KCM July 2013 by CARES Magazine

Metro Highlights: Paws for Freedom Page 6

It’s All Good: 10 Ways to Make Giving Fun New Column Page 9

Scouts Giving Back to Olathe Kansas Boy Scouts of America Page 24

The Passion to Serve: Finding the Right Board for You Midwest Center for Nonproﬁt Leadership Page 26

Event Coverage Honoring Academic Achievements G.i.R.L Inc. Page 10

First Annual Swim-a-Thon Drown Out Cancer Foundation Page 12

Integrity is there when you need us most, In the place that is most comfortable to you, Your own home.

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contents june 2013 4

Membership Directory KC Metro Cares members

Letters from the Editor and Publisher

Metro Highlight Paws for Freedom

Yours in Health Monthly health & fitness column

Little & Big: Family for Ever Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All Good: 10 Ways to Make Giving Fun

10 Event Coverage: Honoring KIPP Endeavor Academy for Outstanding Academic Achievements G.i.R.L Inc.

12 Event Coverage: First Annual Swim-a-Thon Drown Out Cancer Foundation

13 Folds of Honor 14 Go for More Fruits & Veggies 15 Volunteer Spotlight Jake Jacobson

16 What is the Value of a Friend? Sunflower House

20 Missouri Ahead of Kansas in Requirements for

Autism Insurance Coverage Kansas City Autism training Center

21 Mitzvah Day at Temple Bnai Judah 22 Suicide Awareness Survivor Support 23 Dear Amy Monthly Advice Column

24 Scouts Giving Back to Olathe Kansas Boy Scouts of America

24 Kids CARE Amazing Children Doing Wonderful Volunteer Work in KC

26 The Passion to Serve: Finding the Right Board for You Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership

29 Calendar of Events Charity Events for June

30 Games Fun Stuff

Kansas City Metro CARES Sharna Rittmaster Editor editor.op@goicare.com Merissa Rittmaster Non Profit Liaison merissa@goicare.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS David Bram Presley Ann Slack Nancy Garcia

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jonathan Rios Amy Hyken-Lande Alana Muller Michele Mackey Laura McKnight ADVISORY PANEL Vanessa Faller Shawn Muller Amanda Goetz Jim Brown Jean Ann Rucker

Amy Michael CARES Publisher amichael@goicare.com Phil Dellasega CARES Creative Director phild@goicare.com

KC Metro CARES 8240 W 151 Street Overland Park, KS 66223 913.890.3133

Tom Mezzacapa Graphic Design

CARES Headquarters 122 Park Central Square Springfield, MO 65806 417.869.4175 www.goicare.com

Michelle DeWitt Graphic Design

membership directory CARES Memberships are available to local non profits that are registered as 501(c)3 organizations. The goal of CARES is to give non profits an outlet for communicating their purpose to our community. It is not just an ad, but more accurately an annual marketing plan that provides online and print resources necessary to promote the organization.As part of our Membership Package, CARES provides: 10 Full Pages

Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City 3908 Washington St Kansas City, Mo 64111 816.777.2871 bbbskc.org

dedicated to the nonprofit, coverage of the two largest events, an online volunteer database, interactive calendar, and more. Please contact us for more details about our membership by calling 913-890-3133 or emailing editor.op@goicare.com to arrange a meeting. Let us help you show the community how your hard work benefits the Kansas City Metro area.

G.I.R.L INC.

Sunflower House

PO Box 24043 Overland Park, KS 66283 info@girlkc.com girlkc.com

15440 W. 65 Street Shawnee, KS 66217 913.631.5800 sunflowerhouse.org

Co-Sponsor: Nancy O’Reilly PsD

Children’s Miracle Network

Kansas City Autism Training Center

3901 Rainbow Blvd, Mailstop 4004 Kansas City, KS 66160 913.588.9100 cmnkc.org

4805 W. 67th Street Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913)432-5454 kcatc.net Sponsor: Arsalon Technologies

Folds of Honor Foundation

Suicide Awareness Survivor Support PO Box 23242 Stanley, KS 66223 913.681.3050 sass-mokan.com

5800 N Patriot Drive Owasso, OK 74055 foldsofhonor.org Sponsor: Hendrick Buick•GMC•Cadillac

Unlimited Play, Inc. 4140 Old Mill Parkway St. Peters, MO 63376 636.449.1770 unlimitedplay.org

The following persons or businesses have sponsored our members: • Dr. Nancy O’Reilly PsD • Hendrick Buick•GMC•Cadillac • Arsalon Technologies

Are you a 501c3 organization? Join the list above and become a CARES Member TODAY! ȧ IXOO SDJHV GHYRWHG WR \RXU RUJDQL]DWLRQ ȧ 3KRWR FRYHUDJH RI RI \RXU HYHQWV ȧ 2QOLQH 3URˉOH IRU \RXU RUJDQL]DWLRQ

A corporation can sponsor your membership.

It's tax deductible for the corporation and they will receive recognition on each of your pages throughout the year. Contact Sharna at 913 890 3133 or send email to editor.op@goicare.com to learn more. We look forward to sharing your aspirations with our generous KC Community.

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Welcome

Members!

Letter from the Editor Hi Kansas City! Wow! June marks our 6th month in publication. Its amazing how time flies! Over the past few months I’ve introduced you to both larger, nationally recognized non

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profit organizations and smaller ones with local roots. I hope that you have enjoyed learning about these organizations and their volunteers as much as I have. Recently a friend asked me why I do this every month: organizing the magazine, scheduling my amazing staff photographers, nudging my contributing writers about their deadlines, laying out page content, all to create the masterpiece put in front of you every month. My

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answer is simple - I want to help people. I hope each month at least one reader is inspired to reach out to

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an organization in need of hands or time. I hope that maybe someone found a resource they needed but didn’t know where to start to look. I hope that a reader’s day was brightened by an article about a heart-

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felt experience. There are so many ways to give of yourself to help others and there are resources to help you find a compatible volunteer opportunities. Our new columnist, Laura McKnight, will be explaining ways to get out there.We welcome Laura (mother, wife, successful businesswoman, and author) and look forward to gleaning what we can from her words of wisdom. Enjoy this 6th edition, inspire someone this month, and please always know that you can write me anytime. I want to hear your story ideas and comments.

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Sharna Rittmaster I wish you a great month!!

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Contributing Editor Ph: 913-890-3133 editor.op@goicare.com

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June is upon us and it seems the year is flying by much too quickly! As I'm sure lom e Sha t Villag 23rd Stree 1 . W 2 0 7 0 55 66-84 913-2

you've noticed, CARES has continued to grow as we learn more and more about the wonderful nonprofits in our community. For our June issue we have some great event coverage from our members as well as some wonderful new articles. Do you have an idea for an article? Do you know of a great nonprofit that you would like to see in CARES? We really want to hear from you! Please email us at editor.op@goicare.com to share your ideas. There are some great photos in this issue sharing the events that happened in May. Take note of the upcoming events on our calendar and don't miss out! As always, we love story ideas, photos of events, articles of hope and feedback from our readers. If you have something you would like to share, please

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do so! The Kansas City Metro area has so many wonderful nonprofits and events happening that we need your help to make sure we don't miss anything! If you don't see your event on our calendar, please email us at events@goicare.com to get added to the magazines event calendar each month. We want to hear from you!

