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05.11.09

Program to address critical community needs through volunteer training

May 11, 2009 DENVER, CO—Metro Volunteers announced today that it is partnering with nationally ranked consulting firm Point B, Inc., to launch a Project Leadership Program that will equip volunteers to lead projects for Denver nonprofit organizations.

“We know volunteers are a critical community resource—and that has never been more true than during this economic downturn,” said Kristy Judd, executive director of Metro Volunteers. “This program is crucial because it allows us to provide participants with the business skills they need to lead volunteer teams and execute projects with wide-ranging impact for the Denver area.”

The Project Leadership Program comes at a time when nonprofits are facing recession-related budget shortfalls and increased demands for services. A recent survey by the Colorado Nonprofit Association, for example, revealed that nearly 40 percent of Colorado nonprofits fell short of their 2008 revenue goals and planned to cut pay, leave positions unfilled or try other strategies to make up the shortfall. Yet despite reduced operating budgets, 69 percent expected the demand for services to increase in 2009.

In many cases nonprofits are turning to volunteers to fill the gaps and execute community programs, and Metro Volunteers developed the Project Leadership Program to train volunteers to meet this growing need. Point B donated its services to help develop the curriculum and lead two evenings of in-class trainings that will teach participants to assess organizational needs, understand core business functions, lead teams and make crucial decisions during ongoing projects. Following their completion of the coursework, the participants will apprentice with experienced project leaders to manage community projects in the field.

“We saw this as the perfect opportunity to leverage our core skills in project leadership and give back to the Denver nonprofit community. This program will equip volunteers with the resources they need to meet long-term community needs,” said Point B associate Chris Wozniak.

Graduates of the program will lead a variety of projects, at nonprofit agencies, in schools, and with business groups that address our community’s critical issues, needs and dreams.

The inaugural Project Leadership Program training session will be held May 13 and May 20. Metro Volunteers plans to offer another Project Leadership Program in the future. To learn more about this program or to sign up for future classes contact Paula Henry at 303.282.1234, ext 315.

About Metro Volunteers
Metro Volunteers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps individuals, families, and corporate and community groups find volunteer opportunities at diverse service organizations throughout the metro Denver area. Metro Volunteers is the expert resource center on volunteerism in the metro Denver area. Since its inception in 1994, Metro Volunteers has helped transform over 200,000 people and countless communities by matching individuals and groups with meaningful, enriching volunteer experiences and offering a range of training services for nonprofit organizations and individual volunteers.

Metro Volunteers is also part of the HandsOn Network, the largest volunteer and citizen action network in the nation. The network includes more than 250 affiliates, called HandsOn Action Centers, that serve 83 percent of the American population in the United States and in 12 international communities. www.MetroVolunteers.org

About Point B
Point B is an employee-owned management consulting firm that specializes in helping clients execute their strategic initiatives and deliver business results that create transformational change and competitive advantage. Hundreds of companies, including CIGNA, Compassion International, Denver Public Schools, Denver Water, and The Children’s Hospital Association have sought out Point B for its objective leadership, deep expertise and ability to transform strategies into reality. Founded in 1995, Point B has since grown into a $90 million business with 400 associates that completed more than 800 projects for clients in 2008 alone. Point B has been honored by many publications as an exceptional place to work, including being named a “Top Small Workplace” by The Wall Street Journal. In 2008, Consulting Magazine recognized Point B with its “Best Firms to Work For” award and ranked the firm #1 in its Leadership category among 205 consulting firms worldwide. www.PointB.com.

Copyright © 2010 Point B. All rights reserved.