At Lincoln South Rotary Club on August 12 we heard from Jason Varga, the Executive Director on Cause Collective.
When introducing Cause Creative, Jason stated that the purpose is to strengthen nonprofits to better serve the community through collaboration, education and advocacy. By helping them operate more efficiently our donations go further. By improving quality of life for those in need, Lincoln can become a stronger community.
Jason expanded on collaboration, education and advocacy.
Collaboration - the better we know each other the better we work together. As we get to know each other we build trust. The have a monthly newsletter and hold networking events. Getting to know each other gives better understanding on the services. They also have monthly meetings and local officials attend which helps build relationships and support.
The newsletter "In Common" is sent out on the 1st of each month, with a variety of news from nonprofit members in Lincoln. You can learn local nonprofits and how you can support them. Nonprofits can include information about upcoming events and fundraisers. To sign up for their newsletter, click here.
They are also on KZUM 89.3 radio - every Monday at 11:30 AM. It is a chance for nonprofits to present information to help the community understand who they are and what they do.
Education - Jason was proud to report that the training meetings have increased over 200% in the last couple of years. The strength is in the numbers - having these training meetings among nonprofits is more affordable and frequent. Cause Collective can help with succession planning. Their website includes a resource page with 7 or 8 categories so they can keep up to date and get help between training meetings.
They offer Board 101 training that is not just for the nonprofits but for the community. It helps people understand the function and responsibility of Boards. They also provide a board match page - anyone interested in being on a board can see opportunities and organizations and find possible members.
Advocacy is the newest are for Cause Collective. Jason stated that, though we often think of lobbying as a negative, it is critical for nonprofits. Rather than hiring lobbyists, they understand that there is no better people to speak on behalf of who they serve than the people working at the nonprofits. Cause Collective can support and train to help the nonprofits get support.
Jason asked that we observe National Nonprofit Day on August 17. Spread the word on social media by saying Thank You for all of their work.
BIO
Jason Varga is the Executive Director of Cause Collective which strengthens nonprofit organizations to better serve the community through collaboration, education, and advocacy.
Jason has worked in the nonprofit industry for over 20 years in Lincoln and has a passion for creating a more equal environment for all its residents.
He is also a local professional jazz/classical musician, performing and teaching for over 30 years. Jason holds a B.A. in music from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School.