[re]generative
nonprofit blog

Nonprofit work should be regenerative—not just for communities, but for the people driving the mission. Let’s ensure those who serve feel nourished, inspired, and empowered.

Personal Growth Michelle Flores Vryn Personal Growth Michelle Flores Vryn

Meditation Minus the Hype: How to Make It Yours

If you’re thinking about starting a meditation practice but feel a bit overwhelmed by where to begin, I curated this guide for you.

I credit my meditation practice for so much happiness in my life and I want that for you, too. But when I started meditating regularly in 2008, I also wondered if I was doing it "right" ...

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Personal Growth, Career Michelle Flores Vryn Personal Growth, Career Michelle Flores Vryn

Fundraising Foundations: What I Wish I Knew Starting Out

In fundraising, entering the field can be both exhilarating and daunting. Drawing inspiration from the insights shared by industry professionals, I've distilled a collection of both mine and their invaluable lessons for those embarking on their fundraising journey.

Embracing Imperfection and Opportunity in Your First Role

Real talk: the initial step into fundraising seldom presents the perfect job scenario. Yet, this phase holds immense potential for exploration and self-discovery!

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Personal Growth, Career Michelle Flores Vryn Personal Growth, Career Michelle Flores Vryn

Avoiding Career Stagnation: The Houseplant Metaphor for Professional Growth

“You know those houseplants that have been in a pot too long? When you take them out of the pot, you see the coils of roots circling around and around, just barely wedging in the container. That’s how I feel here.”

I told a coworker this once to describe how stagnation felt in a past role. Houseplants confined to a small pot may not necessarily die. They can survive, but their growth is minimal, and gradually, they begin to look quite forlorn. This is a powerful illustration of what happens when we stay too long in a role that no longer challenges us or offers room for advancement.

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Personal Growth, Career Michelle Flores Vryn Personal Growth, Career Michelle Flores Vryn

Fool-proof Wayfinding to Your Ideal Job

Did you know 70% of people are unsatisfied with their jobs? That’s pretty shocking. Is that your story, but on repeat? Been there! After feeling a bit lost in my own career, I created a reflection exercise. I am sharing it so you can stop guessing what your dream job is. Instead, put real definition around it.

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Fundraising and Development, Personal Growth Michelle Flores Vryn Fundraising and Development, Personal Growth Michelle Flores Vryn

Juntos Somos Mas (Together We Are More)

When I was invited to guest-write Mike’s Monday Message for Hispanic Heritage Month, I nearly declined.

Why? Because adequately representing our collective Latinidad carries weight. After reflecting on the importance of representation, however, my message's focus became clear. I'm using this platform to highlight an extraordinary Latinx/e fundraiser, Armando E. Zumaya.

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Personal Growth, Career Michelle Flores Vryn Personal Growth, Career Michelle Flores Vryn

The Indispensable Role of "Border Piece People" in Our Lives

We may not agree on everything but we can agree on how to best solve a jigsaw puzzle: locating and fitting together the border pieces.

This is more than a mere tactic, it’s a strategy that provides a tangible shape and a clear path forward. It's about crafting a boundary within which the chaotic jumble of remaining pieces can make sense, offering an immediate sense of progress and the motivation to press on.

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