Monthly Archives: July 2009

Addressing the Lack of Diversity in Progressive Conversations


Posted by ajlovesya

Today during the 80 Million Strong Summit for Young American Jobs someone mentioned that we need to remember “the empty chair in the room;” the person/group who, various reasons, is absent from this conversation but who nonetheless has a stake in the conversation.

This scene is all too common.   Our nation’s progressive conversations are usually homogenous.  In fact our facilitator commented that this was the first time in all of the years he had been working on this issue that the percentage of people of color participation was in the double digits.  How can we address the lack of educational, class, race, ability, and sexual orientation diversity?

Go to where they are: Figure out where the communities you want to reach are and meet them there.  For example, if we realize that there are still many communities that don’t use the internet as their sole means of communicating, then why use that as your only form of outreach?   Organizations that serve young people from various backgrounds are plentiful—you just have to find them and meet them where they are.

Get connectors on your team: It’s not enough to just go to people; it helps to have members of that community who know that community well to relay the information.  Connectors not only know tons of people but they get what moves people and what doesn’t—they are the pulse of the community so it helps to find them and explore how you can work together.

Create a welcoming climate: Not everyone views social change in the same way or has the same priorities or values when it comes to a particular issue.  It’s important to have a space for frank discussion, set grounds for inclusion, and build on each other’s ideas.

Learn about groups on your own: While it is important to include various voices, you shouldn’t wait or expect for a member of a particular group to do all of the talking.   Read about and work closely with various groups before and after conversations to inform your own perspective.

If you are going to speak don’t romanticize or pity: Not every group is wallowing in misery, waiting for some magical superhero to rescue them.  Many are working hard on their own to address issues affecting them.  While it is important to address disparities, equally important is resiliency; what techniques are people employing to cope and surpass their surroundings.  Putting strength at the center of the conversation instead of deficiencies ensures a group’s agency is being respected.


Social Change Rockstar: Meet Wendi Oppenheim


Posted by ajlovesya
from opp-guide.org

From Opp-Guide.org

A few months ago on twitter I came across the Opp-Guide, a web based nonprofit that allows young people to explore and rate volunteer experiences. I love the idea of young people becoming more involved in community service and sharing their views so I asked Wendi Oppenheim, the executive director of the organization, for an interview.

If the idea behind the Opp-Guide doesn’t wow you, maybe Wendi will. She is a 10th grade honor student who started the Opp-Guide to Community Service 5 years ago. In addition to winning a $10,000 social media grant from Best Buy/Ashoka she also is the only sophomore sitting on the board of Alliance For A Healthier Generation, a joint-venture between the American Heart Association and the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation to get young people interested in healthier more active lifestyles.

Tell us about your organization:

I created and developed about five years ago, the Opp-Guide to Community Service, Inc. an on-line resource for youth to learn about service activities within their community. Modeled after the Zagat Guide which rates restaurants, the Opp-Guide “rates” service opportunities. Specifically, students complete an objective questionnaire and write reviews about their volunteer experience, thus enabling other youth to find compatible service activities of interest to them.

The Guide’s mission is to empower, educate, and motivate youth to volunteer and make a difference within their communities. Many schools require community service for high school graduation. Further, under the present Obama administration, service is encouraged not only for older students but also for middle-school students. The Guide tries to bridge the disconnect between youth who do not know where to volunteer and volunteer organizations seeking volunteers.

We were originally in print form which we sold to area high schools, libraries, adults, and youth, the proceeds of which were distributed to Hurricane relief efforts. After becoming a 501c3, we went on-line in order to capture a greater number of people as well as to expand to other communities.

What was the inspiration behind starting it?

The inspiration in forming the Guide was to close the gap between students and youth not knowing where to volunteer and matching them with compatible volunteer activities so that they would continue volunteering throughout their adulthood. By providing youth with the ability to review their service experience (which we verify and then post on-line), others receive candid, witty, and honest insight as to a particular volunteer activity.

We originally came up with this idea when we realized that other students do not know where to volunteer and that many youth view volunteering as “mandatory” as opposed to actually enjoying themselves.

What were the challenges in starting your own nonprofit and how did you deal with them?

Getting initial funding and publicity. We were fortunate in preparing and successfully obtaining seed money from youth based service organizations. After becoming a 501c3, we were able to seek private foundation resources. As for publicity, we have been using a wide range of internet based social modes to “spread” the word.

What resources have been helpful in creating and maintaining this organization?

The internet and partnerships with other nonprofits as well as youth based ventures have helped sustain us.

How do you balance going to school while running a non-profit?

It has been challenging having to contend with a rigorous academic schedule as well as other extracurricular pursuits; however, having a strong Board and being able to organize time are helpful!

What advice would you give to a young person wanting to start a nonprofit?

Although it may be a bit overwhelming when you may consider the amount of time and effort that a nonprofit needs in order to exist (as well as funding to be able to sustain itself), as long as you are passionate about what you are interested in, you will be successful!

If you are interested in learning more about the opp-guide or helping out you can send an email through their website.


