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/ 08.05.21 /

Skill-Based Volunteering at Work: Negotiation Workshop with ZS and Bottomless Closet

We just wrapped up our two-part Negotiation Workshop with our member, ZS, for our nonprofit partner, Bottomless Closet. Approximately 30 women were in attendance who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences which includes being on public assistance, formerly incarcerated, single mothers, survivors of domestic violence, and living in shelters.

Why is “negotiation” an important topic for women?

A woman who opts not to negotiate her starting salary will forgo an average of $7,000 the first year, and will lose between $650,000 and $1 million over the course of a 45-year career. AND Research suggests that 20% of women never negotiate at all. BUT we have seen each time we do this workshop, it is more like 80%.

During the workshop we covered topics like how to start the conversation, negotiating health benefits, negotiations in salary vs. hourly positions, and how to phrase your “ask”. You had to be in the “room” to feel the shift from uneasiness with the topic to the participants gaining confidence and, as one women shared, “Ready to get the MONEY!”

This is the power of skill-based volunteering at work.