As you've no doubt heard by now, Jim Klocke will join MNN as CEO in mid-October, just in time for our annual conference ( if you missed the announcement you can read more about Jim here).

 

We're thrilled to have Jim lead the team and can't wait for you to meet him ( learn about the special MNN member reception to welcome Jim)! In the meantime, MNN's staff asked Jim a few questions to get to know him a little better...

So Jim, can you tell us what a perfect day is for you?

A perfect day is one that includes time with my family, learning something new, and having fun!

 

What's your favorite thing about Massachusetts?

That's a hard question!  My three favorite things are Massachusetts's history, culture and commitment to opportunity for everyone.  Fall leaves are a close fourth.

 

You're passionate about improving communities across the Commonwealth- what drives this passion?

Probably my family-the example of service set by my parents. Growing up, my father was a doctor and my mother was a teacher and pastoral minister. My siblings and I learned the value and importance of improving communities by observing and experiencing my parents' work. 

 

You've spent more than two decades with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce- how do you think your experience will translate to this role?

I think it will translate well. The Chamber and MNN have more things in common than people might realize.  Both have broad and diverse memberships, both focus on building stronger communities, and both engage leaders in the nonprofit, business, and government sectors.   

 

Any plans for your first few days on the job? How about months?

In the first few days and months I'll focus on meeting with as many members and partners as possible.  The range of our members' work and expertise is amazing.  It will be great to hear about what they do, what their greatest opportunities and challenges are, and how MNN can support them.

Plus, right off the bat I'll be able to take part in our annual conference. I'm eager to meet all the attendees, hear from the speakers, and experience the workshops.

 

What do you wish more people knew about the local nonprofit sector?

I wish more people knew how much innovation there is in the state's nonprofit sector.  There are so many innovations, large and small, within MNN member organizations that are transforming the sector.  Those innovations aren't just about working faster; they are making a real difference in the lives of the residents across the Commonwealth. 

Your CSR Efforts Are Working

Millennials are often stereotyped by their dependence or social media and a penchant for using the word "literally" in, literally, every possible scenario. But it turns out, they're also big supporters of companies with CSR programs. Recent studies show that Millennials want to associate and participate with organizations that have corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, either as employees, volunteers or consumers. And sometimes, they just need a little nudge.

A study by Achieve, a research company from Indianapolis, and software company Forte Interactive titled The Millenial Impact discovered that Millennials were much more likely to donate to a cause if externally prompted; in particular, approximately half of the respondents would donate if prompted by a coworker, at least a quarter would donate if prompted by a supervisor, and roughly 20 percent would donate if their CEO did as well. Nonprofit Times has a great summary here. Another study by Boston-based Cone Communications found that 93 percent of Millennials felt better about a company after learning about its CSR efforts, feelings which are characterized by a higher likelihood to contribute to causes supported by that company and a greater preference for that company's products.

In a time when Millennials represent a force on social media and in the marketplace, understanding these motivations are critical for not-for-profit and for-profit organizations alike seeking to attract the time and money of this young, socially-minded cohort.