Northeast Ohio has a resourceful nonprofit sector, yet it is in danger of losing some of its youngest, brightest new leaders because of low pay and heavy workloads.

This was the determination of a survey of nonprofit leaders conducted two years ago by the Cleveland chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professional Network (YNPN). The mission of this all-volunteer organization is to "connect and cultivate leaders in the nonprofit community by engaging young professionals, supporting career development, and offering networking opportunities."

To counter this trend, YNPN launched a new mentoring program last year that is geared towards matching young leaders with experienced nonprofit professionals. Last fall, 30 up-and-coming young nonprofit professionals received sound advice and a sounding board from veteran leaders within the industry.

Now, YNPN is gearing up to launch the second round of its mentoring program. It is seeking additional mentors so that it doesn't have to turn any young leaders away. Last year, the group was unable to find mentors for a dozen applicants.

"We need more people to step up to the plate," says Kari Mirkin, President of the YNPN. She notes that mentoring is a challenge at many nonprofits because they lack the resources and knowledge to develop a strong mentoring program. "The requirements are pretty reasonable -- we just ask that mentors meet with mentees for one hour during four of the six months of the program."

The YNPN is hosting an open house for prospective mentors on Wednesday, May 9th from 5:30-7 pm at the offices of the Junior League of Greater Cleveland. The deadline for submitting an application to become a mentor is May 14th.

Source: Kari Mirkin
Writer: Lee Chilcote