Amy Michael

Here's to a beautiful and sunny June!

Publisher

Metro Highlights Paws for Freedom Take a moment to think about someone in your life you depend on. Maybe that someone is your best friend. Now imagine if that someone has fur, a tail, four legs and wears a cape! Service dogs provide constant companionship and increased independence for their recipients. Did you know that there’s a service dog nonprofit named Paws for Freedom, Inc. (PFF) in Leavenworth county? PFF’s mission is to help children with disabilities help people with disabilities. Students with learning disabilities are taught how to train service dogs for people who use wheelchairs. The dogs are taught to open and close doors, retrieve items, and turn lights on and off. It generally takes two years to train a service dog. The dogs can continue to learn additional tasks after they are matched and graduate. Most of our service dog recipients use wheelchairs. Our student trainers all attend Horizon Academy, a private school in Roeland Park, KS for children with learning disabilities. For eight years, PFF has had a partnership with Horizon to provide an after school program called S.T.A.R.T. Club. It stands for Student Trainer and Retriever Teams. The dogs go to school for one hour a day, five days a week. Once a week, the dogs go on a public outing. Each student trainer is paired with a dog for the school year and is responsible for grooming and training. The student trainers receive animal assisted therapy through training the dogs. Dogs are nonjudgmental and do not mind if a person has any sort of disability. They are eager to discover what pleases their trainer and then do just that. The student trainers’ self esteem and communication skills

pawsforfreedom.org

improve during the school year, and they gain skills for future employment, such as dependability and the ability to follow directions. If you are interested to help PFF, we have several different ways to do so! Do you know someone who might benefit from having a service dog? Tell them about us! We’re always accepting service dog applications! If you’re interested to work with the dogs in training, we have a volunteer program. We are happy to receive donations via our website as well as donated items. We have a wish list on our website. Come to one of our fundraisers! We have an upcoming online auction from July 8-17, 2013 on www.biddingforgood.com. Last, but not least, come to our annual service dog graduation in Overland Park, KS at the end of June! Check our Facebook page for details! PFF cannot move forward without the help of volunteers. As you can see, there are various ways to make a difference. PFF’s website is www.pawsforfreedom.org and we have a Facebook page. We are located in Tonganoxie, Kansas. Our phone number is 913-208-6326.

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month Men’s Health Awareness Month starts this month in June. Every year there is a growing trend in how the health and lifestyles of men continue to worsen. A study performed in 2011 stated that 76% of men in the United States are considered overweight according to the Weight-control Information Network (WIN). There are an awful lot of reasons. Men's lifestyle is problematic in terms that men smoke and drink more than women, and eat less healthily. Men tend to believe that we need to reach for the big steak and loaded potato or have an extra beer when hanging out with the guys.These actions tend to get us in the troubling numbers today. Obviously the major patterns we follow how men respond to worsening social conditions and unemployment is a major factor. For example, they are more likely to commit suicide. A great example was a study taken in 2009 that reported the highest levels of suicide for North American males. This was around the same time that the economy was suffering from failing businesses and the stock market. Mental stressors are growing factors that commonly go undetected as we tend not to complain as much and keep emotional factors inside. This one of the reasons heart attack and stroke are the two major factors for death amongst men 35years old and above.

A monthly column by

Jonathan Rios Laser Sharp Fitness M.S., B.S., Wellness Expert NASM, ISSA, Master CPT

Our next question is how can men take the turn to live a healthier and longer life? Government guidelines recommend that healthy adults take part in aerobic activity of moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes a

week or vigorous intensity for 75 minutes a week. Aerobic activity uses large muscles such as the legs and back and makes the heart beat faster. In addition, the guidelines recommend that people do activities that strengthen muscles (such as weight training or push-ups) at least twice a week. Some studies measure physical activity by people’s self-report of what they do. Other studies use a tool that records movement as it occurs. Researchers consider the studies using tools to be more accurate. A study conducted in 2003– 2004 that used this type of tool to measure physical activity found that only about 3 to 5 percent of adults meet these recommendations. This is such a low number when looking at the whole picture of healthy men. A quick fitness assessment can determine your quality of health. Ask a Certified Personal Trainer for such a test to set goals of improving your overall health. Making healthy food choices is the most important factor when it comes to what the average male eats. We have searched and found the top unhealthiest foods that cause so many health issues. 1) Heated, deep fried fats and oils are all toxic despite good taste these aren't naturally found in food and they interfere with certain essential oils. They raise the bad cholesterol. Nearly all store-bought baked goods are made with shortening. Contrary to popular belief, butter is better than margarine. 2) White refined flour and most pasta because the bran and germ that are removed from such items are amazingly good sources of minerals and vitamins. They lack the essential nutrients, even after enrichment. Better to stick with whole grain products because white refined flour and storebought pasta are linked to an increase in heart disease. 3) White rice, no, this does not mean to completely avoid eating white rice. However, brown rice does have nutrients that can't be found in white rice. One can possibly mix white and brown rice together for a great combination of flavor. 4) Sugar (white and brown), molasses and soft drinks. What we may not be so aware of is that the fructose portion of refined sugar is a building block for cholesterol. Continue to make changes for a long and healthy life as we all would like to see Dad around for the next Father’s Day. Have a question or topic you’d like to see covered? Email Jonathan at rios.a.jonathan@gmail.com

Little & Big: Family for Ever Twenty-four-years ago, I was an eight-year-old meeting my big sister Donna for the first time. As I sat across the table from her during that first meeting, I had little idea how much I needed and wanted Donna to be in my life. My mother was a single, full-time working parent of four and I was the youngest. She tried to divide her time among her job and children, but it just wasn’t enough of her to go around and she needed help. So, She contacted Big Brothers and Sisters. My relationship with Donna couldn’t have started at a better time. About a year after we were matched my oldest sister was diagnosed with cancer. During her illness, Donna was my sanctuary. She listened to my concerns, my worries and my fears. Spending time with her allowed me to be a kid, for brief moments I wasn’t drowning in pain and sadness for my dying sister. Throughout those years Donna was my rock. She always made time for us, from simple things such as going for a walk or introducing me to museums, art, and live theater. She unconditionally loved, supported and encouraged me as I

of Greater Kansas City

grew into a teenager and I know I didn’t always make it easy. Two years after my sisters death I was 16, my mother moved to Colorado and I found myself alone in Missouri trying to figure out life. But I quickly realized that I was never alone. Donna and her whole family were always there for me. There are three specific things I learned from Donna : 1. Always say “thank you”. Recognize and appreciate others, and take nothing for granted. 2. Be proactive. If you want something you have to work hard, earn it, and you have to make the first step. 3. Believe in yourself. The words “I can’t” are for people who already given up. You can do anything you put your mind to. With Donna’s encouragement, I started Community College where I earned an academic scholarship to the same University Donna attended, Rockhurst University and I Graduated in 2006 with a Bachelors in Science. After Graduation, I moved to California and earned my Masters of Science in 2011.

