Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

September 5, 2006

The valuable outcomes of internships were highlighted in a recent news story - the National Football League (NFL) announced that Roger Goodell would become their new commissioner. Goodell began his lifelong career with the NFL as a public relations intern!

Many benefits accrue throughout an internship period. Learning experiences for both employers and interns are important proven outcomes. Interns provide a fresh perspective and bring knowledge and skills without the expense and time investment of recruiting and hiring new employees. Concurrently, student interns gain valuable work experiences, knowledge and needed skills that are sure to impress employers who expect "more job-related experience."

According to a recent report published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2006), college graduates who have performed internships find the experience pays off in terms of higher starting salaries and more job opportunities. The internship experience proves especially valuable in the nonprofit sector where students may not be familiar with the fundamental benefits of the sector.

The American Humanics, Inc. (AH) certification program, dedicated to recruiting, preparing and certifying professionals to strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations, requires a 300-hour internship. AH also has partnered with AmeriCorps*ProCorps to provide a program that offers educational awards for students whose internships serve at-risk youths and/or coordinate volunteers.

Providing internships can be a very effective way to train and retain new talent. To learn more about how your organization can become part of the internship program through American Humanics, contact SueAnn Strom, sastrom@humanics.org.

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"We establish pen-pal partnerships between children, our volunteers and corporate sponsors to generate awareness, prospects and connections." - Carleen Rhodes, CFRE, Minnesota Children’s Museum (St. Paul, Minn.)

If you are interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, contact ASR Philanthropic Publishing by calling toll-free 1-866-630-8500.

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com

The Hartsook School of Consulting

Bob Hartsook, an icon and expert in the fundraising profession, has been dedicated to the education and advancement of fundraising for decades. He has offered seminars in more than 30 cities across the country; been a guest speaker for countless conferences, symposiums and classrooms; and authored six books and mountains of articles.

In 2007, Bob will take training to a new level - The Hartsook School of Consulting, a fundraising executive boot camp.

Keep watching various industry publications for more information. Or, if you want to be one of the first to hear more, send an email to hsc@hartsookcompanies.com with your contact information.


Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.