Our final assignment is on David Bornstein's How to Change the World resource guide. Each one of us will choose a resource to look deeper into for personal benefit and then share it with everyone in the class. This way we can cover a lot of ground but also learn about and tap into resources we have yet to explore.
Now for an example to get us started:
- Resource: Idealist.org
- Area: Resources Seeking Job and Volunteer Opportunities
- Purpose: "Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives."
- Target Audience: People seeking to get involved and finding others who want to get involved in the non-profit sector, primarily in the US (but growing worldwide), either through volunteering or professional opportunities. Job hunters, networkers and non-profits with human resource needs.
- Value: You can create a profile that allows you to obtain email alerts to opportunities that match your interest, create listings for opportunities and network with potential employers and/or employees. You can find online discussion groups, potential speakers, as well as career or graduate school fairs. A little tricky to navigate but a very popular and powerful resource.
- Why: I am definitely going to be using this to find and connect with good people as well as job opportunities. I've heard a great deal about idealist from people everywhere in this field, and with over a million members it seems like a must do for anyone nowadays.
- Recommend: definitely, particularly for those graduating soon. A great way to get connected.
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Resource: www.volunteermatch.com
Area: Resources Seeking Job and Volunteer Opportunities
Purpose: The three hallmarks of the volunteermatch vision are community, relationships and partnerships. Volunteermatch.com is "a community that believes in the power of volunteering to enrich our lives and the world around us", aims to "build services that overcome the barriers that keep volunteers and nonprofits from finding each other, working together, and developing strong relationships, and believes strongly in cooperation because "no one can build a community alone." Essentially, volunteermatch.com allows those interested in getting involved with nonprofits in their communities to search opportunities in their area, receive opportunity alert emails, create referral histories, a place to upload your volunteer resume, and the ability to invite other groups to volunteer with you. It is all about connecting people to one another, nonprofits, and the causes in which they are interested.
Target Audience: I would say this website is targeted to anyone interested in taking action in their community. The pictures show a wide array of ages and I do not get the sense that they are simply trying to target teenagers and young adults. Some of the features are aimed towards our generation (uploading your volunteer resume, for instance), but for the most part, I get the sense that young, middle, and old have the opportunity to search and get involved.
Value: This website is easy to use because you may type in either the zip code or city in which you are specifically interested or the cause (environment, women) you are passionate about along with the place. You must type in a place, however, along with the cause, which sort of narrows down your ability to find opportunities all across the U.S. Regardless, it is still a wonderful resource if you have a place and/or passion in mind.
Why: I have used this resource before and have found it a very fruitful process. It is helpful in opening you up to nonprofits you may not have known about before and engages you to think more about the community in which you live and the impact you may have there. I think I first found it on the UNC Center for Public Service website and then received recommendations from many people as to the usefulness and accuracy of volunteermatch.com.
Recommend: I would definitely recommend this website because it is easy to use, has a lot of great attributes, and has a mutually symbiotic (sorry that sounds so scientific!) relationship for both volunteers and nonprofits. It would be great if it could also do worldwide searches, but I'm sure there are other websites for that and I think it's great to be exposed to areas in which we can work with our communities in the U.S.
Resource: The Nonprofit Times
- Area: Resources for Seeking Job and Volunteer Opportunities
- Purpose: It's the "leading business publication for non-profit management" but in terms of being a job seeking resource--it has a pretty basic/useful job search feature for people seeking jobs and employers.
- Target Audience: Job seekers/employers; people interested specifically in working in the non-profit sector--not really fit for the unreasonable potential social entrepreneur types.
- Value: You can search jobs, post your resume so jobs can find YOU, or get help from their online career counseling service. Useful? YES
- Why: It's useful and simple. Granted, I didn't find it as exciting or stimulating as some other sites like the idealist.com, BUT its practical. The jobs listed aren't initially what came to mind of when I thought of non-profit work, but maybe I'm just being unreasonable.
- Recommend: yep, especially if you're looking to get a job, ever. It's not the BEST database, but it serves its purpose.
Resource : Robin Hood Foundation (www.robinhood.org)
Area: Organizations that Identify or Support Social Entrepreneurs
Purpose: Robin Hood Foundation was designed to target poverty in NYC by applying investment principles to philanthropy. They help established programs “save lives and change fates.” They do this by giving 100 % of donations directly to instituted programs, attacking the source of poverty at its roots, helping programs become more effective and evaluate the results to achieve maximum efficacy.
Target Audience: Social entrepreneurs definitely and also other non-profit groups aimed at stopping poverty in NYC.
Value: They help to target poverty without taking a cut out for themselves, so that people who donate money know that their donations go straight to those who need it. Robin Hood believes that poverty is multi-faceted in origin, and that it is imperative to focus on all aspects, including early childhood, youth, healthcare, education, jobs and economic security. The also have a really good evaluation method put into place, so that they know they are being effective, this is especially relevant since they are not operating out of a profit motive. Also on the website there are all of the programs that they support.
