Volunteering During Disasters
As the emergency in Haiti is brought under control, the focus will be aimed at restoring lives and the infrastructure that supports them. There is no distinct point at which immediate relief changes into recovery and then into long-term sustainable development. Haiti needs long term sustainable development.
Lead with Leverage
Sometimes volunteer opportunities are not challenging enough. There. I said it. Volunteers are looking for challenges and meaningful ways to utilize their talents. We all want this professionally as well as to be a core component to our volunteer experiences. Corporate America is an important partner is helping NGO’s leverage social capital. They just are not really sure how. So let’s help them.
Politically, Socially, Morally and Religiously Unacceptable
My original blog post was going to be about the key components necessary to design a strong effective volunteer program. Then I went outside….and changed my mind. It’s cold outside. Not just a little cold, and not just cold in a few places. It’s freezing in over 80% of the country. While the cold made me uncomfortable as I ran from my car to my house, It made me think of the people sleeping either outside or in inadequate shelter tonight.
Say Thank You….. And mean it.
This post is not for you. It’s REALLY for the organization you will be volunteering with or maybe it’s for the organization you work for. You may want to print a copy and take with you, post it on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Over the next few weeks I will spend time discussing Strategies for Moving Volunteers from Success to Significance.
A Foundation and Framework for 2010
I am going to say it-I am glad Christmas is over. I love the traditions that I have created for my daughters and the sense of love and kindness that seems to permeate the air. Yet, it’s just so stressful for so many people.
And it all starts in a community….
How different would your life be if you lived in a land that has been war torn by civil unrest and social upheaval for years? Weapons were everywhere and easily accessible, but food and opportunity were not.
Believe in Sheela
Nineteen women have joined together to repay loans, learn accounting skills and socialize. They are doin it for themselves. One powerful way that women are doing it for themselves and helping to make sure their dreams come true is by starting businesses.
A Humane World….
McLachlan SPCA Commercial always makes me weep. Her angelic voice, the face of those sweet animals and power of the facts the commercial highlights always moves me. Today’s post and an organization that I would love to see my readers get behind and support in 2010 is the SPCA.
Saving Gorillas
Looking to purchase a stuffed animal for the holidays? Umm I have an idea to do something way cooler, more meaningful and honestly you will not sell it in a garage sale 3 years from now. I have a friend that loves primates. LOVES them. She sends me multiple requests every week kindly requesting that I”purchase” her a baby gorilla.