When I started this blog in 2007, my plan was to focus on my experiences as a nonprofit newbie. I came into the nonprofit sector through my commitment to education equality and I am still a proud nonprofiteer. However, in the nearly five years that I have been blogging, I’ve noticed key trends in the social-change landscape:
- Many of my peers want careers with a social impact: making a difference is the norm, not an after thought.
- Many of my peers are redefining what a career with social impact can look like: whether it’s working at nonprofit, starting a business with a social mission, or demanding companies they work for do more for others.
- Many of my peers are leveraging social media and technology for social change: they aren’t just using these tools for fun; they use them to do good and connect with organizations and other people who want to do good as well.
Witnessing and experiencing these trends has been exciting; I’ve learned so much about the social change ecosystem and how my peers are navigating it. These trends have also encouraged me to shift the focus of my blog from personal experiences in the nonprofit sector to larger issues facing millennials who want careers that make a difference.
To that end my blog is written for fellow millennials who are ready to change the world. This topic is broken down into two parts: Tips and strategies for finding (and creating) a career with social impact; and trends in the social change landscape and our role in it.
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A bit about me:
I’m a Brooklyn girl who is passionate about making a difference. By day, I get to put my passion into practice as an Editor at Idealist.org, a nonprofit that connects people to the resources, community, and opportunities they need to create a better world. In my role as Editor I help the team produce content that informs and inspires for our blog and social media. I am also a proud nonprofit geek and techie: in addition to my blog (which is entering fifth year!) I am also on the board of the New York City Chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network where I manage the organization’s online outreach efforts.
Prior to joining Idealist, I worked in fundraising and marketing for organizations committed to education equality. When I’m not researching, editing, and gossiping with my co-workers, you can find me making a mess in my kitchen or talking smack with my five younger siblings. It’s the Brooklyn way.
I just discovered your wonderful blog. It is a refreshing blog. I will be back to read more.
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Over the years, I’ve run into really smart people who enjoy Spongebob so you’re in good company. One was my grad school professor who has a PhD, five masters degrees and is brilliant at EVERYTHING. During a class, she mentioned the merits and insightfulness of Spongebob and the Simpsons. At graduation, I gave her small toys from each show. She LOVED them.
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you have a blog! (yes, I’m a bit behind). Nevertheless, I’m glad you do b/c I always enjoyed your down to earth and insightful posts on LJ. Looking forward to following you here
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This is kinda late, but I just read #3.
I think it’s a Jones thing. I do it too (all the time). My dad is also guilty. Perhaps your mom is just ashamed to admit to the Jones family “secret”.
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Hello Ms. Jones,
Great blog. We have loads in common and I look forward to following your story. I have always wondered about the non-profit field so I will be definitely keeping up with your experiences and insights. Best of luck!
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hello! i just found your blog because i am trying to move up to nyc in january 2009. i started a blog about my journey to do so:
http://scantron.wordpress.com
i also work in the ngo field (i’m assuming you are, since you do fundraising?) i will definitely be reading your blog regylarly
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Hi,
Great blog! I need help. I am assuming with your position you must be a people person. I go to breakfast meetings (AFP) and other events and I dread it. Any networking tips you can share? We can barter.
I work for development/advancement/capital campaign consultants. Let me know if you have questions about anything. Really.
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@Andrea: I totally understand how you feel. I have two suggestions:
1. Go to events that are knowledge and action oriented instead of networking oriented. In other words attend a discussion modern art or volunteer at a school (for example) so that the focus is on learning and helping others instead of solely on meeting people. If you do meet people you know it is because you share a passion and are genuinely interested in getting to know them and working together.
2. Never feel compelled to get to know everyone. Introduce yourself to two or three people. Be intimate, connect, and walk away feeling as though you have definitely met someone worthwhile.
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I google’d you and found your wonderful blog. My dear, if I haven’t already told you how proud I am of you let me tell you now. I am soo proud of the women you are becoming, strong, opinionated and a social agent of change.
Keep up the good work and I can’t wait to read more about you and the awesome work you are doing in and around your community. MOM
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Hi! I just wanted to tell you what a great blog you have. You are so informative and make everything sound so easy once you get it together. I am currently getting my associate degree and am wanting to work in the nonprofit sector, so your blog is right up my alley. Thanks!
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Just found this blog and will definitely be back for more. From what I have read so far- you and I have a lot in common
I always have a soft spot in my heart for those who tell it like it is!
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Hey Allison! Nice to meet you and read your blog! You inspire me sista!
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ajlovesya Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Thanks for the love, Faith. Please keep in touch!
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I’m totally loving your site! It’s inspiring! Go Chica!
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ajlovesya Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Thanks Alicia. I hope you keep reading!
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U said U spend time thinking of creative ways to engage young people – and develop their leadership skills. Ponder THIS, Allison: the iOme Challenge is trying to engage college students to think about their retirement challenge (40 years from now – yeah, Right!)
On Saturday, President Obama put forth a similar challenge to young people regarding their retirement challenge(s).
We’re trying to get young people engaged by offering a $16,000 cash prize + PLUS a trip to DC to present the winning ideas to policymakers during the week of the President’s State of the Union address! COOL, hey?
DO you have any creative ways to engage young people like YOU; get people excited about our Challenge? HINT: a note on your great blog would help
PLEASE consider: http://www.iomechallenge.org
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Hi!
I’m so glad I found your blog! Love it and the work you’re doing!
Best wishes,
Deondra
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Allison, you have a graet blog here. I’m glad that I found it. I’m starting to get more involved with Philanthropy and I believe your blog is a great source.
Thanks for writing and sharing.
Jamara
http://www.hismajestyfavorite.com
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This is a wonderful blog and you are both a wonderful writer and very in tune to the types of things that people want to know and talk about. I found your website by googling “How to move to NYC”; it also happens that I want to know how to budget, how to get involved, how to contribute to the community I live in, all topics that you insightfully write about on your website. You also discuss a lot of things that I have wanted to learn more about but haven’t known where to look. Lots of words to say what a great blog and resource, I will be coming back here often!
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Hey Allison love the blog! Can’t wait to meet you tonight! Keep up all the inspiring work!
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I am so excited that I came upon your blog! This material is so helpful, and motivational to me as a young nonprofit professional.
Thank You!
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Hi Allison your blog is great and right on point.I went from the private sector to the
non-profit sector in 1992.Its been a journey from Clinton to Obama .I have seen and
been involved in all kinds of anti-poverty programs,transitional
programs,intervention programs,YouthBuild Program,Digital Divide,No Child Left
Behind,Americorp,WAP,Re-Entry,and a Federal,State, and Local list of initiatives that
goes on-and on.We are more than willing to share our experiences and lessons
learned with committed people and organizations.I am currently on Linkedin trying
connect with you and other that understand that “success is a blessing we recieve by helping others”.
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