Know Volunteers Changing Their Communities? Why Not Celebrate Their Work?


Posted by ajlovesya

I firmly believe that good work shouldnt go unnoticed which is I am happy to share two great opportunities for people who want to celebrate the work of a volunteer in their community.

WE Do Good Contest: Honoring an A Female Volunteer Bringing Change to Her Community

The contest seeks an outstanding female volunteer that has given a lot of time, effort, and dedication to a non-profit organization in her community. The winner will receive a $5,000 donation to the charity of her choice and be featured in an upcoming issue of Ladies’ Home Journal as well as at WEVolunteer.tv and LHJ.com. WE Do Good is accepting nominations until July 22nd.
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To combat the doom and gloom filling our news, Huffington Post wanst to highlight people who are bringing good to the world.  From the website: Huffington Post New York wants you to send us inspiring examples of volunteerism. This can be about an experience you’ve had, but it can also be the story of someone you know whose service changed the life of an individual or transformed a community.  This is on-going and selected stories will be posted on the Huffington Post.
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Good luck!

Get Help on Volunteering from These Awesome Groups on Twitter


Posted by ajlovesya

Yesterday I blogged about how the biggest issue in service is giving people the tools to figure what kind of service is best for them.  No matter where you are or what you do we can all make the world a better place but the trick is figuring out how.

In addition to the idealist.org handbook being an excellent resource, on twitter there are tons of people and organizations sharing information on volunteerism from a variety of perspectives.   Whether you are a busy mom looking to volunteer, a student wanting to volunteer abroad, a current volunteer looking for inspiration, or an organization looking to recruit and retain volunteers, there is something on twitter for you.

I made a list of folks on twitter that I enjoy following and find helpful.   If you want to find more check out wefollow.com or look through who your favorite people on twitter are following—it’s  a great way to find new people.  Enjoy and share!

General News:

  • For updates on volunteer opportunities, issues affecting volunteerism, how volunteerism is changing communities follow @servecommunity
  • How are our politicians, celebrities, and companies encouraging service?  How service is making news?  Learn more about that by following:  @TheNewService @national service

Long-Term Service:

  • If you are interested in spending a year or two in a service program you can learn more about challenges and joys of such programs as well as some great opportunities by following:  @peacecorps @americorps @cityyear

Finding Opportunities:

For High School and College Students and Educators:

For Non-Profits

For Busy People:

  • Need tips on coordinating volunteer activities to fit in your busy schedule?  Check out @volunteerspot
  • You can volunteer from your phone.  Really!  Check out @extraordinaries
  • Want to volunteer with the family?  Follow @VolunteerFamily

For Inspiration:

  • Are you currently volunteering and need inspiration or to connect with fellow volunteers?   Follow @volunteerwords @ServiceCircle
  • To see first-hand how people are serving their communities in meaningful ways check out @volunteernation

Creating Change Wherever You Are: A Review of The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World


Posted by ajlovesya

Ever since his election, President Obama has emphasized the importance of service.  Many of us can serve and want to serve, but the place where we get stuck is how. How can we serve especially when we have tight schedules, pressing obligations, and don’t know what we could possibly offer?

Image from idealist.org

Image from idealist.org

Enter the Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World. A career guide and activist book rolled into one it provides a comprehensive overview of how you can make the world a better place no matter where you are.  The book discusses challenges and issues you may face trying to serve, provides tangible steps and resources, and includes handy activities and charts that help you figure out you how and where you might lend passion and talents.

The book is divided into three sections with three or four chapters in each.  The first section, “An Idealist is Born” asks you to reflect on your own experiences and passion when it comes to making a difference. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by opportunities while also feeling as though you don’t have much to offer to the causes that need so much help.  This section helps you figure out “where you fit in” by breaking down opportunities into small pieces to show you that there really is a place for everyone.

The second section “Taking Action” explores how you can make change on a personal level through volunteering, board service, or personal philanthropy. These three types of personal engagement are discussed in detail so you learn about the pros and the cons of each and get a better handle on what is right for you.  You’re asked to think about your strengths and weaknesses, your schedule and your obligations so you can pick a form of service that is perfect for you.

The final section, “Idealism at Work” addresses how you can make a difference at work. Whether you want to encourage your workplace to engage in service or social responsibility in a meaningful way or are interested in a career in the nonprofit sector, the point is that we can use our work place as a tool for social change.  For those of you interested in a career in the nonprofit sector, there is advice on how to make yourself a competitive candidate and how to find the non-profit that meets your personal and professional goals.

The book is an easy read and full of useful information and stories of people who have made service an integral part of their lives.  Its hand on approach to getting you to help your community, plus the conversational way in which it is written make it easy to share with high school students and adults alike so I strongly recommend it for those new to service and interested exploring possibilities.

There is one drawback though: there is no longer an excuse NOT to help others. By giving you the information and tools necessary to make a difference we can no longer hide behind lack of time, lack of money, or perceived lack of skill.  We can create change wherever we are.

So, how did you change the world today?

Read excerpts here and here and check out the idealist.org handbook blog.