Imagine a job which is informal, rewarding and fulfilling. Ok, your salary won’t even come close to the “six-figure” mark, but imagine being in an environment where the people working with you are passionate about what they do. Unlike most typical jobs where many unfortunately feel like their noses are on the daily grindstone and wish they were someplace else, those who work in a non-profit organization have the satisfaction in knowing that what they do is actually helping others and improving lives.

Aside from the lower wages, non-profit jobs can also be as stressful as any other job. The issues to face are often tremendous (and emotional), and having to deal with red-tape bureaucracy and legalities can be more than frustrating.

Non-profit organizations were created to provide a public service. This can be in a variety of fields – from economic development, arts, environment, culture, society, science, disasters, troubled areas…and so on. Businesses on the other hand, exist to make money for themselves through selling their goods or services.

There are a massive number of non-profit organizations around the world, in nearly every country as well as internationally (there are referred to as nongovernmental organizations or NGOs), and in the US alone, there are over 11 million people working within the sector.

People are varied and interesting in the non-profit sector, and always passionate. If you are seriously considering a job here, think about the type of non-profit work that would suit you best. Would you prefer administrative work or be out in the field? Are you interested in research? Advocacy? Or perhaps policy?

Being clear about the kind of work that interests you will help you be more selective when you see all the positions that are available in the nonprofit sector.

Categories: Ideas, Jobs, Tips, Volunteering

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Remember the tear-jerking film of Kevin Spacey in 2000 called “Pay it Forward”? Based on the diagram you see above, it shows a simple way of giving which is starting to catch on not just on the silver screen, but in real life today. Just this week, some astonishing “waves of kindness” were reported in Seattle, Washington, where it seemed to have started in a Starbucks café (of all places) as Bob Halsam’s nonfat raspberry latte was randomly paid for by the lady ahead of him in the queue. Similarly, Mary Ann Johnson’s meal at Salmon Bay was also paid for by a stranger. Both the waitress at the restaurant and barista at Starbucks said the parties who did the random acts of kindness called it just that – and not surprisingly, it touched them as well.

In today’s world where so many dealings with others are based on a sort of trade-off, anonymous good deeds offer another kind of higher gratification – one that is based on the premise of expecting nothing of all. Wonderful and thrilling to both the giver and receiver, even third parties (like the waitress and barista) get the benefits.

After her surprise act of kindness at the restaurant, Johnson told all her friends, and “paid it forward” herself, starting off by buying breakfast for a street vendor in her neighborhood. And since then, she’s heard that its been happening all over town. In fact, there are now websites and RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) clubs in many communities all over the world. So here’s just one more way to give. As the diarist Anne Frank once said ” “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single minute before starting to improve the world.”

Categories: Campaigns, Children, Ideas, Programs, Volunteering

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Everybody needs to eat. It is a necessity in order for us to continue our existence on this earth. It is our body’s fuel.

In fact we don’t just eat because we need to. We love to eat! We enjoy having great food. We willingly pay large amounts in order to have the best possible food. Wouldn’t it be great if at least a portion of the money we spend actually makes a difference in the lives of those who have gone through calamities or truly have great need of help?

If you believe that this is so, then you’ll be glad to discover Chefs for Humanity (CFH). This is an organization of chefs and culinary professionals who work together to raise money and provide necessary resources for important emergencies. They strive to give humanitarian aid and educate about proper nutrition. Of course being involved with food, they have a special interest in providing this basic need to those who have gone through major upheavals such as the tsunami and hurricane Katrina.

There are many ways to take part in Chefs for Humanity’s activities. You can assist at the events, provide graphic design skills, post an entry in your blog maybe even become part of a food service crew. You can help teach good nutrition to schools and communites, maybe even help make some of the food. Why not attend one of the charity dinners that they organize? You get a great dinner guaranteed and you add to the funds the organization raises.

There is always the option for you to donate some funds to their worthy causes. Every amount helps to provide food for more people. Working with organizations like UNICEF, CFH extends their culinary gift all over the world.

There are many more ways to take part. To know more or to volunteer, please visit their website by clicking here.

Categories: Environmental, Events, Fundraising, Organizations

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There are many charity organizations all over the world. They sponsor many causes. They need the help of many people in order to make a difference. Yet many are turned off by the mere thought of charity. Most believe it means giving a handout. Others see it as a waste of time since problems never go away whether it is poverty or disease. Most of the general public feel, there is no point in taking part since they themselves would never take “charity” from anyone.

Yet no one can predict the changes that life brings. An unexpected fire in the neighborhood that raged out of control can mean the loss of your home. A tsunami like that which hit Asia or hurricane Katrina can change lives from well of to homeless and with nothing.

Charity is about helping out as best you can. It isn’t always about money, though we all know that helps. It is about someone throwing a life saver to a stranger simply because we know they need help.

Habitat for Humanity is a popular choice of a lot of people. This organization works to create homes for people who need a hand up, not a hand out. In fact, the new home owners also contribute to the building of their home which is the best groups to help. People can participate a couple of ways. First, donate money. Any amount you wish to give is welcome. Second, and this is the more popular choice, contribute your strength, skill and your time. This for some is a bigger contribution than just cash. It means hours lifting and pouring, hammering, painting or any other carpentry skill that most of us do not usually do.

The end result: a home for a family that needs one created by strangers that they are unlikely to meet. There many people out there who need homes. It feels really good to actually be able to see where your assistance makes a difference, doesn’t it?

Categories: Ideas, Organizations, Programs, Tips, Volunteering

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If you’ve been thinking of giving your time or money to a charity or non-profit organization, the first step to consider is WHERE? As first-timers will quickly find out, there are thousands of people, places and organizations to choose from, and choosing the right one for you can be a daunting task.

The best way to begin is to ask yourself this question: “What means the most to me?” Think about the things most important to you, what you have a passion for, or perhaps a health concern that has affected someone close to you. Reflect on this, and it should be easier to find the charity for you.

Whether you have a lot of money or not is irrelevant when it comes to giving financially or otherwise. There are many ways to give money, online and offline, through direct gifts, donor-advised funds, giving circles, or through your place of employment. Giving of your time, on the other hand, can be a much more rewarding way to help, as this offers you some first-hand experience with those you wish to help. This does take more thought, however, as there other concerns such as proximity, time constraints, safety and the impact the experience could have.

Whatever you choose, it really doesn’t take much to get started on giving back through a charity. With the right organization or issue, some time and energy and the willingness to help, everyone can make a difference in the world today.

Categories: Fundraising, Jobs, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering

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