Find Your Opportunity to Serve

Communications Committee 

This team is all about spreading the word to members, grant applicants and recipients, and the community at large. Led by the Communications Co-Chairs, it supports the entire organization through a range of projects and initiatives, with contributors working primarily remotely and most deliverables distributed online:

• Communications planning
• Brand strategy and messaging
• Style standards, including editorial and design (logo, color palette, document templates)
• Monthly newsletter
• Event invitations and member announcements
• Forms, fact sheets, and FAQs
• Press releases and media relations
• Website content and regular updates, including the Community Service Hub
• Social media presence
• Grants at Work series of nonprofit partner profiles
• Print collateral, including the membership brochure and business card
• Branded promotional merchandise and signage
• Photography
• Advertising
• Promotional videos
• Directory listings with third-party organizations
• Editorial services for board members

If you have experience in any of these areas, your skills are always welcome. For more information about serving, contact Communications.

Membership Committee 

This team collaborates with the Membership Co-Chairs to grow and retain Impact100 Sonoma ’s donor base. Efforts focus on creating a welcoming and engaging environment for new and existing members. Opportunities include:

• Collaborate on membership events. Work with other board functions to create membership events that showcase Impact100 Sonoma ’s mission and foster connection.
• Greet members and guests at events. Welcome attendees warmly, assist with name tags, distribute handouts as needed, and engage with anyone standing alone by introducing them to other members.
• Follow up with guests. Reach out to event guests and invite them to upcoming events to deepen their involvement.
• Support recruitment efforts. Help execute creative strategies to attract new members. This may include participating in mailings, the 4^th of July Parade, staffing an Impact100 Sonoma information table at community events, or speaking engagements.
• Develop retention strategies. Work closely with Membership Co-Chairs to implement programs that help members feel connected and engaged.
• Be part of the “Welcome Team.” Receive a list of approximately five first-time members to contact by phone or email. Welcome them to the organization, offer to serve as a point of reference, and help them get involved. 

For more information about serving, contact Membership. 

Engagement and Education Committee 

Collaborating with Engagement and Education Co-Chairs, this team focuses on planning and executing events that inform, inspire, and help build relationships among members. Throughout the year, it offers the very popular Spotlight Series of monthly presentations by local speakers addressing topics of high personal or community interest. During the summer, the committee plans the Tuesday Night Market Meetups on the Sonoma Plaza, several Patio Parties hosted at member homes, and the New Member Welcome Party. Twice a year, it co-sponsors and organizes an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Sonoma Community Center, fulfilling a vital need.

The Spotlight subcommittee meets monthly for a one-hour planning session and then attends the event to set up and clean up. Members of this team also recruit and prepare speakers. Other subcommittees work primarily via phone and email. The entire Engagement and Education committee meets once or twice per year.

Enthusiasm, ideas, organizational skills, and a can-do attitude are always welcome. For more information about serving, contact Cheryl Shimek at cshimek312@gmail.com.

Events Committee 

This team collaborates with the Events Co-Chairs to provide all pre- and post-event planning and support for the six largest Impact100 Sonoma gatherings. Volunteers have fun getting together to create and bring these important occasions to life. Opportunities include:

• Day-of-Event Help. Assist with venue setup and takedown and any logistical needs that arise. Provide hands-on help when you are able.
• Venue Rentals. Identify, negotiate, and obtain contracts to secure venues, dates, and times. Develop and maintain a resource notebook of viable meeting locations, including cost, logistical, and other requirements for each.
• Volunteer Coordination. Help recruit and manage event volunteers, ensuring all are informed and supported in their roles.
• Budget Management. Create and maintain events budgeting efforts to ensure cost-effective events to work within allocated funds.
• Catering Management. Create light-bite menus, identify suppliers, and organize purchases, deliveries, and venue setup. Ensure adequate staffing.
• Sponsorship Management. Identify, negotiate, and coordinate event, beverage, and food sponsors. Forms and letters detailing sponsor perks are provided.

The six events we produce each year:

Annual Members’ Meeting

          Saturday morning in late January

          Coffee/tea service, morning bites

Meet the Finalists Event

          Saturday morning in mid-April

          Coffee/tea service, morning bites

Annual Awards Celebration

          Saturday morning in early May

          Pre-presentation coffee/tea service, morning bites

          Post-presentation reception with wine/beverages, catered light bites

Annual Garden Party

          Saturday afternoon in mid-September

          Wine/beverages, catered light bites

Grant Recipients Update Meeting

          Saturday morning in late October

          Coffee/tea service, morning bites

Annual Holiday Party

          Evening in early December

          Wine/beverages, catered light bites

 

For more information about serving, contact Gigi Pfleger at gigi@cbsonoma.com or Linda Murphy at lmurphy8395@gmail.com.

annual opportunIties

Grant Review Committees (GRCs)

Serving on a GRC is one of the most sought-after benefits of membership. It is a rewarding experience central to our organization’s mission and offers a firsthand look at the important work being done by valley-serving nonprofits. No experience is necessary, but participants must sign up each year during the fall registration period to secure a spot and must be able to commit the required time.

The annual GRC process lasts six to seven weeks, from early February to late March, during which participants:

• Are assigned to one of four committees
• Review grant proposals
• Convene to decide which nonprofits will advance to a site visit
• Attend at least three of the 90-minute visits
• Reconvene to discuss the reports and choose which proposals will advance to the Meet the Finalists event that prepares members to vote for grant recipients

Participants must be comfortable with working online. For more information about serving, visit Grant Review Committees.

Financial Review Committee (FRC)

This specialized team is responsible for assessing the fiscal stability and capacity of grant applicants each winter, ensuring that our funding goes to organizations that are not only mission-driven, but also financially sound and equipped to achieve long-term success.

Participants must have experience in finance, accounting, business, or nonprofit management, must apply each year during the fall registration period, and must be able to commit the required time. Whether you’re a CPA, CFO, or banker, or have a general interest in financial stewardship, your skills are valuable. Collaborate with like-minded women, gain deeper insights into nonprofit management and governance, and help safeguard the viability of organizations making a difference in our community. The FRC presents a unique opportunity to put your expertise to work.

For more information about serving, read about it here and then contact Barbara Morrison at barbara@tmcfinancing.com or Sedra Shapiro-Nathan at sedranathan@gmail.com.