Combining our Spiritual Gifts and Strengthsfinder 2.0 "Strengths" in a meaningful way to change the world!

Interesting in volunteering or starting a new ministry?

Looking to start a small group ...up to 6 people, in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, to possibly discuss one or more of these books... or parts of...applying principles and wisdom to our lives...Ministry, Career, Job, Business, Nonprofit, Church and of course to our Families!

Also, willing to meet individually with anyone at Holy Grounds cafe and explore options...I'm a good listener.

I'll even buy you a cup of coffee!

Connect with me on Linkedin. Richard Dassow

As a believer in Jesus Christ and desiring to be a good steward and a faithful "follower" of Jesus on our way to glory...we can be a light for others to see the Truth. 

 ●"The Lord created each of us individually with different Spiritual Gifts, Passions, Abilities, strengths and a unique personality with different experiences.  Helping each other put the pieces of the seeming puzzle together so we each can be most effective in our families, church, community and the world and finish our lives well and leave a legacy that gives glory to the LORD so when we stand before Him one day, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Anyone in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area interested in meeting to review, discuss, etc. how the ideas, principles in any of of the books shown below... might apply to the challenges in our Lives, Ministry, Career and or Family?   

 

 Blessings

Richard

My latest TWEETS

  

Currently reading these two:

 

 _____________________________________________

 

 

Response to Pastor Jim Caler's sermon: Transforming Faith...Anyone interested?

 If you live in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area...an opportunity...

But you can put these principles into practice wherever you live.

Thanks Pastor Jim Caler for your sermon today...bottom line...Power of 3...For personal transformation!

Pastor Caler's sermon

Pastor Jim's CTA (Call to Action) was "Promise of Three".
3 people getting together for personal transformation.

My thought or response is built on it and is a hybrid.

A few good books I have read and or re read in past years (See complete list & pictures of books on blog post):

A few good books I have read or re read recently

 

Looking for a small group ...up to 6, to possibly discuss one or more of these books... or parts of...applying principles and wisdom to our lives...Ministry, Career, Job, Business, Nonprofit,Church and of course to our Families!

You don't have to read or have read book(s).


Or bring your own book that you would like to share with us...

This does NOT take the place of reading the best book: The Bible!


Also, willing to meet individually with anyone at Holy Grounds cafe.
Let's meet individually and explore options...I'm a good listener.

This "idea" is actually about 7 years old. See a blog post from the past.

https://northshorefinishingwellgroup.blogspot.com/2011/04/northshore-finishing-well-group.html

Blessings,
Richard

Pastor Caler's sermon

See my Twitter "Tweets"...even if you are not on Twitter 

It's all about Passion!

What is the meaning of life?

Have I found a place where I can volunteer...my  time and resources?

Can I be a part of their TEAM by donating to Our cause? Yes, it's our cause!

⧫  IF you are already donating or volunteering with this charity...do you feel a  part of the TEAM?

How?
How do they communicate with you?
Newsletter?
Phone call for funds?
Phone call to see how you are doing and if you would like prayer?? 
If you are on social media, Linkedin and or Twitter...do you communicate that way? Retweets on Twitter and Status Updates on Linkedin? Do they acknowledge your efforts? Do you feel a part of the "Team"?

Have I prayed about how I might be a good steward and use God's funds to further His cause through this organization?

Do I need more help in evaluating this organization?

See this site:  Checking out a non profit before investing in it.

If you have questions about the non profits mission and if they are TRUE to the founders original mission, Is your favorite non profit true to it's mission?

 

 

  My latest "TWEETS"

How do I find God?Begin Your Journey to Peace

Have I discovered my strengths, my passion, my calling?

Have I found a church that I can feel a part of their community?

Is it necessary to belong to a church?

 Why don't I love my job?


Do I have a best friend?

Investing My Life In My City and The World!

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."-Albert Schweitzer
  
The Journey of Life:  To Be God's people..."Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world"!

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 

 If we truly are Jesus's hands and feet in the world...how can we be good stewards and invest our lives for His glory?  So we can truly make a difference in the world!
  
●  When searching for charities to invest in...either as a volunteer or as an investor, what should I be looking for and why?
 
●  With the thousands of charities out there...how can I evaluate them?

●  With our instant access to information on the internet, we are probably already searching and can easily get confused. What are we really looking for and why?

●  Even if we don't know it...we are looking for an organization that aligns with our passion...our desires. We all want to make a difference in the world, don't we? 

● The best way is to start as a volunteer with an organization if possible.

