What Is World Spirit?

There is a German word, “zeitgeist” that means “a spirit of the time”. A world spirit. The most positive world spirit for our time is that of giving and service. There is nothing more powerful to effect change, and to engage people in the world beyond themselves. World Spirit Consulting’s mission is to be a resource for people and organizations everywhere who are the drivers of change and hope for a positive future.
 

Expertise

Melissa Eystad, President of World Spirit Consulting, has extensive experience in philanthropy, grantmaking and volunteer systems development and technical assistance. From 2002 until early 2009, as director and then vice president of member services, Melissa planned and coordinated a wide range of learning opportunities for the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a regional association of more than 180 grantmaking foundations and corporate giving programs. Prior to joining MCF, Melissa led national volunteer development and training for AFS Intercultural Programs USA, one of the nation’s oldest and most-respected nonprofit, volunteer-delivered international student exchange organizations.

In addition to AFS and her independent consulting work, Melissa served as Chief of Volunteer Services for the Minnesota Department of Human Services from 1989-1997, developing training and resources for state and county social service volunteer programs. Her background also includes nearly five years in corporate community relations and employee volunteerism.

She was one of the faculty of the first Institute in Advanced Studies in Volunteer Management held in London in September 1999, and has delivered training nationally and internationally on a wide variety to topics related to volunteerism and volunteer management. She created an international exchange of volunteerism professionals between CSV in the UK and the Minnesota Association of Volunteer Directors that was successfully implemented in 1999-2000. From 2001 – 2003, she edited a section for the electronic journal www.e-volunteerism.com on “All-Volunteer Groups”.

Her cross-sector experiences and contacts helps bring fresh perspectives and solutions to organizations seeking help with their efforts to make a difference.