Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Alumni Engagement & Ethical Storytelling with Cecilia Lee
Release Date: December 25, 2024
Guest: Cecilia Lee, Alumni Relations Principal at Communities in Schools (CIS)

Introduction

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, host Julia Campbell delves into the crucial topics of alumni engagement and ethical storytelling with Cecilia Lee, the Alumni Relations Principal at Communities in Schools (CIS). CIS is a national organization dedicated to ensuring that students have the necessary resources to stay in school. Cecilia shares her extensive experience in building robust alumni networks that transform former participants into lifelong supporters, advocates, and ambassadors. The conversation offers invaluable insights for nonprofits aiming to enhance community outreach, event participation, and donor engagement through effective alumni strategies.

Cecilia Lee’s Journey and Role at CIS

Cecilia Lee begins by outlining her 16-year journey with CIS, starting as a case manager at a high school affiliate in Houston. Her passion for engaging with young adults led her to transition into the development department, where she led major events. Eventually, Cecilia spearheaded alumni engagement efforts, recognizing the lack of a roadmap in connecting with former CIS students. Her dedication and success in this role paved the way for her current position at the national office, where she oversees alumni relations across 110 CIS affiliates and tens of thousands of alumni nationwide.

Cecilia Lee [02:33]: "Whether it looks like giving back financially, whether it's volunteering, whether it's serving on a board, just, you know, CIS means a lot to our students, it means a lot to our alumni."

The Importance of Alumni Engagement

Cecilia emphasizes the unique position alumni hold in amplifying an organization's mission. Drawing inspiration from CIS CEO Ray Saldana, a former CIS student himself, she highlights how alumni possess "lived experience" that allows them to authentically advocate for the organization.

Cecilia Lee [06:02]: "They are the best resource that we have to be able to go out there and talk about what community schools really does. And they bring it, like I said, from a perspective of sharing how it impacted them."

Alumni, having directly benefited from CIS's programs, offer genuine testimonials that resonate more deeply with potential supporters and stakeholders compared to traditional marketing narratives.

Strategies for Building a Strong Alumni Network

Cecilia outlines several strategies CIS employs to foster a resilient alumni network:

1. Early Engagement: Introducing alumni networks during high school years through site coordinators and alumni program managers who provide additional support and resources.

2. Professional Development: Offering opportunities that align with alumni goals, such as mentorship programs, resume building, and grant application assistance.

3. Celebratory Events: Hosting induction ceremonies and graduation events where alumni are celebrated and encouraged to remain involved.

Cecilia Lee [08:21]: "The goal is for them to know that we are still a community of support."

These initiatives ensure that alumni feel valued and connected, increasing the likelihood of their ongoing participation and support.

Ethical Storytelling Practices

A significant portion of the discussion centers around ethical storytelling, especially when representing marginalized communities. Cecilia shares CIS’s evolution in handling alumni stories, moving from a prescriptive approach to one that prioritizes "safety" and "trust" for alumni contributors.

Cecilia Lee [15:00]: "We have to really spend some time with them before we put them on a stage, before we put them on a podcast, before we put them on a panel and really get to know them."

Key practices include:

• Building Trust: Establishing personal connections before requesting alumni to share their stories.

• Creating Safe Spaces: Ensuring that alumni feel secure in sharing their experiences without fear of exploitation or misrepresentation.

• Active Listening: Understanding and respecting the boundaries and comfort levels of alumni storytellers.

These measures are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the stories and the dignity of the individuals sharing them.

Adapting Alumni Engagement Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered communication dynamics, necessitating adjustments in alumni engagement strategies. Cecilia discusses how CIS has adapted to these changes by embracing newer communication methods favored by younger generations.

Cecilia Lee [25:18]: "Meeting them where they are. Texting is big. I will send out emails if it's time sensitive, but sometimes I have to follow up with a text..."

By utilizing text messaging and enhancing digital platforms, CIS ensures timely and effective communication with alumni, catering to their preferred modes of interaction.

Resources and Tools for Alumni Engagement

CIS leverages various tools and resources to support and engage their alumni:

• CIS Alumni Platform: An exclusive online space for alumni to connect, network, and share resources.

• Job Board: Promotes job opportunities within the CIS network, aiding alumni in their career pursuits.

• Federal Funds Resource: A forthcoming tool that helps alumni identify eligibility for federal assistance in areas such as housing and child care.

These resources not only provide practical support to alumni but also reinforce their connection to CIS by addressing their immediate needs.

Cecilia Lee [29:20]: "Some of them are open to moving. So we encourage them to look through these and then we're about to launch a new resource with a single stop."

Cultivating Long-term Relationships

Cecilia highlights the importance of nurturing long-term relationships with alumni, moving beyond immediate fundraising goals to fostering enduring connections based on mutual support and respect.

Cecilia Lee [31:58]: "We know that we have to establish that foundation and we want to continue. We know it's going to take some time. Again, it's all about the trust. It's about the relationship building."

By focusing on providing value through resources and professional development, CIS builds goodwill that naturally translates into sustained support and advocacy.

Advice for Nonprofits

As the conversation concludes, Cecilia offers poignant advice for nonprofits aiming to build or grow their alumni programs:

Cecilia Lee [34:04]: "Remind yourself that this takes time... Surround yourself with individuals who are going to support you through this process. This is important work and it's going to take time to build."

She emphasizes patience, understanding the diverse phases of alumni lives, and the necessity of a solid support system within the organization to successfully develop an alumni network.

Conclusion

This episode of Nonprofit Nation provides a comprehensive look into effective alumni engagement and ethical storytelling through Cecilia Lee's experiences at CIS. Nonprofits seeking to build lasting relationships with their alumni can draw valuable lessons from CIS's approach, emphasizing trust, support, and genuine connection over immediate fundraising efforts. Cecilia's insights underscore the importance of viewing alumni not just as donors but as integral members of a supportive community dedicated to the organization's mission.

For more information or to connect with Cecilia Lee, listeners are encouraged to reach out via LinkedIn or visit the Communities in Schools website at communitiesandschools.org.

Notable Quotes:

• Cecilia Lee [06:02]: "They are the best resource that we have to be able to go out there and talk about what community schools really does."

• Cecilia Lee [15:00]: "We have to really spend some time with them before we put them on a stage... and really get to know them."

• Cecilia Lee [34:04]: "Remind yourself that this takes time... Surround yourself with individuals who are going to support you through this process."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a valuable resource for listeners and those interested in enhancing their nonprofit's alumni engagement and storytelling practices.