 ●  So start by looking at their website!

●  What you want to find immediately when looking at their website:

 1. Mission Statement

2.  Vision Statement or their strategy for reaching their mission.

A great place to start to volunteer is in your own neighborhood...and you set the schedule!

●  This is what I am telling charities that they need on their website!
The Basic info you need on your site! 

●  But what are donors really looking for?

●  You already had some idea of who you wanted to donate to!


 ●   It's all about Passion and Relationships!  What am I passionate about? A Clue

 ●   What is Passion?  "..passion is morally neutral. It is simply a strong feeling or deep longing  for something." ..."Passion is the God-given ability to feel so deeply about something that it causes us to move toward the object of desire. This passion stems from an urge given by God-a burden, an emotional response to a need or opportunity He wants us to move toward. It's not a feeling that we experience and then lose easily. It's persistent and powerful. We can't ignore it."  Discover Your Destiny by Bill & Kathy Peel.

"The thing is to understand myself, to see what God wishes me to do...to find the idea for which I can live and die"-Soren Kierkegaard
 
 "The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” —William James

"...Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world."  A good vision or mission statement!

●  So, what is your passion? 

●  We must have clarity about the Vision and Mission of an organization. If I am looking for a charity that I can volunteer with, I look for people I respect who are practical-minded. I want to be sure it's the sort of project that I can bring something of value to, and in which I'm being involved in a meaningful way. So I always ask myself: Is it a mission I believe in? Do I believe in the people who are in it? and does it use my talents and gifts in a way that engage me?"

●  So one of the best ways to evaluate a charity is to volunteer with them...if they are in your area or have a local chapter...like The American Red Cross or The Salvation Army...just two examples!  They are looking for volunteers! They have FREE training, both online and classroom . ●  No matter what your passion, gifts, abilities, past experience, personality etc. are, each of these organizations has a place for you!  You just have to have patience and talk to people at the organization...and start getting connected. The same for any organization.  These are just two International organizations that have local chapters around the country within easy driving distance. Obviously, there are probably other similar organizations that have local chapters. 


●  When contacting an organization...consider calling and talking to Communications  Director or Volunteer Director.  But do your research on their website first!

●  This is what you want to immediately see and clearly understand!

 1. Vision Statement

2.  Mission Statement

3.  Their Strategy for reaching their Mission

4.  It's also great if they have some testimonies from reciepients of their ministry! 


●  There's a lot of noise going on in the world. We need to listen to God speaking to us and that it is God that is speaking.

●   When I stand before Jesus one day, I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Isn't that what you want to hear?
So what are we asking ourselves as we view their website and consider if we should invest in their cause?
So what is God calling me to do?
We all know there is no I in TEAM.
What is God doing in the world through this organization?

●  Can I be a part of their TEAM by donating to Our cause?  As a volunteer and or investor. Yes, it's our cause!

●  If we are already volunteering with an organization...do we feel a part of the TEAM?
How?
How do they communicate with you?
Newsletter?
Phone call for funds?
Phone call to see how you are doing and if you would like prayer?
If you are on social media, do you promote your favorite organization? Tweets and Retweets.
Status Updates on Linkedin. Does organization acknowledge your efforts? 

Have I prayed about how I might be a good steward and use God's funds to further His cause through this organization?

●  Do I need more help in evaluating this organization?

●  Where Would You Like to Volunteer?

 

●   If you have questions about the non profits mission and if they are TRUE to the founders original mission, Is The Organization You Want to Volunteer With, True To Their Mission? and why it is important!

 

●   Has your favorite non profit drifted away from it's original vision and Mission?   A good read on this subject of "Mission Drift"

 

Finding peace with God

  I welcome your thoughtful insights. Richard

Helping you accomplish your vision and mission!

Nothing of any eternal significance gets done without collaboration of other people and organizations!

 

 

What can your organization do better than any other organization in the world?

 

That needs to be conveyed on your HOME page of your website.

And a final thought! Who is going to get the glory?

Be careful who you collaborate with so you don't experience "Mission Drift". 

  Do you have a Vision?  One good book on developing your vision:

 

  Uncertain about your vision and mission? Drifting from your original vision?

If you need a refresher on Vision and Mission... 

 

How are you communicating your vision and mission to your audience?
Who is  your audience?
Who do you want to reach?
Who do you want to reach with your website?
Why?

"If God knows He'll get the glory, He will bless you beyond your ability and beyond your resources."    Bob Gass-Bob Gass Ministries. 

So where is God in all this?

