Feeling That Energy

I’m heading to Sacramento in March to host a workshop at the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) National Summit.

Wanna know my workshop title?

“Beyond the Volunteer Day: Reimagining Corporate Partnerships for Real Impact.”

Because let’s be honest…so many nonprofit/corporate partnerships are still built around the group volunteer day.

And while those days can be energizing and meaningful, they often barely scratch the surface of what’s possible.

So I want to ask you —

If you work in a nonprofit:

• Where have traditional volunteer days fallen short?

• What do you wish corporate partners better understood about your capacity?

• Have you ever experienced a partnership that felt truly strategic? What made it different?

And if you're in corporate social impact:

• What are companies prioritizing right now in nonprofit partnerships?

• What makes you pursue something deeper than a one-day event?

• Where do internal business pressures shape what you can (or can’t) offer to nonprofits?

I want to build this session with real experiences in mind. That’s where you come in. :)

Please hit reply and tell me what you’re seeing. I’d love to bring your perspective with me to Sacramento.

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

p.s. — I did a thing. I launched another newsletter, this time on LinkedIn. Because you can never have too many newsletters, right? On the alternate weeks when this beehiiv newsletter doesn’t go out, I’ll be writing there about volunteering, philanthropy, and CSR (from a slightly different angle). You can read and subscribe here.

First time reading this newsletter, Word It Out? Subscribe here for a regular roundup of things I’m thinking about.

💛 TAKING A SEAT AT THE IMPACT TABLE

I joined the Impact Table as a member in January 2024. It was everything I didn’t know I needed. Earlier this week, I stepped into a new role with the Impact Table: Partner and Global Community Builder.

I am soooo excited to join Marssie Versola, Creator of the Impact Table, and Dani Veira, Partner and Head of Coaching and Community, as we build this next chapter together.

The three of us will be working to thoughtfully grow membership, deepen community, strengthen partnerships, implement systems, and more. As you might imagine, we have big goals.

If you’re a woman in social impact and you’re curious about what this community is about, I’d love for you to join one of our monthly Open Houses, where you can meet current members and learn more. The next one is happening Thursday, March 5 from 10-11am PT/1-2pm ET. 😉 

🏅 CHANGING THE NARRATIVE AROUND PARA SPORTS

Are you as obsessed with the Olympics as much as I am?! How about the Paralympics? I was today years old when I learned about Culxtured and now I can’t stop thinking about it.

Founded in 2024, Culxtured is a media collective that aims to change the narrative around para sports. Their mission is to “educate and challenge societal perceptions around disabilities through storytelling.” One scroll through their Instagram account and you will be in AWE at the talent and grit on display.

The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics will officially open on March 6 and yes, I’ll be watching.

🤖 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR LINKEDIN’S FUTURE OF WORK FUND

AI is rapidly shaping the labor market, and by 2030, 70% of the skills required for today’s jobs are expected to change. LinkedIn Social Impact has opened applications for its 2026 Future of Work Fund, supporting nonprofits helping young adults overcome barriers and succeed in an AI-powered workforce.

Grants range from $200,000-$300,000. Eligible organizations must be workforce-focused and either leveraging AI to expand economic opportunity or preparing career starters to navigate AI-driven change.

Applications close March 15 at 12pm PT, with decisions announced by May 15. Get all the details and apply here.

🧩 FROM WRITING TO DOING

Many of the ideas I share in this newsletter — about volunteering, philanthropy, social impact more broadly, etc. — also show up in my consulting work with companies, funders, and nonprofits. If you’d like to explore ways to work together, you can find more at Services - Mission Up.

💘 NONPROFIT LOVE

Acquaint is a global nonprofit (and a movement!) focused on strengthening human connection and building more compassionate, collaborative communities through guided conversations and volunteer engagement.

Volunteers — who range from teens to ninety-somethings — engage in meaningful one-on-one conversations, focused on intercultural collaboration and understanding without needing to travel. Since the organization's launch by co-founders Katherine Mahon and Alex Szebenyi in 2021, volunteers from more than 100 countries have contributed thousands of hours to the practice of connection.

There are two main objectives for each Acquaint conversation: connect with someone you wouldn’t normally talk to and deliberately practice human connection. (Ok, love!)

Want to learn more and consider signing on as a volunteer? Visit this page.

Also, if you want a laugh (and a dose of reality), check out Alex’s blog post about the recent Chronicle of Philanthropy article about nonprofit jargon.