Non-Profit Proficiency

Experiences detailing my attempts to create effective social change through the non-profit sector.

I have spent a fair amount of time navigating non-profit spaces, trying to formulate an understanding of the best way to achieve certain goals. Below you will find the details of various attempts.

“ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Social Entrepreneurship

In working with UFM Community Learning Center as the coordinator for the Lou Douglas Lecture Series on social issues, I have had the opportunity to select speakers that address issues within the community. The goal of the series is to provide the community with resources and an educational foundation about an issue at hand. The season that I helped facilitate, a man came to talk about how sexual assault is not a women’s issue, but a men’s issue. He discussed toxic masculinity and the ways that our society socializes men to believe that sexual encounters are conquests to prove their manhood. This information is valuable to those of us existing in the collegiate sphere where sexual assault is not uncommon. This speaker fulfills the mission of the series which is includes “inspiring justice and equality for all people.”

Risk Management

I had the opportunity to visit with Mattie Rhodes Center during non-profit connect day. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and was able to learn quite a bit about risk management. One of the programs at Mattie Rhodes is Soccer for Success. This is an after school program for youth in the lower income, urban parts of Kansas City. The woman I was shadowing explained to me that during soccer practice they have to be prepared to encounter gang violence. It had happened more than once that gangs were fighting near their practice or individuals would act violently towards the children at practice. She explained how their is training and protocol in place in the event that this happens. The coordinators are supposed to lie on top of the children until the shooting stops and proceed with caution. Considering this risk and being prepared for the event is crucial in maintaining the safety of the children.

Mission, Vision, and Values

My final year of undergrad, I get to serve as the vice-president of the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies honorary, Triota. Triota is dedicated to addressing social issues and creating space for open dialogue. An event that we host monthly is entitled “Feminist Fridays”. During this time we encourage anyone who is interested in social change and learning to join us for an evening of productive dialogue. Each month we select a different topic and engage in thoughtful discussion with whomever happens to show up. This is a chance for Triota members to get to interact with the community and share their knowledge about social issues as well as learn from community members about their experiences with the issues as well. This event demonstrates the values that our organization holds which include egalitarianism, inclusiveness, and celebration of diversity.