Volunteer Works: The Magic of Networking, Turning Competitors Into Collaborators

By Danita Brisson

“You might think that in a small town with so many nonprofits, there would be competition for donors, volunteers, and visibility. But in my experience, the opposite is true,” says Paola Turandot, Casita Linda volunteer. With three or more other nonprofits they build and outfit three-bedroom homes for needy families, including painting, installing septic tanks, rainwater harvesting systems, basic furniture, and cozy blankets for the children. For the community they organize pet sterilization clinics with Amigos de Animales, partner with Caminos de Agua to build rainwater harvesting systems for elementary schools, and install pop-up libraries with Libros para Todos. As some of the 100 plus local NGOs vying for that common support base, these groups maximize their resources by turning competitors into collaborators. This month’s panel includes colleagues Paola Turandot with Casita Linda,  José de Anda Pérez, President of San Miguel de Allende Rotaract Club, and Barb Mandaville and Martha Ridgley of Blanket Babes.

“Yes, we have many organizations, but we also have many people willing to help. Volunteers often work with more than one group. We feel united by something much bigger than any single cause or organization,” Paola explains.

“The keys to turning competitors into collaborators are trust, transparency, and shared purpose. When we’re open with each other, when we communicate clearly and respect one another’s missions, collaboration becomes not only possible but natural. Successful partnerships grow from relationships built on honesty and mutual support. I believe that what makes our nonprofits thrive is that we’re not looking to outshine one another. We’re working side by side toward the greater good. And when you’re in it together, when you see the real-life difference your combined efforts make, that’s where the magic happens.”

José says of his group, “We are affiliated with the Rotary Club but we are 18 to 30ish year-old locals. We’re young, strong and want to help our community. Through our friends, we hear about what nonprofit groups are doing. Then we meet them to learn who they serve and what they believe. If we like how they operate, we offer our help. Each year we paint maybe 5 houses for Casita Linda. The family receiving the house helps us and the kids even get to paint their own rooms. That way they learn to take care of their house. It makes us all proud and makes us want to do more. Keep your heart, eyes and mind open all the time and you’ll see who you can team up with. When you find NGOs who are the best in town, like Blanket Babes, why not work with them? Midday Rotary Club does major projects that have a big impact. We have a smaller, local impact. Along with our painting projects we collect hair to be made into wigs for kids with cancer, we plant trees and assist at spay and neuter clinics, Basically, we help people to help people.”

Martha says of her team of crocheters, “Competition isn't really a problem for Blanket Babes. We believe the more, the better. If there is a group created that wants to do the same, say crochet things for the less fortunate, we welcome that. The need is much bigger than Blanket Babes alone can handle, so we would welcome like-minded persons or groups. We believe in cooperation to achieve a common goal.”

Barb agrees and adds, “Peanut butter needs jelly to make the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich! Bananas need ice cream and chocolate sauce in order to make a banana split! Graham crackers need chocolate squares and marshmallows to make somemores! Blanket Babes are like that with Casita Linda. We each provide a product very different from each other, but one goes very well with the other. What would a bed be without a blanket? What would a blanket be without a bed?” Members meet every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Starbuck’s patio to craft crocheted squares that another volunteer stitches together to create blankets for appreciative babes. Even this process is a collaborative effort. Says Barb, “We are cooperative by nature.”

As Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” To encourage networking among nonprofits, do one thing so well that others will value your partnership. Let others know who you serve and what additional resources you need or can offer. In order to reach your group’s goals, be prepared to help others achieve theirs. As José said, “help people to help people,” Then stand back and watch the magic happen.