Lori Davidson is a “go to” volunteer who applies her business skills in management, strategy, and marketing to meet the critical needs of an existing nonprofit. Lori balances time with family, friends and community, while also serving as a regular volunteer to provide marketing and program strategy leadership at Northwest Earth Institute, a Portland-based nonprofit organization.

Motivated by her concern for the environment and welfare of future generations, Lori is gripped by NWEI’s mission to inspire people to take responsibility for Earth.

Working with a strong Board and staff, Lori has found her niche to share hands on marketing skills while also mentoring and coaching the talented team to achieve its potential.

The first six months of Lori’s service focused on basic marketing “block and tackle” projects that are common in large business settings, but difficult for small organizations to put in place. Drawing on her expertise, she also helped NWEI develop a more sophisticated 12 month marketing vision to help achieve its strategic goals. As part of her service, she has also attended staff meetings, strengthened their social media platform, secured a communications grant, helped re-design an old program and launch a new one, and continues to mentor new staff.

In addition to the pride of investing in a cause close to her heart, Lori appreciates the opportunity to work side-by-side with a small and mighty team, comprised of mostly Millennials. “I love the energy and commitment from the team at NWEI. The staff are subject matter experts in environmental studies, and I’ve learned so much from them,” Lori comments. “And I know that I have been effective in my communications work because I often I hear staff members say something that I would have said!”

Lori’s Tips for Giving Forward

1. Helping others achieve their goals is inherently gratifying, just dip your toe in the water to find something you like. There are many resources to help you get started and to narrow it down.

2. Look for something that gives you energy, something that you care about. It’s self-rewarding.

3. Expand the way you think about volunteering and talk to the organizations that matter to you. It doesn’t have to be about making copies or sending emails. It should be about finding your place and adding value. You never know how or where your experiences will fit until you begin the dialogue.

A local nonprofit is stronger because of Lori’s leadership and commitment to service.

To learn more, contact SAGE.

 

“Working side-by-side with young professionals is more fun than you can imagine – I’ve had some eye-opening conversations with a very diverse group of people – outside of my usual social circles. I’m a better person for it.”