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How Community Organizing Can Pay
By Ryan Uricks
For a recent graduate, finding the right career can be daunting. Job markets are in flux and one year can bring many jobs and the next far too few. Fortunately, there is one job sector that never seems to be filled: non-profit groups.
Non-profits run the gamut from Amnesty International, the ACLU, to smaller, lesser-known groups which makeup the majority of non-profits. Traditionally, non-profits have fewer resources, lower pay, and a constant need for people. If your grad wants to work for a non-profit, don’t stop them. It’s a great experience and could help your grads career in the long run. Let’s go through some of the myths of non-profit jobs.
Myth #1: Non-profits pay horribly.
Depends on how you define ‘horrible.’ Most non-profit jobs start out in the $30,000 range. Not bad for a job straight out of school. The lowest salaries can be as low $23,000 a year or, instead of salaries, receiving monthly stipends. Wall Street earnings they are not, but your grad knows that and should budget accordingly. Try to look for positions that offer benefits like heath insurance since grads lose coverage after they graduate.
Myth #2: There are no career prospects in non-profits.
Many non-profit jobs offer room and advancement or provide a great springboard into other careers. Teach for America provides a resume booster for students coming out of school in exchange for teaching for two years in under-served schools. Plus, many working in non-profits go to graduate school for non-profit management, public policy, law, or social work. Also, let’s not forget about the most famous community organizer of them all: Barack Obama. After college he worked in Chicago for a community organization assisting unemployed workers and now he’s running for president.
Myth #3: Non-profit jobs are menial.
Non-profits jobs are often the most rewarding anyone can have. You have the chance to help out someone everyday. The obstacles are plentiful and success can be hard to reach, but the feeling you get when you achieve your goals and the goals of others is hard to beat.
ZenaC6
3 days ago
Ditto, previous statement. I was hoping it would be more helpful, by either providing some links to non profits, or at least listing some names.
FayeannC
15 days ago
Pretty helpfyl. I was hoping for more. Maybe a link to some organizations. Thanks anyway.
MaryamF11
15 days ago
I just learned about the School of International Training (SIT). It also has graduate programs for those of you who have BS/BA degrees and have figured out what grad schl you plan to attend. The number one reason y I like this SIT institute is bcos they have collaborated with the Peace Corps. Once you are done with their masters programs, you are required to do your project as a Peace Corps volunteer abroad. This is a nice way of contributing to NGOs at home and abroad and touching people's lives, one human being at a time.
Check out their site:
http://www. sit.edu
All da very best!
Maryam.
RakeshM
15 days ago
Hi i am Rakesh i will do sustainblity development in the world with think globally & act locally.
Kyashi88
16 days ago
I worked as intern in non profit organization for a while, then it was volunteer cause i finish school.
It was a really nice job, everyone was so nice. I didnt mind the pay too much, because i got paid to help people, and that what i like to do. I work for Sistas and Brothas United[aka sbu] affiliated with NWBCCC. I am still currently involve.
ElizabethT262
16 days ago
I'm a social work student at UW Milwaukee. I'm looking for some suggestions of possible non profits.
thiel.elizabeth@gmail.com
thanks for your time.
DavishiaB
16 days ago
I have worked in the non-profit field for over 10 years and I love it. I just completed my bachelors as a non-traditional student and I plan on remaining in the field, eventually starting my own non-profit.
OjodomoD
16 days ago
It is a nice information for those of us whose aim is to help at all time. I will like to be part of any international community organization. I am a Nigerian, I don't mind working in any part of the world.
GraceC290
16 days ago
I've always wanted to do a non-profit, but there aren't any in my area that aren't run by churches that expect you to work for free. As a student, I can't afford that. I need to get paid so I can keep a roof over my own head.
KumnegerA
16 days ago
i need this chance b/c I am from poor country .I need join with international community .I am working own my work .
AnhQ5
16 days ago
am from Vietnam, an Asian country. I would like to join the International Community Organization. Am working for a non- profit group in Vietnam, called: Operation Smile, which helps disable children get free operation. Hopefully, receiving ur all support.
VictorO94
16 days ago
I'm so inspired and impressed by what community organizations do...Actually I would like to join any of the International Community organization.
THANKS!!
LereyP
16 days ago
am from Asia, any available one for me? Am an experienced community organizer, please pass me one if there is available. Am open for lesser compensation. Thanks
SenyangeP
16 days ago
one day when i get the information from FCS i could not believe what i seeing .i had applied for many scholarships but never seened fromany then so am inter national student but some one didn't know why ? 256-755683434
senyangepatrck and when i was told i had get that chances to win,Godness i was speechless in the high voice
thank you F.C.S
MelissaL1456
17 days ago
Amanda in Columbus, OH...there are non-profit jobs in c-bus, you just have to look. Research non-profits in the area and you'll be amazed at what you find....COSI, Red Cross, CAHS, CASA. Columbus Housing Partnership; these are just a few I am pursuing :)