Although most American organizations operate with the goal of making money, thousands of organizations across the country work instead with more idealistic goals and missions in mind. These organizations, called nonprofits, are major supporters of community initiatives and have the potential to give so much back.
And this Saturday, on May 25th, a group of high school students got to learn more about the operations of nonprofit organizations at MasonVotes’ nonprofit workshop!
First off, guest speaker Sherri Allen addressed the room, sharing insights about the operations of the nonprofit organization she works for, the Gateway to Grace Foundation. She elaborated on various initiatives her nonprofit supports, such as the Juniper Tree mental health support program; tutoring for Fairfield City Schools students; and a program providing impoverished youth with free, gently-used prom dresses, so that everyone can enjoy prom night!
The Q&A allowed for deeper, more ideological discussions that opened the door to increased awareness of issues in society and whose role it is to intervene. Throughout the course of the workshop, Ms. Allen answered a series of audience questions as well, describing the importance of corporate responsibility in giving back to the community, along with the way in which politics and nonprofits interact with one another.
After the Q&A, students were provided with the opportunity to create their own nonprofit initiative in a small group. Each group kept in mind the overarching issues to address, mission statements, and programs a particular organization might run. The students dazzled with their creativity and detailed consideration of complex social issues, crafting various, elaborate proposals.
These proposals included a network of free healthcare clinics staffed by medical students to allow people in poverty access to preventative care; a church designed to shelter, love, accept, and care for LGBTQ+ youth and adults; and an organization working to teach women of all races, religions, and ethnicities about their rights in order to empower all women.
Unfortunately, we live in a world full of flaws, social justice issues, and inequities. Although we’d love to wave a magic wand and heal these problems, the truth is, it’s going to take a lot of time and cooperation to heal society.
And as experts in recognizing and addressing societal issues, nonprofits are one of the best places to start this healing. Thanks to MasonVotes’ nonprofit workshop, a group of students—future voters and citizens with the capacity to address these problems and advocate for solutions—now know a little more about the operation of nonprofits and are ready to tackle some passion projects of their own!
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