by Liz Moore, MNA Executive Director

Yesterday morning in Miles City Jeri and I hosted the final stop on the Nonprofit Rockstar Road Tour! Over the last eight weeks almost 200 staff and board members (i.e., Rockstars) collectively celebrated Montana’s nonprofit Rockstar-ness during MNA’s 12 city tour. You helped us roll out the Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Montana (PPNE) in high style.

Our team was so uplifted as we gathered for warm conversation, laughter, amazing food (in most cases), and the chance to enjoy colleagues we respect and admire. Most times when we see you we are on a mission: advocacy, training, the Conference. This time we just got to be with you, and we left each community with such a sense of hope, buoyed by your energy and heart for the work.

As we went through the highlights of the Principles and Practices in each community, time and again you told us, “This is exactly what I need.” We at MNA came away with deep regard for you as leaders. In the midst of extensive external demands – funding, needs of constituents, partnerships, uncertainty and change – there remains such interest in a tool that is internally focused.

More than anything the PPNE publications offer us the gift of organizational introspection, a moment to pause and take stock of the health of the organization. With summer upon us, we hope you’ll put time aside to plan for the wellbeing of your organization. Do some thinking about what might transpire in the year ahead, and use the PPNE to help prepare. And look for the half full cup, not the half empty one.

Thank you for the warm welcome and friendship we experienced in our travels. We enjoyed seeing you and hope it isn’t too long til next time. In the meantime, rock on you amazing nonprofit rockstars!