In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), we would like to share our gratitude for the contributions of our board of directors and committee volunteers, who work behind-the-scenes to help our members grow their businesses and better serve the nonprofit sector. 

Hear why our members volunteer with ACN and how it has positively impacted them. 

Belinda Li of CiTTA Partnership

How long have you been volunteering with ACN?
Almost 6 years, currently serving on the Programming Committee.

Why did you choose to be an ACN volunteer?
To bring educational and networking opportunities to fellow nonprofit consultants, helping us all develop professionally and connecting with like-minded individuals.

How has volunteering with ACN impacted your career or business?
Being involved with ACN, in general, has helped me develop new partnerships with other consultants—resulting in opportunities to work with fellow ACN members on client projects. And being a volunteer for ACN helps raise my and my company's profiles, among consultants as well as nonprofit leaders who attend our events.

Jill Misra of Impact Solutions

How long have you been volunteering with ACN?
4 years, current ACN President and serving as the co-chair of the strategic planning task force

Why did you choose to be an ACN volunteer?
The strategic planning task force is a focused opportunity to support the future direction of ACN. I was interested in this work as it aligns with my practice areas and also affords opportunity to learn from like-minded peers.

How has volunteering with ACN impacted your career or business?
Volunteer work for ACN offers exposure to colleagues that I otherwise may not encounter. It challenges my thinking while allowing me to contribute in an area where I feel comfortable.

Donald Raack of AltruNext

How long have you been volunteering with ACN?
Almost 1 year, currently serving on the Nonprofit Relations Committee.

Why did you choose to be an ACN volunteer?
I felt a desire to serve the community of my chosen vocation.

How has volunteering with ACN impacted your career or business?
I volunteer for purposes I believe in. I volunteer for activities that fuel my passion. I volunteer not for the benefit of me, but for the benefit of others; when others benefit, I in turn benefit. Without some positive impact for someone else, I would find volunteering to be empty.

Jim Stoynoff of Synthesis Solutions, LLC

How long have you been volunteering with ACN?
Almost 5 months.

Why did you choose to be a volunteer?
It is an opportunity to assist non-profit organizations that are especially vulnerable in this challenging time, and to work with other folks who also share a commitment to do our best in this regard.

How has volunteering impacted your career or business?
It has provided many opportunities to help non-profits of all sizes to successfully fulfill their mission and thrive, and at the end of the day it feels great!

Emily Taylor of teenyBIG

How long have you been volunteering with ACN?
1 year, currently serving as VP of Nonprofit Relations.

Why did you choose to be an ACN volunteer?
It is a great way to understand the various skills consultants have to offer and begin to collaborate with others in the field.

How has volunteering with ACN impacted your career or business?
I've been able to run several speaking events for nonprofits and am learning more about aspects of the social sector I was less familiar with.

Lidia Varesco Racoma of Lidia Varesco Design

How long have you been volunteering with ACN?
3-1/2 years, currently serving as VP of Marketing & Communications.

Why did you choose to be an ACN volunteer?
I originally joined the Marketing Committee to meet fellow members and become more involved in ACN. After serving on the committee, I decided to join the board of directors so that I could help bring more awareness and engagement to ACN.

How has volunteering with ACN impacted your career or business?
The largest benefit of being an ACN volunteer has been connecting with fellow consultants who have complementary businesses and collaborating on projects. Since I work with association clients, the experience of being “on the other side” of association life has also been very valuable. Also, since I work mainly solo, being on the ACN board of directors and managing a committee has helped me grow and develop my leadership skills (shoutout to my awesome Marketing Committee, by the way!)

Annisa Wanat of amw solutions 

How long have you been volunteering with ACN?
Approximately 5 years, currently on the Marketing Committee

Why did you choose to be an ACN volunteer?
I thought working with the marketing committee would be a great way to network and hone my skills.

How has volunteering with ACN impacted your career or business?
Volunteering with the committee has exposed me to the different ways other consultants approach marketing which I have been useful clients. Also, I have developed stronger relationships with other ACN members.

Tiffany Williams of TJ Marie Consulting and Givly Inc. has been volunteering on the Nonprofit Relations Committee.

Why did you choose to be an ACN volunteer?
I'm passionate about strengthening nonprofits and offering services that help support their missions and expand their impact. Volunteering is my way of sharing and connecting with other consultants and nonprofit leaders.

How has volunteering with ACN impacted your career or business?
Volunteering has helped me better understand and provide services that speak directly to the needs of the nonprofits we serve.

Thank you to all of your volunteers—we appreciate you and your service to ACN!

ACN Members: Are you looking to share your time and talents? Learn more about volunteering with ACN.