Introduce Yourself!

Checking out the groups feature. I have consulted with non-profits in the past and would like to see what you all discuss here. Also may start a non-profit in the future.

Coming from the credit card industry, I think it would be fun to brain storm and share what I have learned while working with them. Everyone learns so much from anothers experience! Great group idea!

Hi Christian; I work with a non-profit organization (www.PaintOut.org) that creates volunteer events in the City of Seattle to prevent and remove graffiti as well as educating the citizens to clean it up on a regular basis. I'm looking forward to planning some Biznik events where people actually get involved in their community in the area of service.

Hi All-

I'm thrilled to introduce myself right after your mention of PaintOut.org and Christian's enthusiasm for it, Helen! I would LOVE to help out with color and paint education at some of those volunteer events...win/win!

Also, we have a location that could host some of those Biznik events to which you are referring.

I'm assuming Christian thought of inviting me to join this group because I manage SPACE: A Design Build Collective. While SPACE appears to be a big company (location, signage, web site) we are actually extremely small potatoes in terms of revenue.

Our business structure was also designed so that all of our revenue gets poured right back into marketing SPACE. SPACE has very few expenses, no employees, and no direct source of income.

SPACE is really just a marketing front for the 30 or so businesses (design & trades for home improvement) that pay dues and referral fees for work received through SPACE. We are a closed, trusted network with complementary businesses.

We have had discussions about converting to non-profit status, but from the little I've learned, it doesn't seem to make sense for the way we are structured. Regardless, since in spirit we operate as a non-profit, this feels like a perfect fit.

Thanks so much for including me in the conversation, Christian. I'm sure it will be mutually beneficial on multiple levels!

Hi everyone! I'm a freelance writer/editor, and I'm interested in nonprofits on several levels.

As a copywriter and editor, I enjoy working with nonprofit organizations to enable them to achieve their editorial goals and tell their stories as effectively as possible.

As a journalist, I'm always looking for organizations doing interesting things that might make a good subject for an article.

Finally, as an individual, I enjoy volunteering and think nonprofits do a lot of great work, so I'm always interested in learning more about what's out there.

I'm looking forward to getting to know other group members and having some good discussions.

Hello,

The nonprofits space is where I spend most of my time. I run full service graphic design firm that specializes in brand strategy and graphic design for non-profits, sustainability companies and corporate responsibility programs.

Currently a majority of my work is with nonprofits like Pioneer Human Services, Washington Women's Foundation, Oregon Mentors, Sustainable West Seattle and Seafair. I'm also on the board of two non-profits the Fremont Community School and the Seattle Chapter of the AIGA.

This is a great idea Christian. Thanks for getting it started. Nonprofits are in a tough position, they need to sustain themselves like a for profit company with a lot less resources to work with. I'm interested in what kind of solutions we might be able to share to help out these great organizations we are involved with.

Greetings and hello! I am currently very busy with my start up's in the Pacific Northwest, which have been created to help me fund my soon-to-begin nonprofit "DaySpring Ministries". I have been working with moms who have been abandoned by their mates, normally when mom wants to get out of the drug and/or abuse situation and dad wants to continue. These moms and their children have very little resources that are available and relevant to helping them to get a fresh start. I have seen great success in taking a mom into my home and nursing her and her children back to nutritional, spiritual, and practical health, by providing a safe and loving home, food, shelter and everyday needs, while encouraging mom to connect with her children and learn the everyday processes that create a healthy life. My businesses will eventually create additional minor cottage industries in which to help these moms gain employment while still being able to be full time care providers for their children. It is a story to be fully told in a personal way, but this is a bit to share for "reading".

Cheryl Dixon

Thanks to Christian for referring me over. The website hosting firm I work for offers special rates to nonprofits for web hosting- we are a family business and have always volunteered in, supported, and value work done to improve our local community.

On another note though, I posted earlier today that I am in need of guidance in forming a nonprofit. My husband runs an online community for longboarders in which I have helped him in planning our events the last few years and am now in the process of redesigning the site and organization. The mission in creating the group was to be an advocate for the longboard community, provide an outlet for responsible growth, to create and promote safety standards, and encourage face to face meet up. Our hope is that the organization evolves into something along the lines of Cascade Cycling Club, or the Bicycle Alliance of Washington on a much smaller scale. Any help or advice is much appreciated!

Hi Christian, Thanks for this group. I am excited to see non-profits on Biznik, allergic to commercialism as I sometimes am (struggling with that!)

I started my own non-profit org, Citizen Artiste, for political art. I did this in order to hold a theatrical fundraiser for my favorite elected official.