Although I live in California, Donna and I talk a every couple of days, we talk about our days and week, what has happened and what we are planning for the future. We stayed together for all these years because we both contribute to our relationship and I think I speak for the both of us, sometimes she is my mother and mentor, always we are sisters and friends, but

then:

FOREVER we are FAMILY.

bbbskc.org now:

913 488-6495 8

It's All Good: 10 Ways to Make

Giving Fun by Laura Wells McKnight

Not long ago, I found myself wondering whether I was good enough. Not just wondering it every so often, like most of us probably do, but constantly. It started with wondering whether I was a good mother. I am sure this had something to do with the string of dinners where I had served my husband and children dry cereal and not much more. “How many times can you make cereal for dinner and still qualify as a good mother?” That was one of the questions I started asking myself. Along with “I wonder what it really takes to be a good mother?” But I did not stop there. I started thinking about all of the other roles I play in my life and whether I was any good at any of those. A good sister? A good daughter? A good friend? A good employee? A socially responsible citizen doing good for the world? Was I a good anything? A good everything? Was I a good girl? All very good questions. At least I thought so. Or maybe I was just feeling bad about serving so much cereal for dinner.

Laura Wells McKnight is an author, entrepreneur and leading expert in philanthropy. She lives in Leawood, Kansas with her husband and five daughters.

According to the Giving USA Foundation™ and its research partner, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, Americans give a total of nearly $300 billion in donations each year to over a million registered charities and religious organizations. Individuals, including family foundations and bequests, account for 88 percent of giving, with other foundations and corporate giving making up the rest. Despite the large numbers, tax-deductible giving to registered charities and religious organizations as a percentage of GDP has held steady at roughly 2 percent for nearly four decades. That doesn’t mean giving is on the decline, though. Quite the contrary. Doing good is everywhere. And it is increasing. Positive social change is on the minds of most Americans. About halfway through my research project, I started making a list of all the ways a person can do good. Here’s what I came up with: s Giving money to a charity of choice, directly or through a foundation. s Volunteering in the community.

In any case, the questions stuck. And I was especially interested in the whole idea of doing good. “Think of all the ways a person can do good,” I said to myself one day. “You can give money to your favorite charity. Or volunteer your time to a favorite cause. Or you can recycle and help keep the environment sustainable. Or serve on your neighborhood association board or a committee at school. You can even buy products that support a cause. And care for people in need. And care for yourself and for your family.” That’s when I stopped. And I smiled. It was all good! Doing good. Self-defined. I liked it. I liked it a lot!

s Recycling and respecting a sustainable environment.

So I kept going with my research. And I made a few interesting discoveries. For instance, I discovered that doing good no longer seemed to be the exclusive domain of philanthropy and charitable organizations. Indeed, Americans are casting a much wider net, celebrating doing good in its many forms.

s Sharing with others, including fellow employees and their families.

s Serving on civic boards and committees. s Celebrating favorite causes by supporting and attending community events. s Marketing with a focus on a charitable cause. s Purchasing products and services that include a charitable element. s Donating inventory, or collecting necessities to give to people in need, such as canned goods or used clothing.

s Caring for health, a commitment to wellness and physical fitness, gratitude, self-worth and self-expression. (continued on page 21) 9

The ladies of GiRL Inc. received trophies from Absolute Awards (Overland Park, Kansas) and had an awesome self awareness session with what we are naming “The Village.”

Thank you to our Sponsors:

s Kansas City Metro Cares Magazine s Mary-Kay: Michlah Hamadani s The Hair Room: Rashida Bonds (Stylist) s Glam Hair Culture: Tonesia Woods (Stylist) s Minnesota Avenue Printing (Kansas City, Kansas) s Walmart

The Old Navy Eyelet Dress: Fit and Flare silhouette meaning it's snug to just below the ribs and flares at the waist. Add on a skinny jacket and a cardi or jean jacket for the perfect look! Old Navy Everday Khaki Shorts available in 3 1/2" and 5" paired with a VariegatedStripe Sequined Tees and layered with a modal tami.

OUTSTANDING ACADEMICS

More often than not, many students receive a trophy for an athletic achievement. On April 27, 2013, GiRL Inc. and others decided to highlight nineteen young ladies on their ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS. On average, the eighth grade ladies from KIPP Endeavor Academy had a combined GPA of 3.7. This is something to make a fuss about…so we did! Eighteen young ladies participated in a photo shoot that highlighted their inner and outer beauty. Being aware of self molds an individual for the future.

girlkc.com

Please give a STANDING OVATION to the following students of GiRL Inc. for an academic job well done: Trionah Thomas, Jha'Ve'A Dunlap, Akeeyla Goldsby, Kiandra Hobley, Hope Williams, Martha Goe, Jayla Mosley, Kaylee Jameson, My'Kala Cobbins, GerShawna Cutchlow, Joslyn Hill, Conny Landaverde, Lizbeth Ortiz, Bonjeanae Lloyd, Hakima Jones, Gift Tarley, Kourtney Cunningham, Justina Wilkins, Julisha Wilkins

STANDING OVATION

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The Drown Out Cancer Foundation was started in March of 2013 by Dr. Tyghe Nielsen three years after he was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer himself. As a former college swimmer himself, it dawned on him while he was swimming one day in January that there wasn’t, to his knowledge, a predominant swimming event or organization that was set up to raise money for cancer research and treatment. After losing a friend with the same diagnosis in January, Tyghe felt the timing was right to start a foundation that used the sport of swimming and swim-a-thons to raise money for cancer research. Approximately three months after the idea hit him, Drown Out Cancer hosted their first annual swim-a-thon on April 27th in Lawrence, KS followed by the “Second Wind Event” that evening at Wil Jenny’s restaurant in Overland Park, KS. Approximately 80 swimmers took part in the event and combined they all swam a total of 2,346 laps, or put another way, almost 66 miles! The first year’s event raised almost $65,000, which will go to the benefit of the University of Kansas Cancer Center as well as the Kanzius Foundation. www.kanziuscancerresearch.org Drown Out Cancer would like to thank The University of Kansas Women’s Swimming Team as well as all the other swimmers who participated for helping make the first annual event a great success!

Drown Out Cancer would also like to thank Travis Marvin for performing at Wil Jenny’s and all the individuals and local companies who donated items or services as auction items which helped raised additional funds for the event. Please visit our website at www.drownoutcancer.com for more information. Pictures are as follows:

1: KU Womens Swim Team 2: Ansley Ross, Stanton Ross 3: Greg Kristoff and son 4: Tyghe Nielsen and Conor Zinnecker 5: Greg Kristoff and Oliver Nielsen 6: Conor Zinnecker and Oliver Nielsen 7: Oliver Nielsen, Conor Zinnecker, Jim Loeffelbein 8: Stanton Ross, Todd Hlasney, Tyghe Nielsen

