How to Volunteer as a Family

Giving back to the community is a great way to teach children about compassion and empathy. It can also be fun and help build a stronger relationship between them and their families.

Benefits to Young People Who Volunteer

Young children can learn that helping others can make a difference. Volunteering also shows older teens and kids how they can make a difference.

When kids and teens volunteer, they get to meet people from different backgrounds and abilities. Working on a project helps them develop strong relationships with others who share the same values and interests.

Kids and teens can practice life skills by volunteering. It can also help them become a part of a team and show up on time. In addition, teens can discuss their volunteer work in their college applications or job interviews.

Try volunteering at a healthcare facility, a political campaign office, or a nonprofit organization to see what it’s like to work in these jobs.

How can Families Volunteer?

There are different types of volunteer projects that families can choose from, such as helping someone you know, or going to an animal rescue or shelter every week. Some families also make a tradition of doing one project a year, such as filling holiday gift baskets.

Look for a project that fits the needs of your neighborhood and works for your child’s age. You can also offer to help with chores such as weeding and cooking.

You can also ask your family to help with a cleanup project, such as picking up trash at the local beach or park.

If you’re looking for a project to help people in need, consider donating food to a local soup kitchen or food bank. Volunteers can also help deliver meals to those who are homebound.

Write letters to veterans and children in need of a boost. Some organizations also need volunteers to help them send letters to legislators. Nonprofits need help with fundraising and promotional activities, such as writing postcards.

Where to Start?

You can find a variety of projects that your family can help with by searching online or calling a charity that your family supports. You can also check the state’s website for information about volunteer programs. Some families participate in projects after disasters in the US or abroad.

This blog was previously published on January 20, 2023 https://jenniferpowersnyc.medium.com/

Great Nonprofit YouTube Channels For 2022

YouTube can be an extremely powerful platform. While many people may think of it as a place to watch funny videos or clips from your favorite movie or TV show, it can also be used to do immense good, such as for charity. Many organizations in the nonprofit sector have their own Youtube channels which they not only use to educate others on the value of nonprofits but to raise funds for those who are in need. If you’re interested in learning more about some of the best nonprofit YouTube channels, look no further.

RSPCA

The RSPCA makes its YouTube channel extremely user-friendly, with well-designed thumbnails that are color-coded in order to let you know what series the video is a part of, as well as images that tell you exactly who or what the video is about. This helps make their content more appealing to a wider audience. Aside from these, the organization additionally has a variety of videos that are geared toward helping people find a good pet. Most of the videos that the organization has released are very emotional, which is very good because it lets people connect with their cause. One of their most recent videos is about Peggy the Pug, which shows how sad these animals’ stories are. But if you’re worried it’ll be too sad to watch, fear not because they usually have happy endings.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

It’s hard for people to understand how their donations can make a huge difference in the lives of those in need. Through their YouTube channel, Ronald McDonald House Charities can show the faces of the people who they help every day. They don’t just use their channel to show the difference they make either. The organization also uses its YouTube channel to distribute thank-you videos to the individuals who help keep the Ronald McDonald Houses operational.

Rainforest Alliance

The people at The Rainforest Alliance don’t talk about themselves in their videos, instead, they let the people who help them do the talking. In these videos, they interview individuals from all around the world who talk about how their training with the organization can improve their quality of life. When they’re not interviewing those who work with them, the people at The Rainforest Alliance make engaging videos that show how their donations can make a huge difference in the lives of those in need. Their channel has a variety of videos that highlight their impact and encourage people to get involved.

Greenpeace

Unlike the other organizations on this list, Greenpeace is focused more on activism. This means that their content has a distinct tone from other nonprofits. In addition to being able to show the people who are passionate about fighting for the environment, the organization also has its logo in each of its videos, which helps people immediately recognize them. Their videos are powerful and uplifting, showing footage of people from all around the world fighting against the effects of climate change.

This article was originally published on Jennifer Power’s Medium!

Great TED Talks In The Nonprofit Sector

TED Talks believe in using the power of ideas to transform lives and the world. This is very common for professionals and nonprofits in the social sector who operate with the same mindset. Through its inspirational talks, TED aims to inspire and motivate individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact. If you’re running a nonprofit and need some inspiration, or you want to learn more about how you can make a lasting change in our world, check out some of these TED Talks.

The Antidote To Apathy – Dave Meslin

According to Dave Meslin, the main reason why people don’t get involved with nonprofits is not apathy, but rather seven barriers that prevent people from taking action. These seven barriers can keep people from making a difference in the world, regardless of their level of commitment.

As you work to connect with supporters, ask yourself what barriers are holding them back from becoming involved. These are the things that you should be aware of so that you can remove them before they become a problem. Having a clear and concise mission statement is very important, as well as having a variety of calls to action are also very important.