Why : I chose Robin Hood because this organization is designed to equip and encourage those organizations that were already in place and making an impact, in order to help them work more effectively and maximize their potential. Also I was really impressed that this organization doesn’t just focus on one aspect of poverty, but looks at all aspects.
I definitely think that this a great resource for people to find out what is being done to combat poverty in NYC and the programs that are in place. Also it is good for people who want to donate their money to an organization, but would worry that their funds might not all be dissipated to those in need.
Resource: The Bridgespan Group
Area: Management, Funding, and Networking Resources for Citizen Organizations
Purpose: The Bridgespan Group helps accelerate social change by helping non-profits and philanthropic leaders develop strategies and build organizations for effective work.
Target Audience: Aimed at those in leadership in the non-profit or philanthropic sector, either who are just beginning or are involved but need help to be more effected.
Value: Great because those with the great ideas don’t always have all the skills or resources make effective change. The Bridgespan Group provides training and skill building to ensure that great ideas don’t go wasted simply because of failed funding, organization or strategy. They are helping the non-profit sector be effective and maximize their impact.
What they provide: consulting and advising to help organizations develop and implement more effective strategies. They also conduct executive searches to help develop strong leadership teams. They serve as a resource to share insights, lessons and tools that have been learned and developed by them or their clients.
Also have the Bridgestar initiative, which “seeks to help nonprofits attract, connect, and develop strong leadership teams”.
The website if full of information about funding, organization building, management etc. It seems to become a client and receive more personal consulting you would contact them with their email
Why you chose this resource.
It seemed like one of the most comprehensive organizations that aided non-profits. It went beyond simply pointing to grants or identifying social entrepreneurs, but created a system that helped ensure success. I am also particularly interested in it because I am starting a non-profit, Purple, and these are all resources that I should read and pay attention to.
Recommendation: Yes I would recommend this resource. It seems very comprehensive and
- Resource: microfinancegateway.org
- Area: Resources Seeking Job and Volunteer Opportunities
- Purpose: "The Microfinance Gateway is the most comprehensive online resource for the global microfinance community. It includes research and publications, featured articles, organization and consultant profiles, and the latest news, events, and job opportunities in microfinance."
- Target Audience: People seeking to get involved in the microfinance industry, learn from industry experts, and collaborate with others in the field. And for general MF enthusiasts!
- Value: You can receive weekly email alerts that notify the recipient of new job opportunities, discussion ,or research in the field. This serves to connect individuals in what many recognize as a very diverse industry.
- Why: I have been using this resource to find new opportunities to get into the field and as a way to keep up-to-date on current industry trends. I will continue to use this to read about jobs and connect with industry experts...not to mention make sure that CMI remains on track in supporting the MF industry as a whole.
- Recommend: I would definitely recommend microfinancegateway.com as a quality site to dig deeper into microfinance. It is particularly relevant for those graduating, but also a useful tool for individuals looking for internships.
Resource: Youth Service America
Area: Resources for People Seeking Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities
Purpose: YSA is an international nonprofit resource center that partners with thousands of organizations in more than 100 countries to expand the impact of the youth service movement with families, communities, schools, corporations, and governments.
Target Audience: Youth, aged 5-25 years.
Value: Community organizations and schools see youth as assets and partners, providing them access to opportunities that will give them the skills to succeed in school, and address community and global issues with confidence. Our world faces profound challenges that require the engagement of all people, including those 5 to 25 years old, if we are to effectively overcome them. Now more than ever, young people crave the opportunity to participate in the civic and political life of their communities. If performed within structured programs and organizations, youth service is a proven intervention strategy that helps young people navigate childhood and transition to adulthood: building connections to their communities, making academics interesting and relevant, providing resiliency when circumstances inevitably change, promoting positive social behaviors, preparing youth for the workplace, and providing them with lifelong habits of leadership, problem-solving, empathy, and self-reliance.
Why: I actually chose this by closing my eyes and putting my finger randomly on the page. But I think the organization achieves two things: 1) it gives non-profits and other social change organizations the opportunity to see that youth can be a valuable resource, even if very young and 2) it involves youth in social change and instills these values in them early on in their life.
Recommend: Definitely...reasons listed above.
Resource: Community-wealth.org
Purpose: "Community-Wealth.org brings together, for the first time, information about the broad range of community wealth strategies, policies, models, and innovations. The site is built upon the proposition that above all, practitioners, policy makers, academics and the media need solid, cross-cutting information and tools that can help them to understand and support the expansion of these institutions. Across-the-board information, experience, and expertise can also contribute to creating a favorable policy environment in which community wealth approaches are more fully legitimized, recognized, and appreciated as meaningful to the revitalization of our communities."