9: Val Criswell, Judy Waechter, Herb Martin 10: Karin Nielsen, Jeff Meyer, Tyghe Nielsen, 11: Amy Blackwell, Nick Nielsen, Karin Nielsen, Tyghe Nielsen, Cara Kubler, Greg Kubler, Oliver Nielsen, Kim Harland, Marc Harland 12: not sure 13: Tyghe Nielsen, Oliver Nielsen 14: Oliver Nielsen

drownoutcancer.com

Since 2010, Budweiser has raised more than $5 million for the Folds of Honor Foundation and provided more than 1,000 educational scholarships to the families of soldiers killed or disabled in service. Twenty-one of these scholarships have been awarded in the Greater Kansas City area. In 2013, for every case of Budweiser sold from May 5 to July 4, the brand will make a donation up to $1 million to the Folds of Honor Foundation. To kick off the program, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation is donating an additional $500,000, with a total of $1.5 million possible for Folds of Honor. "The Folds of Honor Foundation gives back, through scholarships and other assistance, to the families of soldiers wounded or fallen while serving their country," said Lori Shambro, director of Budweiser. "This is why Budweiser has supported this great organization for the last several years and why, once again, buying Budweiser will benefit military families through the Fourth of July holiday." Each Budweiser (including draught) sold between May 5 and July 4 will trigger a donation, including some new items now hitting store shelves. These new items include: â&#x20AC;˘ Budweiser's limited-edition red, white and blue packaging. This year's patriotic packaging will start appearing in stores later this month and will be available in 12 oz bottles and a variety of can sizes (12 oz, 16 oz, 24 oz). The patriotic theme continues on secondary packaging for all of the top-selling configurations, including 6-packs, 12-packs, 24-packs and other popular sizes. â&#x20AC;˘ A unique bowtie-shaped can (available in a new, not-previouslyoffered 8 pack) that will be available on May 6. "No matter what the package color, shape or size: America's beer supports America's heroes because from May to July, buying Budweiser benefits military families," Shambro said. "Our partnership with Folds of Honor is helping to make a difference in the lives of families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all hold so dear." This is one component in a series of activations Budweiser has in store for its 2013 "red, white and blue summer" initiative. As part of this program, the Budweiser Clydesdales will visit military bases across the United States during a series of barbecues to celebrate the men and women in the U.S. armed forces.Additional activations will be announced at a later date. Help support those who have served. Grab a cold Budweiser now through Independence Day and ensure no family is left behind in the field of battle. Sponsored by:

By Dianna Sinni, Healthy Eating Specialist at 119th Street Whole Foods Market Contact: Dianna.sinni@wholefoods.com

Starting from a young age, we are taught the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. These plant foods play a vital role in our health, providing vitamins, minerals, fiber and powerful phytonutrients with antioxidant properties. Fruits and veggies nourish every cell in our body, aid in healthy weight management, and protect us against chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Yet, we probably aren’t eating enough! It’s no secret that knowing how many fruits and veggies to eat can be confusing. We are told to eat around 5-9 servings a day as an adult and around 3-5 for children depending on their age, but we aren’t quite sure what that actually looks like or if we are getting enough. Who actually counts their servings a day, anyway? The simplest way to ensure you (and your children!) are getting enough is to make half of your plate, at every meal, full of fruits and veggies. Think about your most recent meal, did you get this much? If the only vegetable you ate today was the lettuce on top of your cheeseburger, don’t fret. There is no use in feeling guilt for what was or wasn’t eaten; recognize that healthy eating isn’t an act of perfection. Eating right is a journey, and luckily we have the ability to direct that journey with each bite we choose to take. No one fruit or vegetable is better than any other. Eat a wide variety of fruits and veggies to maximize nutrition, like “eating the rainbow”. Bright reds and oranges offer us beta-carotene, a mighty antioxidant and precursor to Vitamin A, which protects our night vision and skin. Dark leafy greens are full of Vitamin C, iron, and Vitamin K for important blood clotting and immune boosting functions. Don’t forget about fiber, found in the skins and peels of our produce, which helps to slow the release of sugar into our bloodstream thus providing stable energy, makes us feel fuller for longer, and supports a healthy digestive tract. Think about what you eat like any financial decision: will this offer me the most “bang for my bite”?

Tips for Buying and Eating More Fruits and Veggies: • Grow a garden. Gardening is a great way to cut down on costs, enjoy time outdoors being physically active, and encourage healthy eating for younger generations. Grow in containers on your front porch, turn your landscape into something edible, build a raised bed, or join a community garden. • Shop the farmer’s markets. You’ll not only be helping your budget, but supporting local farmers and helping to reduce your carbon footprint! If you see something new and unfamiliar, ask to taste it first or for preparation suggestions. This is a great place to find a new favorite veggie and connect with our local food system on a personal level! • Utilize your freezer. Fresh produce, especially when out of season, can be costly. Not to mention, produce can easily go bad if not used within days of purchasing. Buy onions and carrots in bulk, chop right away, and freeze. Buy berries on sale and freeze for the winter months. Shop for fruits and veggies regularly in the freezer section. • Swap recipes. Maybe you’re tired of your usual vegetable side dish or haven’t moved over to the kale side yet? Swap recipes or host a potluck with family, friends, or neighbors for new ideas to keep your meals fresh and tasty. You might even find a new favorite (food or friend)! 14

Volunteer Spotlight: Jake Jacobson by: Sharna Rittmaster

Where do you volunteer? I’m on the Leadership Council for the Arthritis Foundation, the Kansas City Board of Directors for the National MS Society, and the Brand Advancement Council for the Greater Kansas City YMCA. I also volunteer for various nonprofit organizations as Steering Chair of the Centurions Leadership Program through the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

How long have you been active volunteering? Volunteering was a part of being active in my church and 4-H when I was young, though the time spent doing so has increased exponentially the past few years. The Centurions Leadership Program has been a huge catalyst, and those project hours and the relationships bolstered by them have been a highlight of my participation in the program.

Why do you choose to volunteer? Growing up in a family that was very focused on the community, I learned at an early age that giving time, talent and energy was often more rewarding – for both the volunteer and the beneficiary – than simply writing a check and walking away. Now as a member of Centurions, I’ve been introduced to countless organizations, causes and events that can use a helping hand to be able to fulfill their mission of helping those in need around Kansas City. It’s remarkable to see how so many people’s lives can be enriched when a few volunteers share a couple hours of their time. And we never know when the roles could be reversed and today’s volunteers could be tomorrow’s recipients of aid.

How does volunteering affect you personally? Selfishly, I walk away from every meeting, project or event reenergized for everything else I do, with new or stronger friendships with remarkable people. All it takes is one story about a child diagnosed with arthritis, or a conversation with someone battling MS, or a family looking for ways to fight childhood obesity, and you realize how blessed you are in your own life and how effortless it is to share a few hours of your week. So as cliché as it may sound, I echo every person who has ever said, “I gain more from volunteering than they could ever gain from me.”

More specifically, what do you enjoy the most from helping your organizations? I’m extremely fortunate to enjoy a very active lifestyle – running, cycling, hiking, traveling – and the Arthritis Foundation and National MS Society remind me how many people struggle with the mobility that many of us take for granted. Raising money and awareness for these groups – through the Arthritis Foundation's two Jingle Bell Run events as well as Bike MS – gives me a chance to parlay my passion for these activities into meaningful results for those who need the services these organizations provide. Similarly, the YMCA introduces today’s younger generation to a healthy lifestyle, and that’s where I focus my efforts when supporting the organization. What are you most passionate about in the community? Greater Kansas City is an amazing place to live, and I want to use communication, education and a focus on a healthy, active lifestyle to better connect our residents and give them a reason to be proud of KC. We focus many of our efforts on marketing Kansas City to visitors and the rest of the region and nation, and I’d love to see our residents band together to become our biggest advocates. The organizations I work with all strive to build a stronger, healthier community that helps its neighbors. I try to use my positive energy and enthusiasm to inspire and connect others to make a great place to live even better.