I keep this separate from my commercial business, but since you asked, here it is: http://citizen-artiste.org

Dina Lydia

While I am on Biznik for my real estate business to gain access to professional, skills, and client development opportunities, I am also a board member and volunteer for a small local non-profit called F.E.A.R. Project - aka Friends Educating Against Rape (www.fearproject.org and www.twitter.com/fearproject)

We do multi-media documentary work that is used in many areas of trauma and assault service provider networks for outreach and education. Much of our work is created in-kind with partnering organizations. In the past year we have expanded to offer speaking engagements in local schools (primarily high schools) and in community organizations to teach how communities can better support victims of trauma - whether it be sexual assault, domestic violence, or both.

We're always looking for more volunteers, more resources, and more education on how we can develop on our services. I'm thrilled to have found this group on Biznik!

Hey Christian, for our 16+ years we have done a ton of work for nonprofits, both pro bono and at lower rates. Everything from arts, to kids, to animals, on and on. In fact, we are doing some work right now for Valley Cities Counseling, Communities in Schools of Renton, and the Eastside Domestic Violence Program.

My problem (if that's what you call it) is I just have a soft heart for nonprofits. I have been told that I should stand in front of a mirror and practice saying "no"!

Judy also worked for years in education, being a grant consultant and as grant manager for World Vision.

So it will always be our passion and I joined this group to connect and learn more about this side of the world in Biznik.

Bob

Hello everyone, I just joined Biznik and am very excited to find a group that supports non profits. I am currently a student in non profit management with the University of Chicago and small business owner of Clutter to Cash that focuses on Estate Sales and Life Transitions.

My heart and passion is in non profit support and volunteering and I am just formulating a new business model that will incorporate my business by providing tangible items to non profits from Clutter to Cash.

Lynne

Hi, I would like to mention two nonprofit orgs:

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

bbbsps.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191

I've been mentoring an elementary school girl for two years. I work at home 2 blocks from the school, so had no excuse not to.

Ive never raised a child and didn't know much about children - just not the motherly type. But after hearing about the need, I took a chance.

I got lucky - my little girl is smart, outgoing, quite a charmer. She calls me "Miss Dina". Her classmates and even the teachers call me "Miss Dina".

We take pictures of everything, and now are assembling a collage to commemorate two years together: art and craft projects, poetry, costumes, soccer games, holiday events, books.

It's a surrealistic eye-opener to hang out in a grade school classroom or lunchroom or playground! I've even gone along on class trips.

My Little informed me the other day that she wants to be an international businesswoman. She said: "Bring a project that you're working on - I'm concerned about you - financially" Ha!

Anyone who is free one hour one weekday might want to look into doing this.

Washington Public Campaigns: washclean.org

I don't expect any Biznik event sponsoring this org because it's "too political." But I'll talk about it anyway!

WPC now pays me a modest monthly fee to do their website, but my volunteer hours are in the hundreds by now.

I've also met and befriended the best people through this org: informed, caring, committed.

"Connect the dots"...They convinced me that the overwhelming influence of wealthy special-interests lobbyists on politicians - because of the constant need for those campaign $$$$ - is at the heart of many longtime social & political injustices.

It leads to good people giving up on political careers; it also leads to corruption.

Honest politicians admit this. I heard one say at our Town Hall: "Every day I have to be concerned for my own integrity."

That's wrong - public servants should be able to do their job without that crushing conflict of interest. Public campaign funding would accomplish this.

For those who say the taxpayer can't afford this responsibility, I would suggest we are already paying a heavy price, whether we know it or not.

Whew! I'll step down from the soapbox now. Thanx for reading this far.

Bob, I can identify with your problem saying "no" to a good cause. I've struggled with this since 2003: community service, political candidates, countless progressive orgs.

Before that year I was mostly selfish and unaware. Volunteerism must be like a drug - the habit snowballs.

They all know I'm a soft touch, now.

Hello everyone, great to meet you!

I am the founder of Our Global Victory which is a social enterprise dedicated to ensuring quality education, opportunity, and safety for underprivileged children. I am currently in the process of developing my website which will support projects that impact children, provide a space for people to collaborate and raise awareness, and promote inter-sectoral partnerships.

I am interested in finding out more about the causes that you support and exploring the possibly to feature them on my upcoming website for raising funding, awareness, and to find volunteers.

I would also like to learn more about the challenges faced by non-profits and the barriers they face in pursuit of their mission.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone - Donna

Hi All! My interest in non-profits began years ago when a close friend of mine was struggling to find appropriate housing for his aging father who had Parkinson's Disease. His dilemma was to find a facility that would take both his mother and father. His mother was able to take care of herself but needed help caring for her husband. Because of the side effects of some medications Parkinson's patients need to take, most facilities would not even consider taking them as residents. After numerous failures in the health care system accelerated his father's decline, denigrated the lives of both parents, my friend was convinced of the importance of specialized housing and care for people with Parkinson's Disease. Thus PuSH for PD (Puget Sound Housing for Parkinson's Disease) was formed, a 501 (c) 3 organization. And it became a non-profit very near and dear to my heart ever since. I do donate time and a percentage of my annual sales from my staging business to them.

