As the idea behind the Community and Leadership blog was being formulated, we wanted to take a divergent approach to news. We wanted to be positive. We wanted to focus on sharing the stories of people and organizations that are making our community a better place to live. In that spirit, I wanted to put today’s spotlight on an organization called Youth Frontiers and provide a call to action for each of you.
Founded more than 20 years ago and based in Minneapolis, Youth Frontiers (YF) has dedicated its staff to create more positive school communities. Through school-based retreats that help young people realize the importance of living a life of character, Youth Frontiers is transforming the day-to-day experience in schools across America so that schools – and therefore students – can thrive. Very Cool.
In the course of my consulting work, I have come across a variety of organizations—some committed to cause and some committed to cash. Youth Frontiers is deeply committed to their cause. Truly being a mission-driven organization is unique, in my experience, and therefore worth a prolonged gaze.
This past summer, I presented a session on Managing from the Middle to the Minnesota Council for Non-Profits. In that discussion, I shared the following quote “That is so cool that you work in a non-profit, I should do that someday” and asked how many people had heard something similar. Of the 100 people, I would say close to 90 raised their hands. Non-profit work is so cool and so important, so how do you get started? Joe Cavanaugh, YF founder and CEO, had this to say about getting his non-profit started: “From a young age, I was taught to give my time and talent back to the community. It’s about “tikkun olam”–the Jewish concept meaning, “to repair the world.” If you have an idea towards this end, that will help an individual or a community, surround yourself with a smart and supportive Board of Directors, knock out a sustainable business model, and hire a service-oriented staff that are passionate about your mission.”
Maybe you can’t start your own non-profit today or tomorrow, but you can sure find a Twin Cities organization that has a mission addressing something you want to support. For additional information about area non-profits, take a look at the Charities Review Council website and their list of reviewed agencies: http://www.smartgivers.org/GivingGuide.html
In the meanwhile, thanks to Joe and the staff at Youth Frontiers for caring about our kids and the schools they visit every day. Which area non-profit is your favorite and why?
My favorite is PFUND. It was started in 1987 by 4 people who pooled together $2,000 to start scholarships and grants to GLBT organizations. PFUND gave away its millionth dollar last year. Through its consistent scholarship and grant programs PFUND is strengthening the GLBT community in the upper midwest, preparing the next generation of GLBT community leadership. The organization is also being recognized in early November by the Minnesota Council on Nonprofits for their innovative work around undoing racism in their Racial Equity Initiative. Learn more http://www.pfundonline.org
Thanks, J, for your thoughtful post about our work – and about our Founder’s vision for using our gifts for good. We tell the same thing to the kids with which we work every day – how can you make a difference in the life of someone around you? For your entire school? And I echo Sue’s thoughts… mission-oriented work is challenging but incredibly rewarding. (P.s. – shameless plug – our new website goes live on Monday – check it out! – http://www.youthfrontiers.org)
Not to be self-serving (but I will anyway), my favorite non-profit is also my employer — Courage Center. The mission piece is vital. I worked for a large nonprofit (hospital organization), and while I loved my work there, it wasn’t until I came to Courage Center that mission came to life for me. Every day, every moment almost, mission is reinforced by the people that surround me — clients, volunteers, employees. While I work hard for my paycheck, it also feels like what I do, my small piece of the puzzle, makes a difference. So, if you’re not fortunate enough to work for a nonprofit, support those whose mission you believe in. Believe me, right now, your support is vital to keeping good nonprofits afloat.