From your experience, what are some major benefits to getting involved in the community? Getting engaged in the community increases your sense of pride – and responsibility – for everything that happens around you. Since getting involved with Centurions and these great nonprofits, it’s nearly impossible to turn a blind eye to the needs of the community. It’s a profound effect that results in celebration for your city’s highs and frustration for the lows, and a desire to join the efforts on both ends of the spectrum. And as someone who loves tapping into the energy and ideas of others – while doing my best to share mine – the people I’ve met through these organizations have become some of my closest friends. What else do you enjoy in your spare time? Hobbies? In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, traveling and anything else social where I can spend time with my wife, Jocelyn, and our friends. On the rare nights where I don’t have meetings or commitments, Jocelyn and I love to unplug, go for a walk or ride around the neighborhood and cook a great meal and bake fun desserts. Simple stuff, really.

What is the Value of a Friend? :\UÅV^LY /V\ZL ZH`Z ¸7YPJLSLZZ ¹ Each one of us can think about a special friend in our life and will probably come up with a common list of character traits. LOYALTY: you can always count on them being on your side SENSITIVITY: understanding the thoughts and feelings of others SUPPORT: a true friend will help you become the person you want to be and know how to help you through a problem

Sunflower House has the opportunity to display loyalty, sensitivity and generosity through service for perhaps the most vulnerable among us – child victims of abuse. The Friends of Sunflower House play a large role in promoting Sunflower House and spreading the important message of protecting children from child abuse in our community through various awareness-raising and fund-raising events throughout the year.

GENEROSITY: with both their time and money and won’t hesitate to help you when needed A friend is someone who displays an unselfish regard or devotion for another person, which is the definition of altruism, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary. This kind of character trait is not only found in a good friend, but also in a good volunteer. Those that have been a member of Sunflower House’s volunteer group, the “Friends of Sunflower House” over the years, are shining examples of this kind of altruism. A Friend of

By volunteering your time as a “Friend of Sunflower House” you have the opportunity to be a friend to a child through your loyalty, sensitivity, support and generosity. If you are interested, visit www.sunflowerhouse.org to find out how to get involved.

Missouri Far Ahead of Kansas in Requirements for Autism Insurance Coverage By Lesa Childers If you’re an economically stable middleclass American who has decided to have children, you’ve probably made the decision with some assumptions in mind, whether you’re 100% conscious of it or not. One of those assumptions probably looks something like this: “I have good health insurance for my family. In the unlikely event my child needs intensive medical care, it will be covered by my insurance.” You might have a child without a spouse, without owning a home, without living in a particularly great school district. But bringing a child into the world without health insurance as a safety net? Few among us want to walk that precarious path. Imagine this scenario: Your child has just turned two, and she is significantly developmentally delayed. After six months of painful evaluations, periodic moments of denial, and a lot of heartache, you finally have an answer. “Your child has an autistic disorder,” the doctor tells you. “But there’s reason to be hopeful. It’s still early. With intensive early treatment, your child will have a better chance at succeeding in a mainstream classroom and living something like a normal life.” You dive into learning about early intervention -the 25 to 40 hours of week of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy prescribed by your developmental pediatrician, who has years of experience with kids on the autism spectrum. It’s time for the phone call with the insurance company to discuss the autism benefit that, of course, you must have. Half an hour and three insurance company representatives later, the awful truth sinks its teeth into you: ABA therapy is not covered. As impossible as it sounds, thousands of families affected by autism in the state of Kansas are facing exactly this scenario. The truth is they really don’t have health insurance -- or at any rate, no coverage for the medical treatment their child most desperately needs. Residents of the Kansas City Metro area are confronting sharply different realities for their children with autism, depending on which side of the state line they reside. Because of a law passed in 2010, residents on the Missouri side can count on up to $40,000 yearly of ABA and other intensive therapies for autism in their state-regulated insurance plans, but Kansas residents do not have this guarantee. In the 2013 session, for the second year in a row, the Kansas legislature failed to pass a mandate for ABA coverage in all state-regulated plans. Even though studies show that state budgets take a hit when insurance companies deny coverage (due to increased need for

special education and services for individuals with disabilities), Kansas legislators have chosen once again to side with insurance companies. Both the state and hardworking Kansas families are paying the price. Without the coverage and without deep pockets, families facing a recent diagnosis are left with very difficult choices. Jenny Regan, Community Relations at The Kansas City Autism Training Center, has witnessed some of these drastic measures. “We have had families drain their retirement savings or take out a second mortgage to pay for services. We have also seen parents enlist in active Uniformed Service to obtain the ABA coverage offered through the U.S. military.” The Kansas City Autism Training Center joins the local autism community in calling for autism insurance reform in the state of Kansas. One in 88 children in America is diagnosed with autism, and the CDC now estimates that the numbers may be even higher. This is greater than one percent of the population. Eventually the care of these individuals will rest on the shoulders of society at large; we all bear the responsibility of pushing for the early intervention they desperately need.

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Get Ready…Get Set… Go Network! by Alana Muller, President, Kauffman FastTrac

Networking. We hear how important it is to our personal and professional success, and, yet, our visceral reaction to the very word is often negative. We decline to put in the effort, we fear reaching out to others, and we shudder at walking into a large gathering on our own.

and add value for others, you will have no trouble building a solid professional network. Establish a Process. Determine an approach that will work for you and commit to it. I like to plan my days around three key meetingsone in the morning, one at midday and one in the afternoon. I call my structure, “Coffee Lunch Coffee.” This approach works for some;

That said, networking can be extremely enjoyable and rewarding, especially if we reframe our definition of networking. For me, networking is about connecting with other people, establishing community and deepening my sense of belonging. Networking is not just about finding a job, making a sale or gathering a collection of business cards. It is about establishing and building personal relationships for long-term, mutual benefit.

Steel Your Attitude. Decide that you are a great networker and you will be! Though the idea of networking can be daunting, the rewards you reap from the experience will pay big dividends. By going in with a confident, positive, optimistic disposition, ready to help

Prepare. Think about people you already know with whom you’d like to reconnect, people you know of in the community with whom you’d like to connect for the first time, or companies you’d like to get to know better. Then, gather some information. Thanks to readily accessible tools like LinkedIn profiles, company websites and other forms of social media, you can find plenty of information with minimal time and effort. By doing just a bit of research, you can capitalize on the time spent with your contacts and make your meetings more productive for both of you. So, are you ready? Recall (and even rehearse) your story, steel your attitude, establish a process, set a goal, prepare yourself… send an invitation to connect. Get ready…get set…go network!

The good news is that everyone can network—but everyone’s networking style will be somewhat unique. We all have the ability to build relationships, so that means you have the capacity to become a master networker! Here are a few pointers to help you get started: Know Your Story. It may seem obvious, but go into networking scenarios armed with an arsenal of your own key stories—those that describe who you are, what you do, what you believe in and how you operate. Think ahead about the information you want to share and how you wish to be perceived. This preparation will help you engage new contacts in meaningful, fruitful discussions.

days are a bit fuller, I strive for five to 10 per week. What’s your magic number? It starts with just one. Who is the first person with whom you will connect?

