I originally launched this blog as Entry Level Living to chronicle my experiences as a non-profit newbie living in a big city. As my readership and relationships have grown, I’ve moved from solely personal reflection to looking at how young people can affect social change where ever they are, regardless of position in the nonprofit sector. I firmly believe that nonprofits shouldn’t just focus on social change; they should also focus on attracting as many people as possible to social change, beginning with my generation.
I have been featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and more. I have given presentations and workshops at various colleges and universities such as NYU and Haverford College and powerful public institutions including Demos. I was selected as a Social Change Leader by Greater Philadelphia Cares and a fellow in the NYU Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service.
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[...] About Me [...]
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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[...] A little about me [...]
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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[...] Allison Jones is a Brooklyn girl who left home at age 17 to attend Haverford College in suburbs of Philly. In college she was able to travel, connect, and learn from a variety of people and places that shaped my view of social justice. She lived in Philly for a year after college and moved back to NYC in June 2008. Allison is a blogger, entrepreneur, advocate, sister, daughter, and wanna be comedian. [...]
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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[...] aware that I’m a person who’s white working in a community of color. In this post, Allison points toward a documentary she found worthwhile and has plenty of her own commentary about the [...]
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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[...] in the works among millennial nonprofit bloggers across the United States. Many kudos go out to Allison Jones, who had this inspired notion and took the initiative to make it happen. Allison has reached out [...]
Hi!
I’m so glad I found your blog! Love it and the work you’re doing!
Best wishes,
Deondra
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[...] really liked what Allison Jones had to say when she wrote, “The issue is not to measure outcomes, but do so in a way that is [...]
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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[...] research I have been doing lately, I found myself especially interested in a fellow blogger named Allison Jones and her recent post entitled: Four Ways Young Nonprofit Professionals Can Build Their Networks on [...]
[...] so another way to connect is to join us every first Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm EST online! Read more about Allison and follow her on [...]
[...] 6 events that put nonprofits in the spotlight – compiled by nonprofit blogger Allison Jones. [...]
[...] are proud to highlight our second panelist: Allison Jones, Board Member of the New York City Chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals [...]
Hey Allison love the blog! Can’t wait to meet you tonight! Keep up all the inspiring work!
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