This season, many of us will entertain family and friends, and overnight guests. If you’re like me, you’ll do everything in your power to make them feel welcome in your home – even if it means relinquishing the remote control for a few nights. Like party hosts, nonprofit organizations also have a responsibility to make the public feel welcome in their organization – to foster a climate of openness. The Standards for Excellence® code states that, “Nonprofits should provide members of the public who express an interest in the affairs of the organization with a meaningful opportunity to communicate with an appropriate representative of the organization.” There are more ways for people to communicate now more than ever. But do all of these methods allow for meaningful interaction? If you only rely on your telephone line and website to communicate with the public, you may be missing some opportunities for deeper community engagement. Did you know?  The Standards for Excellence® Educational Resource Packet, “Openness,” includes a list of possible ways for organizations to communicate with the public. The packet is free and available to Standards for Excellence Institute® members.  It is available through the members only section of our website.  Hard copies are also available upon request.  Not a member? Join now!