Watch an informational video, “Open to Networking,” part of the Kauffman Sketchbook series for more tips on developing your relationship base. The video can be viewed at http://ow.ly/kO1zg.

others have a different take. For example, you may decide that you prefer to schedule your networking meetings in the evenings after traditional office hours. Set a Goal. How many new people will you seek to develop relationships with each day, week, month or year? When I first started building my network, I aimed for 15 new or renewed connections each week; now that my

Alana Muller is President of Kauffman FastTrac, a global provider of training to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, giving them the tools, resources and networks to start and grow successful businesses. Kauffman FastTrac was created by the Kauffman Foundation. Alana is the author of a book, Coffee Lunch Coffee: A Practical Field Guide for Master Networking and a companion blog, CoffeeLunchCoffee.com. She is a frequent lecturer and workshop facilitator on topics such as networking, entrepreneurship and women in business. She has been a contributor to Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, CNBC and other publications.

Alana Muller

Alana has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago, where she was the recipient of the Mike and Karen Herman Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship, and an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Smith College. She was recognized as a 2012 Influential Woman by KC Business magazine. Follow her on Twitter at @AlanaMuller.

fasttrac.org 19

Mitzvah Day at Temple Bnai Jehudah

Mitzvah Day (at Temple Bnai Jehudah) is a concerted effort, on a single day to bring the entire congregation together to volunteer in the community and participate in the holy task of tikkun olam, repairing the world. Participants volunteer at various sites around the Greater Kansas City area. Some examples of the chosen projects include working in the KC Mitzvah Garden, preparing meals to be served at Independence Blvd

It’s All Good: 10 Ways to Make

Giving Fun by Laura Wells McKnight

(continued from page 9) I also discovered that women are particularly generous. The Giving USA FoundationTM reported in 2011 that 95.5 percent of female heads of households who earn more than $103,000 annually give to charity, compared with 75.8 percent of men at the same income level, and the average annual giving by those women is $1,910 versus $984 for the men. Even though women typically earn less than men, have less money in retirement and outlive their spouses, women are nevertheless still more likely to give--and give more--to charity than men at all income levels. It was all so interesting! And it was all so good. So I kept going, researching, writing and eventually starting a company to celebrated good at home and in the workplace.

Church and Olathe Food Ministry, entertaining the residents of area nursing homes and assisting with fix-up projects at KC Hospice House, Ronald McDonald House and Community Link. Julian L (age 8) helped others make flower pots and visited residents at various nursing homes. He said, of visiting the Sweet Life, “I thought it was nice to help elderly people, and it was fun to sing to them”.

And then it all came full circle. Not long after I dreamed up my list of 10 ways to do good, I found myself face to face with the good mother question again. Literally. I was visiting with a wonderful woman at a business lunch. She was describing the pumpkin pancakes she had made her kids for breakfast that morning. Naturally this mother looked like a cross between a supermodel and a Disney princess, and she was really nice, too, which made her all the more threatening. I listened to her reallife fairy tale in awe. Pumpkin pancakes, I thought. Wow. My kids eat cereal. Every day. And it’s not pumpkin cereal, either. But if they sold pumpkin cereal, I swear I would buy it. “At least I have the best intentions of being a good mother,” I said to my husband that evening when I told him the story. “Maybe that counts.” And I am sure it does. Good mother, good daughter, good sister and doing good for others. In the ways that mean the most to you. See? Doing good really is best when it is self-defined. Laura Wells McKnight is an author, entrepreneur and leading expert in philanthropy. She lives in Leawood, Kansas with her husband and five daughters. 21

iCare iCar eP Pack Package a ge e By Bonnie Swade

Have you ever thought about the people you pass and smile when walking on the street or stand next to at a grocery store might belong to a group called the walking wounded? No, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have crutches, are not in wheel chairs and do not have any other apparent physical problems. These people are a part

Stay S tay Connected Connected d Join o our ur iiCare Care w weekly eekl y e-blasts e-blas ts wh where here w we e ffocus ocus local charity on a loca al ch arity or or c community ommunity n rrelated elated event. e vent.

of a fraternity who has experienced a loss of a loved one by suicide. Every 14.5 minutes there is a suicide. For every one suicide six people are affected. Suicide does not know any religious, demographic, financial or specific age group. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more people now die of suicide than in car accidents. Suicide Awareness Survivor Support, Missouri and Kansas, a 501c (3) offers opportunities to help survivors with their loss. Survivors feel stigmatized and often alone. Each year SASS-MoKan has a community walk and this year marks our tenth. The purpose of the walk is to unite survivors and honor the memory of their loved ones. The walk will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at Loose Park 51st and Wornall. Online registration is available at www. sass mokan.com or participants can register at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. The cost is $25, which includes a t-shirt, bag, and other items. All monies collected stays in the Kansas City area to help area suicide survivor support groups and provide a Holiday Memorial Service and Healing Day. Please mark your calendar for this important event. For information and questions e-mail bonnie@sass-mokan and find out how to be a sponsor. Suicide should be everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business. Make it yours!

www.sass-mokan.com 22

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Follow Vanessa ... Monthly Advice Column

KC Metro CARES

Amy HykenLande,Lscsw , Lcsw

Dear Amy: I am a teacher and a parent dealing with the issue of bullying (with my own child, and my students). Can you provide some simple steps on how kids can deal with a bully? Thanks, Mrs. Jill (3rd grade teacher, mother of two) Dear Jill: This question was timed perfectly, as I recently facilitated two groups on Bullying at a private school. First, it helps to understand the “goal” of the bully. A child bully’s to feel better about themselves (by making other kids feel worse). It may be for control, power, or social acceptance; the key is to not let them receive that kind of satisfaction. Sadly, some kids bully because they have been victims of bullying or they are being bullied at home. Teach your kiddos the following “steps” to deal with a bully. If one of the “steps” does not work, go to the next; • Ignore the bully if you can (“brick wall” them). Be as “cool as a cucumber” and just walk away. • Don't cry, get angry, or show that you're upset. That's the bully's goal. Even if you're feeling really hurt, don't let it show. You can talk about or write down your reactions later. • Respond to the bully with confidence and be assertive (not aggressive). Example: "Leave me alone now." • Turn a negative comment into a joke. Diffuse the situation with humor. • Turn and walk away, or run (in the case of physical aggression). Remove yourself from the situation, preferable to a place where an adult is present. • If you're being called names or teased, pretend to be your favorite “Super Hero”.You have a cape of steel on, and every time a bully calls you a name, pretend that it bounces off your cape and bounces back to the bully. • If the Bullying continues, and it feels beyond your child’s control, they need to be able to tell a safe adult. • Keep in mind that you are not the one with the problem. It's the bully who has the problem. Also, don’t be a “bystander…speak up if you see someone being bullied. If the bullying consists of any physical violence (or serious verbal threats) , report it to the proper authorities.

