Nonprofits to show their team spirit

There's nothing like a little competition to build team spirit. At least, that's what the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids is counting on this spring.

The professional network is channeling some old school nostalgia and inviting local nonprofits to compete in daily challenges during Spirit Week in May, with the festivities culminating at the Nonprofit Prom event. The winning organization will be crowned the prom's "Non-Gender Specific Nonprofit Monarch" - complete with a crown, sash and a donation toward their cause.

Challenges range from dressing in the style of the decade your organization was founded in to creating a cheer about your organization's mission. And of course, there's a pep rally lunch in there, too.

"We've been talking a lot this year about how your career is a journey," YNPN GR board member Elyse Mathos said. "So Spirit Week is a way to have some fun within your organization and in the community along the way. We're saying life's a journey, enjoy the ride."

Any Grand Rapids area nonprofit is welcome to participate. Organizations can sign up through YNPN's website, and the full guidelines with challenge descriptions are also listed online.

"We hope a lot of nonprofits get into it," Mathos said. "The sector we work in has so many great things, but it's also can have a lot of stresses and pressure. It's refreshing to take a moment to step back as a staff and get excited about what you do."

YNPN GR typically has a creative event each year for nonprofiteers to participate in. Last year, the group hosted a "Rhyme Rumble" where organizations re-wrote popular songs to talk about their mission, then performed them for a memorable night at Weatlhy Theater.

"Everyone got so creative at Rhyme Rumble," Mathos said. "We have an amazing community here in Grand Rapids, and we can't wait to see what people do this year."