One of my favorite photos of my daughter shows her at 8 years old with my paddle raised high in the air during a YWCA Spokane fundraiser.

At such a young age, she may not have understood exactly how those donations would be invested to serve individuals and children affected by intimate partner domestic violence, homelessness, and unemployment. But she did understand that we were part of a larger community making a difference.

Her excitement stemmed from having a role in this collective effort; all she needed were the tools, opportunity, and encouragement to participate.

Many businesses see that same type of enthusiasm from their employees. However, those people may lack the mentorship, experience, or tools to contribute effectively to nonprofits.

We noticed that trend within our own organization as we faced a wave of retirements, resulting in vacant nonprofit board seats left by departing leaders.

With a history of community service since our founding 135 years ago, Avista began empowering the next generation of leaders through a new nonprofit leadership training program for our employees.

If headlines were an indicator, there was a possibility it could be a flop. With a quick Google search, you’ll see articles citing declines in volunteerism and shifting attitudes around community engagement in today’s modern workforce.

But what we found was a workforce deeply committed to the community, albeit expressing it differently or more quietly than previous generations. Our approach was to meet people where they were and provide the necessary education for effective nonprofit board service.

Since the nonprofit leadership training program’s inception in 2022, more than 200 Avista employees have completed a half-day seminar covering the basics of nonprofit board leadership. The interactive course, facilitated by consultant Ev Hopkins, former chief administrative officer for STCU, teaches Avista employees about the basic responsibilities and skills required to be successful on a nonprofit’s board.

After completing the training, employees can match with a volunteer leadership opportunity through their development plan. We’ve witnessed many people stepping into new leadership roles within local organizations after completing this course.

The program continues to grow in response to high engagement and interest from employees. In addition to the entry-level course, we now offer two-hour seminars covering other advanced topics, such as nonprofit financials, nonprofit fundraising, and conducting performance reviews of a nonprofit’s executive director.

We nurture this culture of caring by magnifying employees’ contributions, both time and treasures. The Avista Foundation matches a portion of the gifts made by employees and retired employees to nonprofits through our Dollars for Doers and Matching Gifts programs.

—Jessica Ratterree
In this 2015 photo, Georgia Meyer, then 8 years old, gains some early experience participating in philanthropy during a YWCA fundraiser. We’ve heard feedback that it genuinely makes a difference when employees see that their employer values the effort they put into community service. And the opportunity has created a built-in community of diverse leaders who can lean on one another for support during their board service.

There are many studies that back up the business benefits of a workforce that is engaged in service. And we’ve seen firsthand how training like this can strengthen the work experience and enhance the community simultaneously.

Establishing the training required a modest, reasonable investment, especially when measured against the considerable benefits.

For others interested in establishing a program like this, I would encourage you to include a robust feedback loop. Employees provided us with crucial insight about their own experiences and interests that helped us build a strong curriculum and adapt the program to serve their needs.

This small case study offers an encouraging sign that our modern workforce cares about a bright future. I’m hopeful that civic mindedness doesn’t need revival. Just like my daughter at the YWCA fundraiser, sometimes all it takes is putting the paddle in someone’s hand.

Kristine Meyer serves as the Avista Foundation executive director. Since it was established in 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $16 million.