#31: Essential Questions to Ask Before Joining a Nonprofit - Carley Fortosis
Episode 31 | 28 Minutes | Aug 13, 2024
Do you see big problems in the world and feel overwhelmed by the thought of making a difference? Maybe you’re passionate about helping others but unsure where to start or how to turn that passion into action. The idea of stepping into a role that could create real change can be daunting, especially when the path forward isn’t clear. If you’re wrestling with these feelings, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you navigate these uncertainties.
In this episode, Carley Fortosis, a leader in mobilization at One Collective, joins host Scott Olson to share her journey from corporate life to vocational ministry. Carley discusses the key questions you should ask before making the leap, the questions you should ask an organization before joining, and how One Collective supports its team members every step of the way. Whether you're exploring a new career or looking to make a greater impact, Carley’s experience and advice will provide the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.
In this Episode:
The journey of transitioning from corporate work to vocational ministry and how to discern if it’s the right move for you.
The key qualities and traits that make someone well-suited for cross-cultural work in nonprofit organizations.
Essential questions to ask yourself and the organization before committing to nonprofit service.
The importance of having a serving coach and the impact they can have on your decision-making process.
Insights into how time spent overseas can shape your perspective and influence your future role in nonprofit work.
How to evaluate a nonprofit organization to ensure it aligns with your values and will support your growth.
Common obstacles that prevent people from pursuing nonprofit work and how to overcome them.
An introduction to Carley Fortosis’s new podcast, Innovate for Good, and what listeners can expect.
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Carley Fortosis is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience with One Collective, where she currently serves in mobilization. Carley’s journey with One Collective began in 2011 as a “goer,” serving on the front lines with refugee communities. Her passion for cross-cultural work and her deep commitment to helping others discern their own callings have led her to her current role, where she leads a team dedicated to sending individuals and families into global service. Carley’s insights into nonprofit work, calling, and personal growth have made her a trusted voice in the field. She is also the co-host of the podcast Innovate for Good, where she explores the intersection of expertise and global impact.
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Chapter 1: Welcome and Introduction
Scott Olson:
Welcome to the Lasting Change Podcast. My name is Scott Olson. In every episode, we interview industry leaders who share their strategies for creating lasting change around the world. Our hope is that by listening, you gain valuable insights that can help you in your own journey and daily life and engage you in being a part of seeing change happen around the world.
Today, after a year of trying, we finally got my friend Carley Fortosis here. She works for One Collective and is a rock star. Carley, welcome to the podcast!
Carley Fortosis:
Thank you, Scott. I’m honored to finally make an appearance.
Scott Olson:
What took so long, Carley? Did we have to go through your agents and managers?
Carley Fortosis:
That's right. You had to go through the proper channels, but now we're here.
Scott Olson:
I know you’re starting a new podcast with your colleague, Mark. Fame and fortune may not have struck yet, but it’s on its way, so you’re going to get even busier. For our listeners who may not know you, tell us a little about your journey to One Collective, your role there, and what you do.
Chapter 2: Carley’s Journey to One Collective
Carley Fortosis:
Sure. My role with One Collective now is in mobilization. I’ve been with the organization in some capacity since 2011, so it's been over a decade. It’s been quite a ride—a really fun process to get to where I am now.
It started with me as a “goer,” someone exploring possible service with an organization like One Collective. I ended up here, made my way back to the support side, and now I send people. My team and I help individuals and families discern if God might be leading them into cross-cultural work, and if so, how we can use their specific skills, qualifications, and experiences to make an impact in a community with One Collective. That’s what I do, and I lead this team.
Scott Olson:
Wow, you've been here a long time—13 years, roughly?
Carley Fortosis:
Yes, it’s been around 13 years.
Scott Olson:
Some people may not be familiar with the term “goers.” What does that mean?
Carley Fortosis:
“Goers” is a term we use for people who go and serve in our different fields and communities around the world. It doesn’t mean anything beyond that—it’s just someone exploring the possibility and then making the decision to go.
Scott Olson:
That’s great. It’s actually an old term we’ve brought back. Years ago, I wrote a song for a church about “Pray, Give, Go,” referring to people as prayers, givers, and goers. So, it's an old term being used in a new way.
Chapter 3: Transitioning to the Corporate Office
Scott Olson:
Carley, tell us about your transition from serving overseas to working at the corporate office of the organization. What was that like for you?
