Succession planning -- although thriving corporations understand this well, far fewer philanthropies consider the benefits of a seamless continuity of talent to the overall health and longevity of an organization.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is, as usual, ahead of the curve in recruiting and appreciating new talent. Named every year as one of
Forbes Magazine’s most efficient charities, JDRF’s Cincinnati chapter has recently created its Young Leadership Council to find and foster a new generation of volunteers.
JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes research, with more than 80 percent of its expenditures directly supporting research and research-related education. Given its lean staff, committed volunteers are absolutely essential to local and national fundraising and a myriad of other organizational needs.
Cincinnati chapter board president-elect Burke Neville realized the need to create a local young professionals arm, something that’s just beginning in chapters across the nation. He pegged Ryan Klekar, of TruePoint, a wealth management firm, and Marc Luley, of GE Aviation, to lead the effort just six months ago.
After his son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year, Klekar immediately joined JDRF and now sees his mission as growing a next generation of supporters and volunteers. “Marc and I are challenged with building the group…whether it’s a young family, someone who is a type 1 diabetic or with a family or friend exposure to the disease. There’s some connection with most of our committee members.”
This year, JDRF’s Cincinnatian of the Year Gala will honor the legacy of one of those volunteers, Cynthia Marver Marmer, who, with family connections to type 1 diabetes, dedicated many years to ending the disease. The gala’s new after-party is designed to attract younger attendees; perhaps more than a few may choose to pick up the mantel of Marmer’s life work for JDRF.
Melissa Newman, executive director of the local chapter, sees great potential in the Young Leadership Council. “Young professionals can raise funds for JDRF in new, innovative ways among a new demographic.” A recent Mardi Gras Crawl in February was a modest fundraiser, but its real success was in enticing 30 new young professionals to join JDRF as members. “These are people who might someday join our board of directors,” says Newman.
Do Good:
• Attend: the annual Cincinnatian of the Year Gala May 12 at the Duke Energy Convention Center,
• Learn: about the many fundraisers and events JDRF Cincinnati hosts all year to educate and increase awareness about this disease and how close the world is to a cure.
By Becky Johnson
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