Member Case Studies
The Subcontractor
Working with established firms helps new organizer enhance her skills
The two organizers — a newcomer and a seasoned pro — met at a NAPO program, chatted briefly and exchanged contact information. A few weeks later, the veteran organizer phoned her fellow NAPO member and asked for a hand in finishing a large project.
It was a perfect match for both: The veteran completed the job in a timely fashion, and the newcomer gained income and experience. During busy seasons or for particularly large jobs, NAPO members often enlist the help of subcontractors, who supply their labor and services on an as-needed basis.
For this new organizer, who joined NAPO in spring 2007, contract work offers valuable lessons as well as the opportunity to do what she loves most. “It’s a great way to continue to hone my organizing skills; I learn so much from whoever the lead is on the job. It keeps my skills sharp,” she says. “I get to do the fun part, which is the actual organizing with the clients. A lot of organizers — let’s be honest — don’t really enjoy the business-development part of the project.”
She credits NAPO with linking her to other organizers and presenting opportunities to network and share duties collaboratively with fellow NAPO members in need of an extra pair of hands. “With NAPO, I have exposure to people that I wouldn’t normally meet,” she says. “Those kinds of contacts are just invaluable. Every business owner needs that.”
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