Getting back to your vision.  Is this a vision from the Lord or one of your good ideas?
There is a difference! If it's a great idea of yours, you'll have to do the work and you'll get the glory!  If it's a vision from the Lord, He'll get all the glory!...Yes, you still have to do a lot of hard work.  The key is to know the difference. Starts with prayer and passion. 
Andy Stanley.  Visioneering-God's Blueprint For Developing and Maintaining Vision.

Again, so where is God in all this? Are you giving Him credit for what you are doing or how God is using you and your organization? 
Is God mentioned on your website? If not, why not? 
Has your organization drifted from it's original vision?
If you have, it's not unusual...mission drift is an organization's default position.


Where do you get your funding? How does that determine your vision and mission? 

When anyone looks at your website they want to see the following items clearly!

1.  Your Vision Statement

2.  Your Mission Statement

3.  Your Strategy for reaching your Mission

These need to be clear and to the point!
ON your HOME page!

When most young people look at a website...you have 5 seconds to get their attention or they are off! And they are viewing on their cell phone! 

When viewing a blog or a website for the first time, if you don't get their attention with the first 5 words in your first sentence of your first paragraph...they are off!  
Check your analytics ...Are they going to another page? 
What is your Bounce Rate?
Are they landing on your HOME page?
Most viewers do NOT come to your HOME page first!

Your site must be easy to navigate.
Did you have a focus group try to find your site? 
Do you know why people are coming to your website?
How did they find it?
What did you learn from that?

If a potential donor has a substantial amount of funds to invest in your organizations... whether it's $1,000, $10,000, $100,000 or 1 Millions or more...

What are they looking for? How do you think or believe they evaluate your organization? 

 

Maybe they are "Boomers" looking to invest themselves, their passion, prior experiences, etc. as a volunteer...are you open to that? 

 

Are you giving them the opportunity to be Jesus's hands and feet in the world?

 

This is the information I believe they are looking for:

 

1. Your Vision  statement

2  Your Mission statement

3. A short 3-5 minute up to date video of your organization...Latest project...

4. A clear message of How I can partner with you! As a volunteer and or with a financial gift.
 What my $25, $50, $100 other gift will do. What am I giving to? 


5. All your  LIVE Social Media buttons: Twitter, Blog, Facebook, Linkedin, Pin, Reddit, others...so they can easily  check them out.  Are you updating them frequently? If not, why not?


6. A DONATE Button
 
7. Do you have a new project or initiative that needs funding? 

8. Bottom Line: A clear message of How I can partner with you! 

A real added addition that most non profits do NOT show or make available easily.

9. Financial info: Your latest 990 form

10.What do you want them to do before they click off your website? 

 

I know this is a lot of info!
If you ever applied for a GRANT or intend to...you will need this information. 
Will need to be in a format easy to read! 

If you have a Development person...they know or will need to know this. Why not  put it on your website?

If you are still with me...a few more thoughts:

1. What is the goal of your website?
2. Who are you trying to reach?
3. How long has your website been active? When was it last redesigned?
4. Remember the majority of viewers are viewing your site on their cell phone, NOT their PC or laptop!

These suggestions come from a prior BLOG post of mine: How to Make Wise Choices in your giving to charity

A MUST read for any non profit! Especially if you intend to apply for a grant or expect donors to make substantial contributions!

  There is a check list of items you will want to consider.

 

  Six good books for strategic planning. 

 

A good book for non profits who want to go from being a good organization to being a great organization:  Good To Great and The Social Sectors. 

A short review of the concepts!

 

If you are partnering as a volunteer, employee or board member of a non profit...this is one of the books to read and understand the concepts!

 

What can your organization do better than any other organization in the world?
That needs to be conveyed on your HOME page of your website.

And a final thought! Who is going to get the glory?

Let me know  your thoughts and ideas.

Blessings
Richard 

https://twitter.com/RichardDassow

100 Ways To Engage Your Neighborhood and become friends with your neighbors

A great way to use  your Spiritual Gifts and Strengths to engage your neighbors and neighborhood for God's glory!

Using your S.H.A.P.E.   Spiritual Gifts, Heart or Passion, Abilities, Personality and prior Experiences in a  new way. 

This is something anyone can do in their own neighborhood! Best doing it with a partner..that has other abilities, gifts, talents or strengths than you do. Remember, there is no "I" in team!