Live, love, laugh and be present! 23

“Give a BIG thank you to the Boy Scouts and whomever else took part in cleaning up the Indian Creek Trail on Saturday. Glad to see trash gone and graffiti painted over“, an Olathe resident sent to Olathe Parks and Recreation Department shortly after the Annual Red-Tailed Hawk District Community Day of Service. South Central Johnson County, Kansas Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers spent the morning of April 13, 2013 cleaning and sprucing up the area in and around the Indian Creek Streamway. Cleaning up all of the trash that had accumulated plus anything that had floated from the Indian Creek headwaters near 159th and Ridgeview to Frontier Park, just north of 135th/Santa Fe between Mur-Len and Blackbob Streets was a large undertaking for any group, nonetheless, the Scouts did it with cheerful smiles on their faces. The scope of volunteers this year consisted of 325 Scouts, 61 siblings and 278 adults.

artists. Several Cub Scout Packs adopt parks close to their sponsoring grade schools by cleaning the playgrounds and added mulch throughout the parks. The first year of Indian Creek Streamway cleanup, the Scouts and Scouters brought nine dump trucks full of trash out of the creek. This year the total amount of trash has been reduced to two dump trucks. Michael Samms, Red-Tailed Hawk District Activities Chair, stated, “It was not a disappointment to only bring out only two trucks worth of trash. Having the Scouts clean the creek and provide some much needed park maintenance is our continuous community service to Olathe.” Jonathan Geiger, Red-Tailed Hawk District Director, commented, “Taking care of the environment is one of core ideals within Scouting. As the premier youth organization in America and around the world, these youth will be able to take this service and build upon it to improve the decisions they will make later in life.” Red-Tailed Hawk District Community Day of Service is part of the Heart of America Council, BSA; overall commitment to give back to the communities the council serves in the Kansas City metro area. Heart of America Council is one of the largest youth serving organizations in the Kansas City metro area. The projects the council undertook included restocking food pantries to many community park projects on both sides of the state line.

As anyone in Kansas City knows, this spring has been anything but normal. In past years, the scouts have had weather in the 60s to clean Indian Creek and park maintenance, but hovering in the 40s did not deter Scouts from doing their Good Turn for the community that morning. Venturing Crew 2085 (the coed part of Boy Scouts) waded in Indian Creek to get trash and proudly showed off the shopping cart that was covered with mud they dragged out to be placed in the trash. Troops 85 and 315 spent the morning painting the walking and biking tunnels under Santa Fe Road and Mur-Len Road. These tunnels have been a favorite for graffiti

Red-Tailed Hawk District again is setting new standards for the amount of community service. Michael Samms and Ken Brown lead the district to give 1,730 hours to Olathe. That equals to over $38,000 worth of service based on national average of volunteer time. This brings the total dollar amount of service to Olathe at over $100,000 in the last few years. For photos of the event, go to: bit.ly/2013RTHCommDaySvc For slide show of the event, go to: bit.ly/2013RTHSvc For map of projects, go to: bit.ly/RTHDayofService

hoac-bsa.org

Ian

amazing kids doing amazing things!

This section is dedicated to our community active youth. I know that we have amazing children doing wonderful volunteer work here in Kansas City. I want to read about your rewarding experiences helping others! Send your stories to me at editor.op@goicare.com by the 5th of every month as a word document of 200 words and please include photos.

My name is Ian Roozrokh and I am a sophomore at Blue Valley North West. Over the past five years I have dedicated my time to the community. I am involved at Temple, Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nai Jehudah as a madrichim (teacher assistant) with helping school age children in the Sunday school classroom. I am also involved with Temple Youth Group as a Communications & Visuals Vice President. I have dedicated my time because I enjoy giving back to the community. I have just recently volunteered at the Jewish Community Center, applying my skills as an artist, on a community wide art project that will be on display at the Jewish Community Center. I have also volunteered my time at the Jewish Community Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Camp program as a camp counselor.

Last year I received the student presidential volunteer service award, through the Blue Valley School District, after dedicating over five hundred hours of community service work. I believe that doing the small things; in helping out our community can make a bigger impact on the lives I touch.

Masha

Hi, my name is Masha Lesslie and I am eighteen. I love pandas, funky outfits and tea. I am a student trainer with the START Club at Horizon Academy. START stands for Student Trainer and Retriever Teams. It is offered at Horizon Academy through a partnership with Paws for Freedom, Inc., a local nonprofit. We meet every day after school for an hour to train service dogs for people who use wheelchairs. I was paired with Ivan, a one-year-old yellow Lab. I groom, train and clean up after him. He is learning to turn lights on and off, retrieve items, and open and close doors for someone who needs him. He is cute, funny and very handsome. I love seeing him every day. Service dogs can really help people and they are very good company, too. Being a student trainer lets me work with dogs and help the community. When I grow up, I want to work with animals. 25

By David Renz, Director The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership • University of Missouri – Kansas City

Finding the Right Board for You You just received a call from one of your good friends. “I am just so excited! I have this great opportunity for you! There is this nonprofit I work with, and they need someone to serve on their board. And I told them about you! It’s going to be great – you just have to do this!! I know you’re going to love it!” Truth is, you’ve been thinking about joining a board. Some colleagues have said it would be good for your career, some friends have said they love their board service, and your best friend says you should join a board because you’re a natural-born leader. So you’re flattered and intrigued, but also a little concerned. What is this all about? And how do I decide whether I should do this? Among the most rewarding of volunteer roles is service on the governing board of a nonprofit organization. Often, board service allows you to really get to know and contribute to the success of an organization in a way that can be very rewarding. Sometimes, however, it can be just the opposite -- unrewarding and maybe even unpleasant. How do you know whether board service is a good idea and, more importantly, how do you decide which opportunity is right for you? Joining a board is like entering any relationship. There are many 26

different facets to consider and every situation is different. People who have served on multiple boards will tell you that no two boards are quite alike, and some are very different. So the experience you have will be different as well. Should you pursue this? Here are five sets of questions that we encourage every prospective board member to consider as they explore the merit of joining a board. Is this the right cause? Board service requires work and time, and it can become wearing if you lack energy for the cause. Successful board members have a compelling interest in the mission, vision, and programs of the organization. Do you have this kind of enthusiasm for the mission and people served by the organization? Is this the right organization? When you consider board service, it is essential to have a good sense of the organization the board serves. It starts with the mission, but it’s much more. Is the organization financially healthy? Does it have effective leadership and management? We ask not because you should join only boards of organizations that are healthy – we ask because you want to know the kinds of challenges and issues that you will address as a member of the board before you join. If an agency

