PRESCOTT, AZ – After a research-based diagnostic and a rigorous review of 12 characteristics and 70 standards, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters has been reaccredited as a Service Enterprise, a nationally recognized mark of distinction for nonprofit and public organizations that effectively leverage volunteers and their skills to meet their organizational and community needs.
The Service Enterprise Initiative, a national organizational change management program administered by the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Management (AL!VE) and Points of Light, is locally managed by the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation (the Center) as the training hub for Arizona. Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters first received its Social Enterprise accreditation in 2020 after completing the organizational change management model, including initial diagnostic, team training and one-on-one coaching, with the Center.
“It is clear that this organization has remained committed to both integrating volunteers in meaningful and strategic ways and creating a welcoming and supportive experience for the volunteers themselves” said AL!VE reviewer Tracy Lato-Smith in the reaccreditation letter.
“Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters has grown and improved in each of the Service Enterprise characteristics over the last few years, even in the midst of the pandemic.”
Service Enterprise accreditation signifies that organizations have the capability and management expertise to strategically use volunteers to improve the performance of their organization. These organizations represent the top 11% of nonprofits in the nation, reporting some of the highest return of volunteer investment (ROVI) in the country.
About YBBBS
For more than 50 years, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every young person is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. We make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”), ages 6 through 24. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
About AL!VE
The ASU Lodestar Center offers nonprofits throughout Arizona access to the Service Enterprise Initiative, together with AL!VE and Points of Light. The accreditation program equips nonprofit and public organizations to increase their return on volunteer investment and meet their missions.
For more information on the Arizona Service Enterprise Initiative, visit https://lodestar.asu.edu/sei.