 I have found that it is often helpful to have practical ideas to start engaging the people around me. Most of the things on this list are normal, everyday things that many people are already doing. The hope is that we would do these things with Gospel intentionality. This means we do them:

• In the normal rhythms of life pursuing to meet and engage new people
• Prayerfully watching and listening to discern where God is working
• Boldly, humbly, and contextually proclaiming the Gospel in word and deed

Not all of these are for everyone, but hopefully there will be several ideas on the list that God uses to help you engage your neighbors. Would love to hear stories of how you have lived some of these out or other ways you have engaged your neighbors.

An important lesson I learned some 45 or so years ago was "To not start any new project, initiative or work without first invoking the blessing of Deity".  

So maybe before starting to put into practice any of the 100 projects listed below is to pray about the needs of your neighbors and neighborhood! That you can do right in your home at any time. But not an excuse for not venturing out and actually walking around your neighborhood and meeting and talking to your neighbors! And praying for them as your walk around Your neighborhood! 

 

If you need some ideas on how to do a PRAYER WALK! 

You could even do a prayer walk around your neighborhood! More on that later!

Neighbors – Your Immediate Neighborhood

1. Stay outside in the front yard longer while watering the yard
2. Walk your dog regularly around the same time in your neighborhood
3. Sit on the front porch and letting kids play in the front yard
4. Pass out baked goods (fresh bread, cookies, brownies, etc.)
5. Invite neighbors over for dinner
6. Attend and participate in HOA functions
7. Attend the parties invited to by neighbors
8. Do a food drive or coat drive in winter and get neighbors involved
9. Host a music share party in your home (everyone brings 5 favorite songs and discusses)
10. Offer to mow someone’s yard who needs it on your street
11. Have a garage sale
12. Organize a tasting tour on your street (everyone sets up food and table on front porch)
13. Cook Out with gate open, or even in the front yard and let neighbors know they are welcome to join.
14. Have a game night (yard games outside, or board games inside)
15. Art swap night – bring out what you’re tired of and trade with neighbors
16. Grow a garden and give out extra produce to neighbors
17. Have an Easter egg hunt on your block and invite neighbors use their front yards
18. Start a weekly open meal night in your home
19. Do a summer BBQ every Friday night and invite others to contribute
20. Create a block/ street email and phone contact list for safety
21. Invite your neighbors to serve along with you for a local cause in your community
22. Organize a backyard movie night for kids on your block
23. Prayer walk and talk to people you come across
24. Jog outside instead of on the treadmill
25. Pull their trash back in when you notice its out
26. Cook an extra casserole and give it to a neighbor
27. Buy an extra dozen donuts and give them to a neighbor
28. Start a compost pile and allow neighbors to dump their compost and take
29. Host a sports game watching party
30. Host a coffee and dessert night
31. Organize and host a ladies craft night
32. Organize an effort for neighbors to help take care of elderly in neighborhood
33. Become a regular at your neighborhood pool/park
34. If you have a skill, let neighbors know that you can use it to help them for free
35. Host a movie night and discussion afterwards
36. Start a walking/running group in the neighborhood
37. Start hosting a play date weekly for other stay at home parents
38. Organize a carpool for your neighborhood to help save gas
39. Collect good will store items and offer to take them to goodwill
40. Have a front yard ice cream party in the summer
41. Start a sowing group
42. Go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood (invite neighbors in on it)
43. Throw a July 4th block party
44. Start a neighborhood Facebook/Twitter/Google + group
45. Ask longtime residents to help you learn about the neighborhood
46. Offer to babysit neighbors kids so they can have a date night
47. Find out your neighbors birthdays and take them a card and baked goods on it
48. Setup a meet your neighbors night with drinks in your driveway/front yard
49. Ask your HOA or apartment complex if they need help with anything
50. Host a regular Saturday morning breakfast potluck

