The partnership of OneSource Center’s consulting group with Executive Service Corps of the United States (ESC-US) is long-standing, with opportunities for collaboration and enhanced learning through the national organization. In September, OneSource Center consultant Darlyne Koretos and Jody Yetzer, OneSource Center Manager of Consulting Services, attended the national ESC-US conference in New York. Darlyne and Jody are both on the executive board of the organization, Darlyne serving as Board Chair, and Jody serving on the Board of Directors. Thanks to them for attending the conference, and to Darlyne for her following report from the meeting.

Members of ESC-US affiliate organizations met Sept. 12-14 in NYC for its annual meeting. The top takeaways from this two and one-half day meeting are ambitious and will become the year’s focus for all affiliate members. Some of the initiatives include:

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is a key issue faced by most affiliates. Funders are more insistent on this initiative, which is a key motivator. It may, in fact, lend itself to seeking national funding. ESC-US has started a task force to do research in this area. 501 Commons, the Washington-State affiliate, has been developing a protocol for the past two years and should be instrumental in assisting the entire network.
• Finding better ways for affiliates to help each other is the reason for the large variety of tools available through ESC-US offices. In the future, ESC-US will probably be offering peer calls or webinars on two tools – Confluence and Pathways – both from 501 Commons.
• The group discussed grant and fund development concepts that are applicable to all the networks – particularly “nuts and bolts” tips.
• To assist affiliates in filling the gaps in services or knowledge, ESC-US will be considering offering affiliate-to-affiliate training – virtual training and webinars.
• ESC-US is continuing to provide a service of using expert consultant resources from other affiliates to fill gaps in its own corps.
• ESC-US will put together a list of clients that are national in scope so this can assist with the ESC presence in local markets.
• Two featured speakers, David Hartingh of the International ESC (of which ESC-US is affiliated) and Tony Farina of Baruch University (on collaborating with business schools) made presentations.
• The “Affiliates at a Glance” affiliate network survey and compendium of information will be made available on the OneSource Center Toolbox.

ESC-US is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports its affiliates across America and raises national awareness of the value and sustainable impact of the ESC model in its use of highly-skilled volunteers to provide nonprofits and the communities they serve with affordable capacity building services. In 2019 ESC-US served 1,303 clients with 2,964 projects. Its combined 1,242 consultants have donated 55,149 hours this year. With a full-time staff of 93 and part-time staff of 30, affiliate budgets range from $90,000 to $6.7 million.