When looking to find a job in the non-profit world, the first step is to ask around. Network by telling people you know ( family, friends, colleagues) and consider doing some unpaid volunteer or internship work to get your foot in the door, so to speak.

Although most internships are not paid (or paid very little, perhaps just covering food and/or transportation expenses), it can be a wonderful opportunity to also discover your strengths and become aware of the roles and environment when working in the non-profit industry.

The next best resource for work in the non-profit world is obviously the internet. Nearly all of the non-profit organizations and groups have websites which post career opportunities and volunteer positions, and job sites are also useful as many of them have sections featuring jobs in the non-profit sector.

Not only does online research make sense financially (it costs nothing to email!), but it also allows you to learn about the various organizations to discover what suits you best.

Other good places to look are local newspapers, non-profit organizations magazines and newsletters, and bulletin boards at your community center or church.

Remember that only 20-25% of jobs use advertising, so it pays to think out of the box and be resourceful. Perhaps after finding organizations which interest you, you could contact them directly to know first-hand if they have any possible openings. Their websites should also have some useful information and contact details.

And lastly, don’t give up! Always check up on your resources often as new jobs and openings appear daily. Keep on researching, and don’t be afraid to apply even if you are worried that your qualifications won’t suffice. If you have passion and commitment for the job, you could be the best person for it.

Categories: Ideas, Jobs, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering | Tags: career, Jobs, non-profit

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Imagine a job which is informal, rewarding, and fulfilling. Okay, 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 | Tags: Jobs, Volunteering

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Around the world, it cannot be denied that there are a lot of people who are experiencing poverty and issues regarding their manner of living. A lot would depend on where they are situated, the country and of course the manner of living that majority of the region is experiencing. Not all countries are blessed with a good economy to which people can find a way to survive with the available jobs to choose from. Some are just plain unlucky to be situated in them like Vietnam, Africa and so on.

The good thing about the world is that people from other countries do not hesitate to lend a helping hand to the best of their abilities. Help in any form cannot be measured and people in need do not really have much choice. Hence beggars really cannot be choosers in this case.

Help in the form of food, clothing and other materials essential for living is being sent to most parts of the world. Some would even render volunteer work and services just to reach them. In a sense, they can call themselves lucky that there are people who still care for what the world has to deal with today.

Categories: Activities, Analysis, Campaigns, Charities, Children, Disaster Relief, Events, Fundraising, Ideas, Inspiration, Jobs, News, Organizations, Programs, Tips, Veterans | Tags: aid, charity, Jobs, Organizations, volunteer-work

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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 | Tags: charity, donating, Fundraising, giving

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This year has seen a lot of storms and hurricanes and the aftermath of them all is what we must all brace for. If you are among the people hit by them, then accept our sympathy. For the others spared by them, perhaps it would not be too much to ask to extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters who have unfortunately been hit by these freaks of nature.

Surely, expect the Red Cross to lead the way as they have done so in preparing for the apparent coming of a new hurricane names Gustav. Based on previous hurricanes such as Katrina, advanced measures to help avoid worsening disasters would be the foremost importance and hence to make sure that help is at hand, advanced appointments on where Red Cross personnel should be stationed has already been made.

Food and aid are among the foremost necessities needed in times like these and each helping hand would count. With the past storms as basis for what hurricanes have brought to various parts of the world, hopefully the Red Cross as well as the volunteers are ready and prepared for whatever lies in between and after the aftermath of Tropical Storm Gustav

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Categories: Disaster Relief, Environmental, Jobs, News, Volunteering | Tags: disaster, gustav, hurricane, red-cross, storms, tragedy

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