What Nonprofits Can Learn From Coca-Cola – Melinda Gates

Coca-Cola has a global network of distributors and marketers who ensure that their products reach even the most remote regions. In her talk, Melinda Gates talked about how they’ve been able to use various marketing techniques to reach out to communities around the world. This model is very applicable to nonprofits, as it allows them to distribute their products on a large scale.

To effectively reach out to the communities that you serve, identify individuals who can help you educate others about your organization and its cause. You should also be bold enough to offer a variety of marketing messages that are not only relevant to your target audience, but also help them make informed decisions. Finally, develop a data-driven mindset that will allow you to make informed decisions.

The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong – Dan Pallotta

Many professionals and nonprofits in the social sector are familiar with the subject of the “overhead” discussion. In his TED Talk, Dan discussed the idea that while nonprofits are often rewarded for reducing their overhead, they are also not always given the same recognition for their work. He encourages everyone to ask their organizations what their goals are instead of what their current rate of return is.

To improve the status quo, start by asking yourself and your team what your biggest dreams are. Then, take a deep look at how you can measure and make progress toward these goals. You should also be able to identify the resources that will allow you to reach these goals.

This article was originally published on JenniferPowers.info

Books on Nonprofits To Read In 2022

Reading books is wonderful. They can transport you to different times and places, as well as places you could never dream of. They also have the ability to teach and inspire us. Books about the nonprofit sector in particular are extremely good at this. Some teach us about how to effectively run a nonprofit, while others may take a look at philanthropy and charity and how we can improve these things in order to make more lasting change. Here are some of the best books on nonprofits you can read in 2022.

The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need — Ellen Karsh

One of the most popular books about fundraising is The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need. This guide explains the various types of grants, as well as the application process, and provides readers with practical advice on how to apply. The author also debunks common myths about grants and gives readers an accurate idea of what to expect when it comes to applying.

The book’s second half breaks down the writing process into simple steps, and it also provides readers with strategies and tips to increase their chances of getting funding. This is the most comprehensive guide on grant-writing that’s out there.

Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits — Leslie Crutchfield

The book, which is a collection of six practices that make high-impact organizations successful, is a must-read for anyone who’s looking to build a successful nonprofit. It features case studies and examples from some of the country’s most prominent organizations, such as The Heritage Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. The authors also talk about the importance of sharing leadership duties and nurturing networks.

Fundraising for Social Change — Kim Klein

Written for non-profit professionals, this book covers the ins and outs of finding financial support for their organizations. It also provides strategies and tips on how to raise money for their missions. Some of these include using multi-channel fundraising, diversifying donor bases, and crafting captivating appeals.

The book also tackles various concepts such as budgeting and how to work with fundraising consultants. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s looking to build a successful nonprofit. It additionally provides a wealth of information on how to raise money for your organization.

The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact without Burnout — Beth Kanter and Aliza Sherman

In the nonprofit sector, burnout is an epidemic that affects both the leaders and the staff members of organizations. It’s often caused by a mission-driven culture that demands continuous performance. In The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the various signs of burnout and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. They also recommend strategies to improve employee well-being.

This article was originally published on Jennifer Power’s Medium!

Great Nonprofit Podcasts To Check Out In 2022

We live busy lives, which can sometimes make learning new information difficult. It often feels like we’re constantly on the go, so how do we learn more about different subjects? Well, a great way to do so would be to listen to podcasts. You can listen to podcasts while you’re driving, while you’re cleaning the house, and while you’re working. You can listen to them practically wherever. The nonprofit sector in particular has a lot of great podcasts available which can help you learn more about philanthropy, charity, and everything that encompasses the nonprofit subject. Here are a few of the best nonprofit podcasts worth checking out in 2022.

The Business Of Giving

The Business of Giving is a weekly program hosted by Denver Frederick, who is a veteran of the philanthropy world. He talks about the various solutions that can be found to today’s social problems, such as global poverty, clean drinking water, and affordable housing. Each week, Frederick interviews prominent individuals and organizations.

The program has a total of 378 episodes, and the latest one was released in February 2022. In one of the recent interviews, Denver was able to connect with the CEO of LavaMaeX, Kris Kepler, who discussed how the organization is helping the homeless. Nonprofits can also benefit from these discussions as they can learn more about other great platforms that can help them reach their goals.

First Day Podcast

The First Day Podcast from The Fund Raising School is a weekly program that focuses on the advancement of ethical fundraising. It features a variety of topics that are related to this subject. Some of the topics that are frequently discussed on the program include major-donor fundraising, self-care for a fundraiser, and how to manage your funds.

The Fund Raising School currently has a total of over 200 episodes. None of these are more than 20 minutes long, and they cover the latest developments in fundraising and technology. One of the episodes that they released recently hit over 19k plays on SoundCloud. If you’re interested in getting the latest updates about nonprofits, follow this channel.