Target Audience: Policy makers, practitioners, academics, and media--anyone involved or interested in community wealth!
Value: facilitating conversation, connection, and collaboration among those already in the field; drawing in new actors; broadening the information available about the field to promote analysis and effectiveness; laying the groundwork for a friendly policy environment; shedding light on the creative and inspiring new ways in which communities are addressing local challenges
Why: I'm really fascinated by the asset-based community wealth approach. Focusing on the resources communities already have, and finding innovative ways to leverage these assets, is certainly more beneficial than focusing on what communities are lacking. My job next year involves strategic philanthropy--which is essentially what this site is all about. I can't wait to explore it further!
Recommend: Definitely! A truly fascinating approach, and it encompasses such a wide spectrum of American economic activity that we tend to take for granted. By casting a new light on what is already occurring, and creating a forum for different actors to collaborate and connect, this site is turning localized efforts into widespread change!
Resource: WetFeet
Area: Resources Seeking Job and Volunteer Opportunities
Purpose: Wetfeet offers profiles of companies, careers, and industries to steer job seekers toward a career they will love and be passionate about. Wetfeet.com and internshipprograms.com connect job seekers to employment and offer advice on the job seeking process through their “Insider Guides”.
Target Audience: WetFeet targets people seeking jobs, and people offering jobs. In terms of job seekers they target three specific audiences: undergraduates, MBAs, and those with job experience. There is a specific section of the website for each of these audiences, specially tailored to meet their needs. Additionally WetFeet targets employers so as to advertise the available positions.
Value: WetFeet connects job seekers to employers and provides information about different jobs and careers. I was particularly interested in their section on entrepreneurship.
Why: Although WetFeet doesn’t have an exclusively social focus, they do contain a social aspect. It is heartening to see resources for social business provided and promoted on a high powered career focused business website. It is heartening to see social business being respected and regarded as an important sector of the business world.
Recommendation: WetFeet has a lot to offer, but honestly could be more organized. Definitely check it out and use what you can get from it, but it’s by no means my favorite in the field. You have to weed through a lot of for-profit business information and opportunities as well.
Resource: globalgiving.com
Area: For donors/funders
Purpose: To provide a database of numerous, diverse grassroots projects. Global Giving's tagline is "a million little earth-changing ideas." According to their website, Global Giving "connects donors with community-based projects that need support." The whole premise of the website is to provide those willing to help financially with an easy avenue (and secure way) to donate money.
Target Audience: There is definitely not just one age group Global Giving targets. This website specifically targets those looking to donate money, especially to international projects.
Value: The website is quite easy to use and you can search based on location of the project or issue (theme) project addresses. So, I can quickly find all projects in Thailand that address education in some way. This is a terrific resource that is quick and efficient to use.
Why: I am pretty much addicted to this site. Although I have yet to donate money through this site, I often look through different projects to garner ideas and inspiration.
Recommend: Definitely!!! The only really negative aspect is that Global Giving takes between 10-15% of donations to cover their overhead costs. However, they claim to be much more efficient and they say they cut out about 40% of overhead/international fees. Just use it!
Resource: Tides Center (www.tidescenter.org)
Area: Organizations that Identify and/or Support (or Invest in) Social Entrepreneurs
Purpose: As Bornstein puts it, the Tides Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that "provides a fiscal home and infrastructure support for people starting social-purpose projects who have not established a nonprofit organization." It provides ways for seedling social movements and new social initiatives to evolve effectively and efficiently.
Target Audience: Organizations who wish to become (certified) nonprofits in the future, but may not have the management or public relations savvy to expand healthily. Those seeking expertise in the social sector should take advantage of Tides Center's services.
Value: Priding themselves on being a "sponsor of social innovation," the Tides Center provides financial management, grants management, HR management, risk management, payroll management, and project relations services to organizations.
I believe they can speak best in explaining their cost efficiency: "A well-run nonprofit can expect to spend between 20-30% of annual revenue on administrative and overhead expenses. For the comprehensive suite of back-office services, legal framework, and capacity-building support that Tides Center provides, projects pay only 9& of their annual revenue. For projects with revenue in excess of $1 million in a calendar year, the administrative fee drops to 6%. Tides Center has not increased its fees in over 12 years, and the fees are in line with other fiscal sponsors practicing similar models of fiscal sponsorship. "
Why: Unfortunately, many organizations lose steam and/or efficacy in their first few years as start-ups. During a time when most hopeful nonprofits would fail, Tides Center takes them on as a project which they are legally and financially invested in, involving them rather than relegating them to an affiliate status.
Recommend: It seems like they definitely fill a void that is often a crucial weakness for organizations that are just starting up. Definitely useful for those hoping to become nonprofits!
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