Extended Neighborhood – The Regular Spots In Your City

1. Frequent a local gym or recreation center
2. Find a park that you consistently spend time with your community at
3. Pick a few restaurants to frequent getting to know the staff and regulars there
4. Go to the same coffee shop when you can
5. Start a regular ultimate Frisbee game in your city
6. Take the kids to story time at your local library
7. Let your kids play in the city sports leagues
8. Attend your city council meetings and get to know what’s going on in your city
9. Attend your local school board meetings to know what is going on in the schools
10. Participate in the local festivals, parades and celebrations of your city
11. Invite a neighbor to a local sporting event
12. Start a guys night at your local pub/eatery
13. Get involved in your kids school PTA
14. Connect with other home school kids through local coop events
15. Be a part of your local genealogical society
16. Tip generously at your regular restaurant spots
17. Participate in local film viewings and discussions
18. Attend your local High Schools sporting events
19. Coach a local little league sports team
20. Offer to teach free computer training sessions at your local library/public venue
21. Start a Study Group at a local place that needs business
22. Be a regular with your kids at the same playscape/restaurant during the day
23. Ask your local college how you can help serve international students
24. Get involved with your local lions or rotary club to learn about the community.
25. Find a local tweet-up group to meet with regularly
26. Frequent a live music night at your local coffee shop or bar
27. Make a routine of taking the family to a evening recreation spot (pool, jump zone, etc.)
28. Find a local philosophy/theology discussion group and become a regular participant
29. Find a baking meet up group and be a part of their activities
30. Go to the same hair stylist/barber and get to know them
31. Find your local bank representative and get to know them
32. Be a regular at your local farmers market
33. Take a regular stroll at your local park
34. Take your dog to the dog park in your city
35. Start a local art collective blog and organize around different themes
36. Have gospel discussions in public places where others can listen in
37. Check your areas craig’s list for community service needs
38. Ask a local restaurant owner how you could bless their employees
39. Frequent the same gas station and make an effort to get to know the workers there
40. Watch sporting events at the same local sports bar/restaurant in your city
41. When you can, support local businesses and get to know the people in that business.
42. Visit your cities visitors center to learn about the it’s history
43. Start a storytelling group at your local coffee shop
44. Organize a kids fun day at your city park
45. Offer free computer/technology help for elderly citizens in your area
46. Start a bike repair co-op
47. Cook out at your local park and invite the people there to eat with you
48. Start a sowing class at your local community center
49. Organize a co-working time at your local coffee shop for people who work at home

    50. Join a city softball, soccer, football, basketball league.

Finding your place to put your gifts & strengths to work, making a difference for eternity

 
As we know there are countless opportunities to volunteer.
Pretty much we can pick and choose where we want to volunteer.
It can be confusing.

 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

For people of faith, the first thing we should do is pray!
What has the Lord already called you to do?

  "However, I consider my life worth  nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20: 24

So where can I make the most difference?

Isn't that what we all want to do?

How do we evaluate and decide where we can use our passion and talent in the most effective manner?

A good place to start is right in your own neighborhood, one person at a time, when you choose... 

We might want to review and consider where we are already donating our financial resources!


According to Peter F. Drucker in his The Drucker Foundation Self-Assessment Tool   for Non Profit organizations...he talks about what making a difference means to a potential volunteer...and I quote "What nonprofits do for their volunteers may well be as important as what they do for their primary customers. The reason is that volunteers search for opportunities to make a meaningful contribution. They feel the need to do something where "I can make a difference." But again, you must discover what "making a difference means to each volunteer and how they must be satisfied in order for them to give their commitment."

Before we do anything or make any decision, we need to ask the questions Why?
Why am I or why do I want to do this?  A short blog post on this subject!

The best way for non profits to convey their Vision and Mission is on their website!

The most important consideration for us as volunteers or potential volunteers is "What is my passion?"

Then I can begin to search for the best organization that has a Vision and Mission that aligns with mine!

Check their website.  Is their Vision and Mission statement clearly visible?

Are current volunteer opportunities clearly visible?
What type of background, training and commitment are they asking for?
 
"The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." -Frederick Buechner

"Passion, though a bad regulator, is a powerful spring." Ralph Waldo Emerson 


What do you believe God is calling you to?

"A God-ordained vision will begin as a concern." Andy Stanley  

And then:  What Type of People Do I like to Work With?


Then I can begin to search for the best organization that has a Vision and Mission that aligns with mine!

Check their website.  Are current volunteer opportunities clearly visible?
What type of background, training and commitment are they asking for?

Another ingredient in finding your best volunteer opportunity is to know your Strengths!

It has been said that only 2 out of 10 people use their strengths on the job.
So that is and may be a reason or motivation for one to search for a volunteer opportunity.
So we can "Make a Difference in the world"
God has use our impure motives!
A good video about "Strengths" Strengths

More on Vision and Mission

 

How nonprofits can appeal to volunteers to join them in their vision and mission!

 

How to Evaluate a charity if you are considering giving financial assistance or even VOLUNTEERING with them!

 

  "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

 

"However, I consider my life worth  nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20: 24

 

Finding peace with God.

 

 My latest TWEETS!

 A few good books worth reading to help with confirming where the Lord may want you to serve!

Help wth findng a specific organization where you can make a real difference!

A good book on how to make good decisions.