. The New Partner Orientation will also include a social time with current Partners, and mission moments to excite and connect new Partners with SVP Boulder County.
In addition to working with the Partners, I’ve been working to establishing a fundraising pipeline for SVP Boulder County. I believe a great way to grow the Partnership is by adding more Business Partners. A Business Partnership allows an organization to make the financial investment while giving 1-2 employees the opportunity volunteer with SVP while enhancing their professional skills.
Additionally, I am developing sponsorship opportunities for our specific programs as well as the organization (log in to SVP Connect to check out our BOARDS WITH BRAINS sponsorship opportunities). It may take a little time to achieve success in these efforts, but if you could please let me know if you have any Business Partner or sponsorship prospects, we will see success even quicker. Also, for the first time this winter we will send an annual appeal to our wider network of SVP Boulder County allies, program attendees and other supporters.
Having experienced SVP as both an Investee and Partner, it is exciting to join SVP as staff as the organization grows and evolves. If you have any questions or ideas for us, please send me an email at shannon@svpbouldercounty.org, give me a call at 303.800.7234 or find me in the office where I work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9:00-3:00pm.