Creating a More Compassionate World, Together: How You Can Support The Narrative Enneagram

Last year, I began my first term as a member of the Board of Directors of The Narrative Enneagram. I have been a part of the narrative community since 2017 and completed my Practitioner Certification the following year. Admittedly, I had no idea how the organization was run and that we even HAD a board until I was approached about serving on it!

My candidacy came at a time when I felt a calling in my life to do more concrete work to help move the world in a more positive direction. I have two young children and stepped away from my therapy practice to be more involved during my children’s early years. Still, I felt the struggle of needing identity outside of being “mom.” I also had been feeling a great deal of helplessness at the state of the world. This opportunity gave me a way to support a mission I believed in and do concrete work to improve the world around me. Once I joined the board, I discovered how vast our community is, how much work is happening behind the scenes, and how great our need for support is. 

Here are some of the things I’ve learned about our organization that I’d like to share with you.

A Small, But Mighty Organization

Don’t let the fact that we have Certified Narrative Enneagram Teachers and Practitioners all over the world fool you; The Narrative Enneagram as an organization is staffed by a small group of dedicated individuals, and most of them are part-time employees! This means that the top-notch coursework and content that you experience as a student and community member has been held and coordinated by a group of extremely dedicated folks who are working miracles within the limits of their positions. 

It also means that there are constraints on what can be accomplished. We have lots of ideas for the future, and those plans can only come to fruition with support from the community.

Non-Profit, Mission Driven

In 2011, The Narrative Enneagram received its status as 501(3)3 educational non-profit, clarifying its organizational mission to serve and nurture a better world, rather than financial gain. This mission of transforming lives and creating a more compassionate world is a cornerstone of the work that happens at The Narrative Enneagram. It also means that donations go straight back into creating more opportunities for students and the greater community, such as scholarships and increased offerings. This aspect of our organization truly sets us apart from many other Enneagram organizations, and that mission leads the way in everything we do.

How You Can Help Support The Narrative Enneagram

If you have felt a call to help support organizations that are creating positive change in the world like I did, The Narrative Enneagram could use your help! There are several ways that you can get involved. Whether it is through monetary donation or service in some other way, there are many opportunities to give!

Donor Support

As a non-profit educational organization, The Narrative Enneagram relies heavily on donor support to help fund scholarships and to provide the variety of programs we offer for students, members, and others interested in learning about the Enneagram. 

Our donors vary widely from “sustaining donors” who make monthly or annual contributions, to “add-on donors” who make a donation when signing up for courses and events. We also have, “Legacy donors” who give to The Narrative Enneagram as part of their estate planning. All types of donors, at every level of contribution, are appreciated and needed to help us continue offering high quality and accessible programming to as many people as possible.

Volunteering as a Committee or Board Members

When I was asked about my interest in being on the Board of Directors, I had some reservations. I had no board experience, just a lot of love and dedication to this organization and a can-do attitude. Turns out, that was more than enough to make an impact! The board has been incredibly supportive in my personal and professional growth, offering me opportunities to lead and develop skills that will be helpful at the board level and beyond. More importantly, I know that the work that I am doing directly impacts the future of The Narrative Enneagram.

If you’re interested in getting involved, there are a variety of opportunities to support and advise. Do you have a background in finance, an interest in supporting scholarship students, a passion for storytelling, or expertise in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging? There’s a committee that could use your specific skills!

Most of our Community Spotlight articles like this one are written by volunteers, and we’re looking for additional volunteers with experience in content creation, donor development, and marketing. We even have opportunities to help identify, nominate, and select board members and other volunteers.

On-Site Support

We have plans to offer hybrid classes (including a combination of in-person and virtual students) this year and in the future. Our goal is to rotate locations to make in-person learning accessible for more people, and we need help to make that happen. Each venue needs a local volunteer site coordinator to help with check-in, refreshments, and other tasks that come with in-person courses. This on-site support helps the faculty be present to the class to provide the best experience possible for everyone. Plus, volunteer site coordinators also get to participate in the course for free.

Let Us Know if You Are Interested In Volunteering 

As the chair of the Board Nominating and Development Committee, I have gotten the chance to connect with so many people within the wider community who share my dedication to this organization. I truly feel that without The Narrative Enneagram, I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today. For that reason, I serve.

If you feel the same, I would invite you to consider serving in the way that best serves you. I invite you to fill out this form to share your interest. If you’re interested in learning more about board or committee membership, I would love to hear from you! My email address is lauracatiebilz@gmail.com if you’d like to discuss how you can contribute. I believe in the power of working together to create a better world.

Contributed by: Catie Bilz

Catie Bilz is a member of the Board of Directions with The Narrative Enneagram. She is a Certified Narrative Enneagram Practitioner, Mental Health Therapist, lover of stories, and mom of 2.