Carley Fortosis:
When I was thinking about shifting from corporate work to vocational ministry, I was wrestling with personal questions on my own journey. My calling into ministry wasn’t a lightning bolt moment or even a lifelong desire. I never would have predicted this outcome for my life. Instead, it was a gradual pull toward joining what I observed happening around the world—how Christians came together in unity to respond to injustices, meet people's needs, and avoid the divisions we often see in America.
That inspired me. I began thinking that God’s plan for my life could be bigger and different than what I imagined. That led to conversations with various people, including a serving coach from One Collective, who played an instrumental role in my next steps.
I asked myself questions like, “Is it okay to explore ministry without a dramatic calling story? Can I be in ministry without the spiritual gift of evangelism?” I didn’t see that gift in myself and thought it might be a requirement for this shift. I wondered if this was the right move for my career, how I could confirm that, and who could guide me. I also questioned what environment would help me grow spiritually, professionally, and personally.
Ultimately, my decision to step out in faith was a combination of spiritual discernment, conversations with key people God placed in my life, and their affirmation of me. My willingness and availability to serve played a significant role in moving forward.
Scott Olson:
That’s really helpful. Let’s dive deeper. You mentioned needing a serving coach to walk you through these questions. What was that experience like for you?
Chapter 4: The Role of a Serving Coach
Carley Fortosis:
I did have a serving coach, Erin Clausen, who was instrumental in my journey. Although we didn’t know each other for years, she came into my life at the right time, asked the right questions, and sought to understand what made me unique. One Collective stood out from other organizations I spoke with because of her desire to get to know me personally.
Erin helped me explore whether “normal” people could do this kind of work, or if you needed to be a ministry major with a lifelong calling. She took my questions with grace and understanding. Meeting her in person was helpful, and the personal investment she made in me was crucial. This personal relationship, along with my alignment with One Collective’s values, ultimately led to my decision to serve overseas and later in this role.
Scott Olson:
Thank you, Erin Clausen! It’s wonderful to see how the Lord led you then and continues to lead you now. Carley, it sounds like your time overseas really changed your life. Can you talk about that?
Chapter 5: Life-Changing Experience Overseas
Carley Fortosis:
Absolutely. I served with One Collective on a team working with refugees, which was a formative experience for me. It set the course for my eventual role as a serving coach. My time on the field gave me a new perspective on how people live, practice their religion, and how to build bridges and share the love of Jesus in ways beyond apologetic arguments.
I learned the importance of collaboration among multiple organizations and community members with a desire to help a community grow. The support from fellow believers and workers was crucial, especially when things were heavy and overwhelming. The built-in support of a team and a leader investing in me was beneficial to my faith journey.
Eventually, I realized I could maximize my impact and stay connected to this ministry by sending others to the field. My time on the field wasn’t long—just one year—but without that year, I wouldn’t be here today. It was a turning point in my life.
Scott Olson:
It’s amazing what God has done in and through you. I’m so grateful for how He led you. You’ve helped so many people become goers around the world. Thank you for what you do.
Chapter 6: The Ideal Worker
Scott Olson:
As you’ve transitioned into this role, helping people experience what you did, you lead a team that does this. Is there a particular type of person that you find really fits what you're looking for?
Carley Fortosis:
There is, and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this. First, we look for someone who is actively growing and committed to pursuing holistic health—spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
We also want someone who desires to use their gifts, marketplace experience, training, and degrees for the Kingdom and to help others. They should want to live in community with like-minded people who share a vision and passion. Someone who cares about the world and isn’t caught up in the divisions among American Christians but sees the bigger picture and the needs of others.
We’re looking for someone with availability, willingness, and a desire to be obedient to the Lord’s general calling to go and make disciples. Someone who can work well with others, submit to trusted leadership, and support one another. Finally, we value someone who is willing to learn, especially when it comes to learning a foreign language to build deeper relationships.
Chapter 7: Choosing the Right Organization
Scott Olson:
That’s a great list. For those out there who are interested in serving overseas, what should they be looking for in an organization? How would you advise someone in their search?
Carley Fortosis:
This is an important question, and not enough people ask it. The organization you join sets the course for your impact, longevity, and experience on the field. The organization should clearly communicate what they do, how they do it, and their end goal. They should have a clear mission, vision, and values that align with yours, as well as a statement of faith that matches your own beliefs.