Nonprofits Are Messy

Joan Garry, a professor and a leading figure in the nonprofit world, is the host of Nonprofits Are Messy, and she covers a variety of topics related to fundraising and leadership. The program takes a look at real-life scenarios that organizations might face, and she breaks down the various aspects of running a nonprofit into easy-to-understand pieces. Whether you’re a board of directors or a marketing and communications professional, this is a must-listen for anyone who’s interested in learning more about fundraising.

The program has a total of 150 episodes, and each of them has an average run-time of around 50 minutes. One of the most recent episodes discussed the secrets of a successful board of directors. This is a must-listen for anyone who’s interested in learning more about fundraising and leadership. In addition to this, the program also features other topics that are geared toward helping senior nonprofit professionals improve their skills and knowledge.

Prioritizing Child Psychology as Schools Reopen

Although doctors and nurses are warning the public of a new surge in COVID-19 cases spurred on by the delta variant, child psychologists are warning that the new school year will bring about a surge of kids facing mental health crises as well. In pre-pandemic years, the months of September and October were especially active for child mental health specialists. Dr. Richard Martini, a child psychiatrist at Salt Lake City’s Primary Children’s Hospital and the University of Utah, says that in typical years, the end of September and early October saw the biggest rise in kids visiting mental health professionals. Dr. Martini explains that by this time, teachers and school administrators developed enough of a rapport with their new students to know when something was wrong.

Despite this expected rise in kids seeking psychological counseling, experts warn that the pandemic has exacerbated an already critical situation. According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the months between March 2020 and May 2020 saw a 24 percent rise in kids ages 5 to 11 visiting hospitals due to a mental health emergency. The increase was even steeper for kids ages 12 to 17, who had a rise of 31 percent in the same months. The situation has yet to abate, as revealed in findings from the Children’s Hospital Association, which found a 15 percent rise from 2019 in children coming to hospitals for mental health problems.

According to Dr. Ujjwal Ramtekkar of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, most cases involving kids and mental health are rooted in anxiety. For younger kids, Dr. Ramtekkar explains that this type of anxiety concerns separation from their parents or fears that their parents might get sick with COVID-19. Meanwhile, Boston-based psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite argues that anxiety in older kids is based more on social issues and academic performance. These kids might have further problems when it comes to transitioning back into in-person learning after more than a year of remote or hybrid schooling. Experts further say that kids with pre-existing mental health conditions are especially vulnerable to experiencing a mental health crisis as they return to school this year.

Despite all these challenges, Dr. Christian-Brathwaite says that schools are well-prepared to help kids who might be experiencing a mental health emergency. Many school administrators have reached out to mental health professionals to train teachers on how to spot and help children who are struggling with their psychological health. Hospitals are also preparing for an influx of kids with mental health concerns by recruiting more child psychologists and thereby expanding their services for new patients.

This article was originally published on JenniferPowers.me

Raising a Child to Care about Others

During the global pandemic, it has become obvious the struggles that people are facing and the need to help each other during these very difficult times. Now is the best time to help teach the younger generations the need for doing just that, and how they can best help their community. Here are a few ideas for parents on how to help nurture the charitable side of their children.

Show How Important It Is

One of the worst things a person can do is turn a blind eye to an issue that is important. They need to be aware that things are different for everyone they come across. Whether or not they can help at that moment is irrelevant if they can’t accept that there is an issue. By showing this to children, you also help them to better understand appreciating the many blessings they have in their life and how thankful they should truly be.

Make It a Routine

There is no time like the present to begin new traditions and one great way to do it is to create a routine for charitable work. Perhaps you make it a ritual to go through their clothes and taking items that no longer fit shelters for kids who may need a new pair of shoes to replace their old ones. Or perhaps you take the time after church to work at a soup kitchen. Whatever the activity, creating a routine to do can keep the momentum going into adulthood.

Engage Their Passions

Is there something that your child is truly passionate about? Do they have a special connection to a cause? Whatever the reason, try to make the good work you do coincide with the interest they have to keep them engaged. If they are doing something that they may not be particularly involved in, the charitable actions will feel more like a chore. Choosing something that will keep their interest can make the hours go by quickly and have them want to do it again and again.

For more information on the subject matter, check out this article.

Education Charities To Support This Fall

Children living in poverty and under harsh regimes are often unable to enjoy a well-rounded education. In extreme cases, it’s up to concerned philanthropists to donate the time, finances, and resources to help these children grow. Education-based charities are looking for donations now more than ever. Are you going to step up and help kids in need?