has significant challenges, you need to know. It’s probably going to demand more of your time. And you will want to know what it will require in terms of knowledge, skills, or other resources you could bring. You also want to know whether the organization is respected by its clients, funders, and the community. Is it viewed as credible, honest, and making a difference? When you join a board, you begin to create a link between your reputation and theirs. And if there are big problems, is this an organization that is worth your trouble? Is this the right kind of board? It’s also important to have a good sense of how the board itself is organized and operates. There is much variation in the board world so be careful about your assumptions. Some boards meet rarely, others quite often; some for short meetings and others for hours at a time. Some work only as a full board, but many use committees. Does their design work for you? The nature of the board’s work is significant too. Some boards (especially in larger organizations) focus on policy and strategy and do not get involved in doing the actual work of the organization, other boards (especially for community and grassroots organizations) are more hands-on and involved in certain aspects of the organization’s operations. I dislike the phrase “working board” because it implies that other boards do no work, but when someone invites you to join a “working board” they really are telling you that you will be expected to be involved in some agency operations. And for those situations, you need to know which operations you will need to be involved in (and do you want to work on these activities)? There also is a lot of variation among boards when it comes to group dynamics. It’s useful to know who will be on the board with you and how well they work together. Is this a board that has a healthy team dynamic or is it a group of “loners?” Is there often tension and conflict among members, or factions of members? Here too, our recommendation is not to try to avoid tough boards but to understand in advance what you may be joining. It can be useful to attend a couple board meetings before you decide so you can see for yourself what meetings are like and how members interact. Is this the right time? Another facet of a great board match involves timing. It is useful to know how young or well-developed the organization is. Young start-up organizations need different kinds of help than do long-standing ones. Some people love to be involved in new start-ups that are inventing the path, yet others prefer organizations and boards that have well-established routines and activities. Which are you? Which best describes the organization and board that you are considering? Closely linked to these questions is the matter of your own personal situation and how well it matches the needs of the board. If

you join a board that is going to need a lot of work and you have a new job and a young family that require a fair amount of time, you’re probably going to find your board experience a difficult one. If the demands are going to be too inconsistent with the time you have to offer, it’s best to pass up this opportunity. What do I need and want from my board service? It also is important to consider your own interests and needs and assess honestly how well a board opportunity aligns with them. One part of the question is what you have to offer, and another part is what you want to offer. A board may need financial expertise and you may be a CPA, but do you want to do financial work for your volunteer service? Maybe you do. Or maybe you want a chance to develop some other skills and abilities. When prospecting for a board, you should first know what you seek from the experience. Among the most common motivations for service on boards are the opportunity to give back, the opportunity to make connections, interest in serving particular client groups (e.g., to help urban core children, or help children with special needs), or opportunities for personal growth (e.g., new knowledge, abilities, leadership experience). Take care to understand what is appropriate and what may not be. For example, it’s appropriate to join a board so you can meet other people who have similar interests and care about the same cause. It’s not appropriate to join a board so you can try to get the inside track on selling goods or services to the organization. You need to have a good understanding of what you wish to gain as well as give and start your board experience with a reasonable understanding of what is possible. Some of the most unhappy board members are those who join with a particular goal in mind, only to find there is no chance they ever will be able to achieve it.

“Board service requires

work and time, and it can become wearing if you lack energy for the cause”

When it’s a great match, nonprofit board service is among the most rewarding of all nonprofit roles. And when it’s not, it can be very frustrating. But the tools are in your hands! It’s up to you to take the lead in weighing the options and setting the stage for a great experience. And if the opportunity you see today is not a great match, just keep looking. With several thousand nonprofits in the Kansas City region, there is no reason to limit yourself. And when you do find the right match, you will love it! (Looking for a great board match? Check out the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership’s Board Bank at www.mcnl.org.)

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Â&#x2039; :H[\YKH`Z PU 1\UL c ! HT Overland Park Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market. For more then 30 years, vendors have been providing farm, fresh and local products to the community at the Overland Park Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market located on Marty Street, between 79th & 80th streets. Â&#x2039; 1\UL Science Fiction Writers Workshop. Learn how to write Science Fiction that sells from professional authors! Using the short-story form, we help you master the elements that create great stories. Since 1985. Contact (785) 864-2518 or cmckit@ku.edu for more information Â&#x2039; 1\UL A Comprehensive Approach to Breast Cancer Screening at the University of Kansas Medical Center. The Richard and Annette Block Cancer Care Pavilion 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Westwood KS. Â&#x2039; 1\UL c HT Free Fishing, boating & archery weekend! Take advantage of this annual permit-free weekend for fishing, boating (Shawnee Mission Heritage and Kill Creek Parks only), and archery (Shawnee Mission Park only). This coincides with the State of Kansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Free Fishing and Park Entrance Daysâ&#x20AC;?. For more information call (913) 888-4713 Â&#x2039; 1\UL The Color Run | Kansas City, MO at Arrowhead Stadium. The only question is, Are you ready for the craziest, colorful, 5k of your life? You bet you are. Race it solo or form a Color Team. Check out more race details at thecolorrun.com & well see you all squeaky clean at the start line. Â&#x2039; 1\UL The KC Guns N Hoses Benefit Ride is a Police escorted motorcycle ride that takes place annually on the first Saturday of June. This benefit ride is to raise money to help KCM Firefighters and Police officers families who are in need financially due to unforeseen medical and health expenses. For more information email committee@kcgunsnhosesride.com Â&#x2039; 1\UL c WT Cass County ARC Blood Drive. Donation Type: BloodBloodBanker, Inc. is a blood plasma donation advocacy group where giving blood and donating plasma for money helps save many lives. Community can rate and review plasma and blood donation centers. Â&#x2039; 1\UL c HT Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. BloodBloodBanker, Inc. is a blood plasma donation advocacy group where giving blood and donating plasma for money helps save many lives. Community can rate and review plasma and blood donation centers. In Olathe, KS.

Â&#x2039; 1\UL 7th Annual On The Mover For Cancer 5K Run/Walk event. New this year, Chip timing! This is a timed race with prizes for male & female participants in different age brackets, but also a fun run/walk for those that want to support a great cause. Franklin County Cancer Foundation is a non profit 501c3 organization. All proceeds go to support Franklin County Cancer patients in need. Â&#x2039; 1\UL c HT Hy-Vee IronKids in Lawrence, KC. With over 50 events held on a global basis held each year, the mission of IronKids is to inspire and motivate youth through the sport to lead an active, positive, and healthy lifestyle. Â&#x2039; 1\UL c HT 2013 Walk to End Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Northeast KS. Registration and Pre-walk Festivities are at 9am, Opening Ceremony at 9:45am, 1 & 3 Mile Walks begin at 10am. Contact Cindy Miller at (785) 271-1844 for more information. Â&#x2039; 1\UL c WT genKC 5th Anniversary & Food Truck Festival! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrate with a Food Truck Festival. In June 2008, genKC kicked off with one of our biggest bashes to date in the City Market for our 5th anniversary. The Food Truck Association of KC is providing a diverse group of food trucks, from Mexican to Barbecue to Funnel Cakes. Event at the City Market in KCMO Â&#x2039; 1\UL c WT Snakes Alive! at Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater. Why is it that these creatures seem so terrifying? Could all the stories you have heard about snakes be true? See Kansas snakes as we explore the facts and fallacies of these legless wonders of the natural world. A charge of $2.75 per person helps cover the cost of the programs. Children 2 and under are free. For more information, call (913) 764-7759 Â&#x2039; 1\S` c WT Farmers & Food Artisans Road Tour!! Coming soon to Whole Food Market 6621 W. 119th St. Overland Park, KS 66209. There will be Balloon Artists, Live Music, Watermelon Eating Contest (2pm), The Photo Bus Photo Booth, Face Painting, Dunk Tank and Local Vendors sampling their amazing products! See you there!

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