Summer Reading – It’s Not Just for the Kids!
Have you thought about some summer reading for your nonprofit?
Springtime is warming into summer here in the Northern Hemisphere, and schools are nearing semester’s end. The hot, sunny days of June, July, and August are nearly upon us. It is the season of family vacations, long lazy days in the shade, and that perennial favorite, the summer reading program.
Most libraries around the country offer some sort of summer reading program for school-aged children, awarding prizes like free ice cream coupons or admission to local attractions. It’s always a lot of fun, and it is amazing to watch how children apply themselves when ice cream is involved!
Summer reading isn’t just for the kids, though.
What if, as adults, we also accepted the challenge to pick a book we’ve never read before, set aside the time to actually finish it this summer, and then wrote down some thoughts on what we just experienced?
What if we took on the task with a childlike heart of excitement instead of the adult burden of responsibility and embraced the magic of going to new places and thinking new thoughts because of a really delightful book?
If that sounds good to you, I encourage you to dig out your old library card, head to your favorite local bookstore, or fire up your e-reader. Pour yourself a cozy cup of tea or an ice-cold refreshing beverage and give yourself the luxury of time to enjoy the old-fashioned pleasure of reading with our suggestions on some summer reading for nonprofits.
Summer Reading for Nonprofits – The Starter List
Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered below with a curated “Summer Reading for Nonprofits” starter list.
“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck
This book is a game-changer for anyone struggling to start something new or take the next challenging step. It is also a must-read for recovering perfectionists, or for those who believe some people are simply born with the skills to succeed (and some aren’t).
Best-selling author and psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck pioneered the concept of a “growth mindset.“ In this book, Dweck outlines the fundamental differences between a fixed mindset, which believes that each person is born with a finite amount of skill, talent, and ability, and a growth mindset that enables persistence and lifelong development in pursuit of your dreams.
With a growth mindset, failures are just opportunities for learning, and the focus is on effort rather than the outcome.
Dr. Dweck reminds us that “the passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
Want to dig deeper into mindsets? Discover limiting beliefs with our Miracle Mindset Worksheet HERE >>
“Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown
It’s time to put aside those old ideas of autocratic, no-questions-asked leadership. According to Brown, true leaders are brave enough to be vulnerable, and strong enough to be real.
Brown writes, “We desperately need more leaders who are committed to courageous, whole-hearted leadership and who are self-aware enough to lead from their hearts, rather than unevolved leaders who lead from hurt and fear.”
In the same way that embracing a growth mindset empowers you to try boldly without the paralyzing fear of failure, “Dare to Lead” takes the next step and invites other people along for the ride.
Imagine a team of confident, fearless, positive individuals ready to care for each other authentically AND take on that next big challenge. That’s powerful stuff!
Wondering about your leadership style? Do a quick self-assessment with our Values Clarification and Leadership Philosophy Worksheet HERE >>
“How to Be a Great Boss” by Gino Wickman and Rene Boer
Okay, now that you’ve unlocked the potential of your own growth mindset and are ready to be a courageous, vulnerable leader, it’s time to charge that hill with your loyal followers.
In this book, Wickman and Boer explain the difference between leaders and managers and the five habits of both. They give you the nuts and bolts of how to build an engaged team with excellence and accountability, and how to handle conflicts and unmet expectations.
They ask the question: “if your employees brought their ‘A-Game’ to work every day, what would it mean for your company’s performance?”
What could you do with the right mindset AND the right team? The answer…anything you want!
Ready to build YOUR Dream Team? Get tips on how to effectively recruit with our Free E-Course: Better Volunteer Recruitment in 6 Easy Steps HERE >>
“Volunteer Engagement 2.0: Ideas and Insights Changing The World”
Now that we have a growth mindset, the necessary skills to lead, and a fearless team, we might as well go ahead and change the world, right?
This book, curated by Volunteer Match, is a compilation of strategies, techniques, and big concepts written by volunteer leaders and experts in their fields.
The book covers foundational tenets like how to structure your volunteer model and mission, how to effectively recruit the RIGHT people to your cause, and how to successfully raise funds.
The authors take it to the next level, though, with forward-thinking chapters exploring generational differences in volunteers, what the future of volunteerism might look like, and what trends could be on the horizon.
BONUS: Chapter 1 is written by VolunteerPro founder and CEO Tobi Johnson!
Ready for the Next Step?
While solitary reading is a joyful and enriching experience, you may also be craving some support from peers who understand the trials and tribulations of engaging communities in your mission.
And we’ve got the perfect place for you!
If you’re ready to get connected, feeling fired up to do the hard work and take on the world, we’re right there with you. In fact, there is a whole community of like-minded people who are pushing forward with heart, grit, and enthusiasm in our VolunteerPro Membership.
VolunteerPro Membership is for any mission-driven nonprofit professional wanting to level up their volunteer engagement and gain traction on their organization’s most important goals.
Within membership, you’ll find in-depth training on all the volunteer topics you’ve been researching, including a huge digital library of what-works-now content, live monthly seminars, workshops, and coaching calls, as well as a vibrant community of volunteer leaders to share ideas and questions with.
Enrollment for new members is open NOW, with discounts available for monthly and annual memberships. But don’t delay, because prices go back up after June 8th! You can find out more about membership HERE.
Keep The Momentum Going!
Keep the momentum going this summer. Keep charging up those hills and inspiring people, because the world needs what you have to offer.
And always keep learning and reading; they say that learning something new every day keeps you young. Our list of summer reading for nonprofits is just one way to keep learning.
Whether you’re young or just young-at-heart, we hope you enjoy this list and your own summer reading selections. And hey, maybe go get that ice cream cone, too, because ice cream isn’t just for the kids, either!
