Taproot projects include those for children's orgs
After a long search in the nonprofit sector, I've decided that my professional interests (such as, the use of new media in communications) may be better utilized in the area of public affairs/relations. However, I still have an urge to channel my business background in an avenue which significantly contributes to a better society.
But, what if my new employer doesn't put a great emphasis on charitable giving or volunteerism? Well, luckily for me, there's the Taproot Foundation.
Since 2001, the Taproot Foundation has been pairing business professionals and nonprofits on pro bono projects. The idea is very novel. The Taproot Foundation doesn't grant cash to nonprofits, instead organizations receive service grants, or access to high-quality, professional consulting services. The Foundation focuses on assisting organizations focused in the following four areas: education, health, environment, and social services.
Okay, so where do the business professionals come in?
Business professionals take on roles such as project manager, marketing manager, and copywriter/editor, and agree to work 3-5 hours/week on a 6-month pro-bono project. Past Chicago projects have benefited such organizations as the Chicago Foundation for Education, Girls in the Game, and the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. Projects range from developing brand identities to developing advanced websites, and everything in between.
I've read some of the volunteer spotlights and it seems like most people REALLY enjoy using their business prowess to help a nonprofit grow and prosper. 97% of volunteers stated that they would like to work on another project! That's beyond amazing! I'm hoping to join a Taproot project before the summer. I think it's going to be an experience from which I learn a lot In addition to the volunteerism aspect, it's a great professional development opportunity, as well as a networking tool!
Interested folks can go to the Taproot website and submit a profile to be considered for a project. There are open projects in Chicago, as well as Seattle, New York, Washington DC, Boston, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay area.
On a related note, if you don't think that you can dedicate 5-6 months through Taproot, there are still other ways that you can sharpen your business skills for a great cause! You can design fliers for a charity event, write a press release for an upcoming charitable initiative, or support fundraising efforts through your marketing prowess. Just contact your favorite charity, and I'm sure they can help guide your talent!
-kb
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