The Turing Trust

Named after Andrew Turing, the nephew of British mathematician and logician Alan Turing, the Turing Trust helps students in Malawi and Ghana by providing thousands of computers to schools. It has supported 39 schools in Malawi and 76 schools in Ghana. Thanks to this program, more than 41,000 African students have become I.T. literate. Those wishing to support this program can donate to the Turing Trust through their businesses.

Mobile Education Partnerships

An educational charity working in Myanmar (formerly Burma) that has been operative for 20 years, Mobile Education Partnerships provides teacher training in remote communities and marginalized areas. Since 2011, this charity has contributed to the preparation of nearly 2,000 teachers. It has also brought 350 teachers through Cambridge teaching exams and produced textbooks used by almost 18,000 children. People’s donations to MEP through their businesses can support this charity.

Lightyear Foundation

This foundation brings science education to children with disabilities in the U.K. To gain the interest of these students, one program, Sensory Science, is a creative and immersive experience that also provides practical knowledge that can improve their lives.

Read the full article at JenniferPowers.info.

Mastering Decluttering: Staying Motivated and Donating Items

Jennifer Powers - New York City - Decluttering staying motivated donating items

Deep-cleaning the house is a wonderful and frustrating experience for just about everybody. It starts with a blast of motivation but quickly shifts to exasperation from an overwhelming mess. In the end, cleaning can lead to an organized home and satisfied inhabitants. But a deep dive into your material possessions helps more than just the house or the people living in it. If done right, it can help the neighborhood.

Staying Motivated

The first step of cleaning the house is simple in theory—it’s getting started. However, a project as big as deep-cleaning a home is tough to start. Nearly everyone wants to do it but doesn’t want to sink time and energy into the project. Some are afraid they’ll find themselves stuck after they start. When starting to clean, everything has to be moved, including big furniture pieces. It’s about cleaning what’s visible and what’s hidden, so get ready to sweep up dust behind entertainment centers and beds.

That means the house will have to become messier before it gets cleaner. In that case, not everything should be tackled at once. It’s better to start small and organize shelf-by-shelf and keep in mind what would be best donated or kept. People could move items in need of sorting to other rooms or even outside if the weather permits. Still feel stuck? Habitat.org has so many tips to help you get started!

Donating Items

Donating old, unneeded things helps people clean out their space and declutter their lives, but it also assists people who may need those items more than others. It helps to think of objects not as useless, but as necessary for others.

Humans are sentimental creatures, and most hold back on donating items they don’t use. This leads to extra clutter sitting in the backs of closets. To master the art of decluttering, it’s best to look beyond emotion and ask if it still has a purpose in the house or would be better off helping another. There are plenty of charities in need of donations. And people are not restricted to donating only the clothes in their closets—many stores will take dishes, appliances, furniture, toys, and almost anything else. If it’s in good enough condition to be donated, it will most likely make a difference in someone’s life.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Use Your Money

Jennifer Powers - New York City - Eco-Friendly Ways to Use Your Money

Climate change is all around us, rearing its ugly head in the form of recent severe weather catastrophes and damage to flora and fauna. Many of us wonder what we can do to stave off and potentially reverse these adverse impacts. If you are among this group, there are simple daily habits you can adopt to minimize your carbon footprint. And, some of these methods can save you a few bucks!

Make Your Own Coffee or Tea

You can save a few quick bucks and reduce pollution by brewing your own coffee or tea at home. There are many varieties of coffee makers currently on the market, and all of them get the job done. Paper cups, plastic tops, plastic stirrers, and other items you might use at your favorite coffee house create tons (literally) of plastic and paper trash every year, and a lot of it can’t be recycled properly. This kind of trash sits at waste dumps and landfills for decades without decomposing. Meanwhile, home-based coffee brewers and products can be packaged in recycled materials and are made of sturdy materials such as silicon. Plus, you can brew as much as you want and add the flavorings you love without paying $4 a cup!

Use Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags

On recent grocery store runs, you might have noticed fabric shopping bags on sale by the checkout counter. These are bags you can buy and bring with you when you go grocery shopping. Many of them are manufactured using recycled materials and fabrics. If you don’t like the appearance of these, you can always look for a better quality shopping bag online. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is a slogan that you can live up to by making simple earth-friendly choices like this. You may even opt for nylon produce bags, which are lightweight and last a lifetime!

Buy Items with Less Packaging

You can’t control what companies and large corporations produce, but you can control what you buy. Refusing to purchase items with unnecessary packaging can add up to reducing the overall consumption of over-packaged goods. These companies will eventually feel the financial pressure and change their packaging practices if enough consumers decide to observe this.

Sometimes, adopting eco-friendly habits might be financially rewarding. If you buy drinks and foods in aluminum packaging, save every one of those cans or containers after washing them out. You might be surprised at how much cash you earn when you finally take it all down to your local recycling center!