They should take the time to get to know you, understand what you can offer, and ensure their values align with yours. The organization should care for their staff from start to finish, with people-focused mobilization, onboarding, and ongoing member care. They need to set clear expectations and provide robust training opportunities, both before and during service.
Accountability is also crucial—both in how the organization uses its finances and how workers meet the job's demands and expectations. Lastly, consider the organization’s reputation globally and how they’re perceived. If they’re well-regarded, it’s a green light to move forward. If not, it might be wise to reconsider.
Scott Olson:
You’ve done a great job of thinking through these things. So, if someone is interested and contacts One Collective, what does your team do to move them forward in the process?
Chapter 8: Moving Forward in the Process
Carley Fortosis:
One of the key things we do is get to know the individual and help them get to know us. This includes learning about their life experiences, personality, training, skill set, current life circumstances, giftings, values, and career goals. All of these pieces come together to form a complete picture.
We also discuss practical applications by exploring real roles and job opportunities with One Collective. Throughout this process, we’re asking God to speak and provide confirmation that each step is moving them closer to Him and their calling. We believe that God speaks through our process, so we submit it to Him every step of the way.
We bring in other key voices, such as church leaders, licensed psychologists, and leaders in the communities where we work, to ensure a broader understanding of the work and how they can collaborate. We also help people understand that calling may look different than they expected. My friend and colleague with GoCorps, a partner organization, has a great definition of calling that I’ve adopted: calling is understanding where the Lord is leading you to steward your next steps in life, career, and relationships. It’s freeing to realize that this understanding itself is the calling.
Scott Olson:
That’s an insightful way to look at calling. It’s often been a confusing concept, but it doesn’t have to be. With wise counsel, it can be understood.
Chapter 9: Overcoming Obstacles
Scott Olson:
What do you think keeps some people from moving forward when they sense they’re supposed to do something?
Carley Fortosis:
There are several common obstacles: career ambitions, family pressure, the desire to get married, or the perception of too many local needs. Finances, particularly the fear of support raising, are also significant barriers, as are health concerns—whether physical, mental, or emotional.
Safety concerns, fears of the unknown, and cultural barriers can also be challenging. Additionally, a lack of clear communication from the organization or a complicated process can deter people. These are all valid concerns, but they shouldn’t automatically disqualify someone.
Scott Olson:
I love listening to you, Carley. I feel like I’d trust my own children with you. I imagine there are parents of young adults listening who are wrestling with these questions. For those who have loved ones considering this path, I hope they’re picking up on the trustworthiness of your team. How do you handle it when people open up to you about these obstacles?
Carley Fortosis:
Some obstacles are valid, and some circumstances can’t be changed. Others need to be challenged or processed with a serving coach or trusted mentor. We need to wrestle with the Lord on these things, give ourselves permission to feel these feelings, and pray for the ability to trust even when we don’t have perfect clarity. God often reveals just the next step, not the full picture.
If you recognize a barrier but feel God stirring something in you, don’t disqualify yourself. Talk to someone—like a serving coach or someone on my team—and allow yourself to think beyond your current circumstances.
Scott Olson:
Those are awesome parting words. Carley, if someone wants to have a conversation, what’s the best way to reach out to your team?
Chapter 10: Getting in Touch
Carley Fortosis:
We’ll put a link in the show notes to schedule a call with someone on my team. It’ll be a no-pressure conversation about what God might be doing in your life and what that means for your next steps. You can also visit us at onecollective.org. And if you know someone else who might be interested, please share this episode with them. Referrals are our main source of new workers, so spreading the word is crucial.
Scott Olson:
That’s great. We never plug our social media, but Instagram is a great place to catch the vibe of One Collective. You can follow us at @BeOneCollective.
Carley, you’ve been an amazing guest. I teased you about fame and fortune, but you are, in fact, starting a new podcast for One Collective. Tell us about that.
Chapter 11: Carley’s New Podcast
Carley Fortosis:
Yes, the podcast is called Innovate for Good. We’ve just started recording a few initial episodes, and we’re eager to continue. It’s hosted by me and my coworker Mark, and we explore the crossover between experts in a field of study and the work we’re doing around the world. We’ve interviewed a few distinguished professors and are excited to see who else we’ll have on the show. So, stay tuned!
Scott Olson:
Carley, it’s been a joy to have you on. I would completely trust you with my own family members. Thank you for what you and your team do. For those listening, this is the Lasting Change Podcast. I hope this episode has inspired you as much as it has me. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time. Bye-bye.
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