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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.
GraceC290
5 months 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
5 months 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
5 months 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
5 months 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
5 months 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
5 months 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
5 months 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 :)
MelissaL1456
5 months ago
I volunteered at my local Humane Society and then became a staff member, thus the reason for going back to school. I found my passion in life thanks to a non-profit and hope to grant write or fundraise. Eventually, I'd like to the be executive director of a place I can truly stand behind. EDs certainly don't make chump change....try over $100k a year! At any rate, non-profits are a great way to learn about yourself and the world, and if you have the right degree, you will make a decent living.
ChristopherJ910
5 months ago
I volunteered for a non-profit during college, and worked with young paid employees, so good myth busting. Especially on the pay ... you can live on less than $20000/year if you don't have a ton of student loans (<$200/mo), use public transit and stick to a tight budget that includes cooking bulk meals at home (make sure the office has a mini-fridge). You'll find a culture of frugality (and selflessness) within non-profits, so you'll learn the proverbial tricks of the trade on the job.
Krysti's probably right about the volunteering foot in the door. I don't think, from my experience looking last year, that many openings are advertised. I got as far as a couple interviews last year, but both approached me via Craigslist.
Rita, I'll second that as a good idea. I'm actually looking into a part time non-profit for mentoring and healing bullies and the bullied via ecological education (nature hikes) even as I move my career into the harder environmental sciences. I find this to be a logical outlet for my writing and life experience, and I believe that we all have ways we could be giving back based on what we've learned on the trails of life.
Peace ... Chris
http://fairyheart-movement.blogspot.com
StephenB622
5 months ago
I work for a non-profit. I have worked for five different ones over my life time. No non-profit paid me well, but my job was always rewarding. What I do for my present organization is work on grants. I have been able to secure six homes for the organization I work. I have been able to get different kinds of grants. It is a rewarding experience. When I came on board with the present organization I work for, I made a commitment that I would receive no income unless I brought in grant money. It took six months before the first grant money came in. Now the organization is healthy again. It is a great feeling to make that kind of difference.
FredelyneA
5 months ago
Rita, thats a good idea! I intern at a non profit now in London. And the skills that I am learning here are transferable whereever you go.
KatherineS936
5 months ago
Ladies I just want you to know that dad is still pulling for you! no matter what you do!
AieshaL2
5 months ago
Check out volunteermatch.org this is a wonderful site to find organizations and also a great place to find people who need volunteers for different duties. Here you can enter your city or zipcode and it pulls up nonprofit organizations near you. Hope this helps.
volunteermatch.org
RitaM83
5 months ago
Another option is starting your own non-profit, what issue is not being addressed inyour area and what can you do about it?
MariaG1262
5 months ago
Any non profits in Florida? I can't find one.