Discovering Your Passion with a Non-Profit Career

April 20, 2011 Leave a Comment

For many people, the idea of making a difference in the world through their career is more important to them than how successful they can be. These are the people who may enjoy working in a non-profit career field.

Non-profit means exactly what it sounds like — an organization or business does not make any profit, but rather turns all the monies earned back into the organization. Only a small amount is kept out for administrative and operating costs. These organizations include St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center, the March of Dimes, the Salvation Army, and similar organizations.

You may be one of these people who discovered your passion for such a career when you volunteered during your summer vacations and other school breaks. Or you may have interned at a non-profit organization while you were in college. No matter how you came to this knowledge, you know this is the career path you want.

You also know that, just as with any other career path, you need a good college education. You also know that since you’re not in it for the money, you’re going to need to spend as little as possible while still getting that good education. That’s where you could earn a degree online.

You can compare college tuition prices for online courses and degrees on a site like elearners.com, and choose the one that offers the curriculum you need to use in your non-profit career as well as lets you afford the classes. You may also be able to learn about volunteer opportunities that are available to you through the schools offering the online degree courses.

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Teaching Your Children about Volunteering

November 11, 2010 Leave a Comment
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 13: A child holds ...
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It is important to teach your children the value of volunteering their time. It will help build their character and instill in them a sense of community, service and gratitude. That is what volunteering is all about – giving back because you are grateful for the life you have and want to help others achieve happiness, too. Teaching your children at a young age means they will carry the love of volunteering for the rest of their lives.

Start by encouraging them to foster a love of giving. During the holidays, let your child pick a child off the Salvation Army angel tree. Then, let your child pick the toy that will be given to the needy child. Explain the reason behind buying a gift for a child that may not get anything else for Christmas. Make this a habit from a very young age. When your child is older, let them do the shopping on their own.

Encourage your child to join school-sponsored groups that volunteer in the community. It can be anything from planting trees to picking up litter on the side of the highway. Talk to the school and see what programs are offered that includes volunteering in the community. The important thing is that your child learns the importance of giving back. Volunteering with their peers will not only teach them the importance but it will also give them a chance to be involved with like-minded kids.

As your children grow into adults, they will continue to volunteer. They will have a sense of fulfillment and compassion that they will pass on to their own children. Giving back to the community is one of the greatest achievements your children will accomplish. They will grow into loving, kind and generous adults. Society needs more people like that, the kind that put the needs of others first.

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Never Too Old to Volunteer

November 11, 2010 Leave a Comment
MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 21: A senior citiz...
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You are never too old to be a volunteer. Volunteering in your community is a way of giving back to society. It is a way to help others that are less fortunate or simply unable to help themselves. People of all ages can find various ways to volunteer. If you are an older citizen and you want to be a volunteer, do not let your age discourage you. There are plenty of things older citizens and even senior citizens can do to show their support of their community.

Senior citizens can volunteer in area nursing homes. These long-term care homes are often in need of helping hands. Even if it as simple as reading to the residents, it is still worthwhile. Senior citizens make great volunteers in senior living facilities because they can relate to the residents. Sometimes it is hard for someone living in a nursing home to feel comfortable talking to younger people. Senior citizens can bring residents out of their shells and make them feel valued just by listening.

Older citizens can give back to their community by volunteering for community activities. Many towns and cities have specific boards that arrange community activities. Older citizens can give their time to these boards. They can come up with ideas and activities to help bring the community together. Older citizens can also volunteer in hospitals and clinics to help with registration or gift shops.

If you are uncertain about volunteering because of your age, start by talking to various organizations. Volunteers are always needed for hundreds of reasons. Places like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army will find something you can do to help. Your personal church is also a great place to give your time. If the desire to volunteer is in your heart, never let your age hold you back. Help is always needed and always appreciated, regardless of age.

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Taking That Helping Hand

November 11, 2010 Leave a Comment
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Being the recipient of volunteer services is different from being the one volunteering. People that need the help that volunteers offer often cannot help themselves. For instance, many elderly citizens receive Meals on Wheels. This is not because people feel sorry for them but because these citizens need help. Many elderly people will go without eating, especially with a limited budget. The Meals on Wheels program provides hot, healthy meals for those that may struggle to maintain a proper diet.

During the holiday season, organizations such as the Salvation Army help needy families for Christmas. Many families can barely make ends meet. Without the Salvation Army, their children may not get any gifts under the tree. The volunteers do not give out these gifts because they feel sorry for the children. They do it because they want to help the entire family. Gifts bring smiles to children’s faces and make their parents feel good about themselves. With such a tough economy, many people need all the help they can get.

People should never be ashamed of needing a helping hand. Times are tough and sometimes people just need a boost to get them through the rough spots. If you ever find yourself on the receiving end of volunteer services, let your gratitude shine through. The volunteers will appreciate your kindness just as much as you appreciate their kindness. You will both go home with full hearts.

When you get back on your feet, return the favor by volunteering your own time. Even if you can only do small things, do something. Let your community know that you are grateful for the help you received by helping others. Everyone should take a turn at volunteering at least once in their lifetime. If everyone gave just a little bit of themselves back to the community, society would be a better place.

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