We recently connected with Solar Cookers International‘s Sara Rosen, a new Humentum member, to learn about their journey. For a small NGO, is membership worthwhile, given all their other priorities?
Can you briefly introduce your role and the work that Solar Cookers International (SCI) does?
I’m Sara Rosen, the Program and Operations Manager at Solar Cookers International (SCI). I joined the team in early 2023 because I was drawn to the idea of working at the intersection of climate, health, and gender. SCI is the world’s leading advocate for solar cooking solutions. Our mission is to improve human health, economic well-being, women’s empowerment, and the environment by promoting climate-friendly solar cooking solutions, especially for vulnerable populations. We work with local NGOs and governments to bring solar cooking to areas where people still rely on harmful and unsustainable fuels like wood, charcoal, and kerosene.
What initially attracted SCI to Humentum? How has your involvement with Humentum supported your work?
SCI is a small organization—this means we can be nimble, but we also face limitations— we don’t have an in-house legal team or HR department, but we still have the same needs as larger nonprofits. Being part of a group like Humentum which has a strong reputation for providing high-quality training and services, lets us benefit from the collective knowledge that already exists within the nonprofit community, specifically in areas like compliance, nonprofit management, and operational efficiency.
Beyond that, we saw the membership as a way to connect with like-minded organizations and professionals. Engaging with a community of peers really opens doors to potential partnerships and collaborations.
Lastly, we were interested in the advocacy aspect—working together with other nonprofits to advocate for policies that make it easier for us to deliver sustainable solutions. Advocacy is more effective as a collective effort than as a solo voice.
If another NGO asked you about your membership, would you say it’s been helpful?
I think it’s been a game-changer. It’s helped us streamline our operational processes, which allows us to focus more on our mission. As I mentioned, all nonprofits face the same challenges, like finding IT support or navigating audits. By relying on Humentum’s expertise, we can concentrate more on what makes us unique—promoting solar cooking solutions. The training and resources we’ve accessed through Humentum have been incredibly helpful in streamlining those processes. The network has also started opening doors for us to connect with other nonprofits and experts in the field.
What specific services, tools, or resources have stood out to you so far?
If I had to choose one, it would be the People and Culture Roundtable, particularly the discussions on equitable compensation. It’s a big, complex issue that we’ve been exploring, and the group discussions and Q&A sessions have been really valuable.
The Equitable Compensation Playbook has been a great resource for us. As newcomers, we’re still exploring Humentum’s offerings, and I’m personally excited to dive deeper into the Humentum Explore courses, especially around technology systems and data.
Do you see membership as a short-term resource to get SCI to a certain point, or an ongoing partnership?
We see it as a long-term collaboration. Our focus is on continuous learning and capacity building, and we hope to keep leveraging Humentum’s expertise to streamline our operations even further. That, in turn, will help us strengthen our impact on communities facing energy poverty. We’re also looking forward to deepening our engagement with the entire Humentum network, exploring more partnerships, and contributing to advocacy efforts that promote different, sustainable pathways.
With over 300 social good organizations, Humentum connects you to a community of peers for networking, problem-solving, and access to sector resources. From operational guidance to best practices, our membership is the most cost-effective solution to strengthen your organization.
Ready to join us? Explore how Humentum membership can help move your mission forward.