More recently, I have partnered with a new non-profit organization The Sharehouse.

For some reason I was unable to finish my introduction, I guess it was taking me too long and "booted" me off.

I just wanted to finish up with why I am here and what I hope to get from participating in the group. I find it very interesting to hear about the various non-profit organizations that are out there. And I like to find ways to support and promote them through my business. I think it just adds another dimension to our businesses and it is very gratifying to participate in something else that we are passionate about. Thanks, Christian for gather this group together and I look forward to learning alot here and supporting others in their missions.

Hi-- I am new to biznik and my primary reason for joining was to find new employment and/or promote my consulting business. While I would be happy to work in the for-profit arena again, I have a special appreciation for not-for-profits -- especially conservancy and social services.

Thanks for the invitation to promote a non-profit that is special to me. PROVAIL provides all kinds of services to people with disabilities -- most at no cost to the client. They provide speech and rehab services to kids and adults; supports to find and keep a competitive job; dental care and at-home supports to adults with developmental disabilities.

I worked there for 13 years and got to know many of their clients and the people who support them. I hope you'll check out their website at www.provail.org. Now that state spending cuts are affecting everyone, they need more community support than ever.

I joined Biznik last year but have only just moved to Seattle. In San Diego I co-founded a non-profit organization - Cancer Angels San Diego - whose mission is to provide financial assistance for basic needs (rent, utilities, food, etc.) to those with Stage IV cancers for as long as it is needed.

The woman who has shared my home in California has battled Stage IV breast cancer for the last 8 years and I have seen first hand the emotional stress of living with cancer and with having run out of money.

I am researching if a similar organization exists in Seattle that I could join. If it does not I may well work to find people to join me in founding one.

The American Cancer Society estimates that at least one third of cancer patients suffer devastating financial hardship. I have seen it first hand.

In the meantime I am looking at other organizations to volunteer my time.

I am impressed by the talent and experience found in these introductions alone. Thank you Christian for starting this group.

I have invested about 25 years in the for-profit technology sector providing training, technical support, and technology marketing. Now, I enjoy helping nonprofits be seen and heard on the Internet. My company, Pentaria.com, supports nonprofit organizations With Google AdWords Management, Search Engine Optimization, Website Usability and Analytics.

After staying at home for 15 years prior to returning to school in 2006 to brush up on my administrative skills, having worked previously during the CRT and Lotus 123 era I was rusty! I graduated from Atlanta Technical College in June 2009 with an Associate’s Degree in Marketing Management earning a Certificate in Small Business Management. Additionally, I earned a diploma in Business Office Technology. I have applied to Georgia State University, the Andrew Young School of Public Policy where my concentration will be earning a B.S. degree in a social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management.

I am also a mental health consumer/survivor who planned my own reintegration program. Earning my Associate degree is my first milestone and with that success, my plan is to implement a reintegration program using tools from my success and other consumers who have been successful to form an organization (New FoundMinds) that returns consumers to the community as productive, sustainable citizens.

New FoundMinds is a proposed nonprofit organization. The main objective is to build an inclusive community in Atlanta, GA for mental health consumers who find themselves not severe enough to warrant placement in care homes or homes that are not designed for independence and sustainability for the client. By developing a well-rounded resourceful reintegration, program available to support homeless veterans and mental health consumers in mastering the complexities of reintegration along with enriching activities our program will encourage self-sufficiency and sustainability. A proposed collaboration and partnership with Common Ground (COMMON GROUND is an international leader in the development of solutions to homelessness) New FoundMinds will provide supportive permanent housing with social services. Supportive housing combines affordable accommodations with services like mental health and substance abuse counseling, job training and placement, community activities, and help with life skills such as cooking and money management. Becoming productive members of their communities has been a national wide initiative for the mental health community. Collaborating with Georgia Mental Health programs and Peer Support groups New FoundMinds proposes to implement a reintegration program with the capacity to address the needs of the clients (mental health consumers) by raising awareness of the need for a specialized structure for successful reintegration back to their respective communities, home, and workplace.

Hello there -

Who am I? My name is April Johnson, and I'm a disaster recovery/business continuity workshop facilitator in my spare time. Most of my work has been in the K12 education space. I'm also a Red Cross volunteer, and teach personal disaster preparedness classes for free.

Why am I here? Because non-profits are sometimes the last to get budget and time to do disaster planning, and when they do, they often neglect information technology in their planning process. I run workshops and classes at cost - and I'm working to build more people like me that are willing to volunteer/donate time to help other non-profits create and update their business continuity plans.

What do I hope to gain? Additional converts grinning. Seriously - to awaken an awareness of the sometimes fragile hold the non-profits have on their own surviveability, and then work to strengthen each one. Together we can make a difference!