Charity Chatter

Charity Survey

I Want to Know You Better...

In past posts, I have discussed personal opinions, observations and shared past projects I have enjoyed in my Fundraising and Volunteer Management program.  Today, I am asking for your assistance with a survey assignment.  Please participate in my charity survey by clicking here.

This post is an appeal for assistance with a current project.   I need YOU!  I am working on 2 projects:

1. Survey Assignment - to better hone our survey question and analysis skills
2. Research Assignment - to look for trends amongst the charitable and philanthropic sector

To accomplish both of these assignments, I need your feedback.  I am hoping to determine the internet based trends amongst different demographic groups for individuals who are interested in charities - and more specifically, animal welfare related charities.  Please participate in my survey by clicking here!

Your Participation Helps Students (like me), Charities and Animals!

Please take a moment to participate in this survey and help animal welfare charities (and the students of the Humber College Fundraising & Volunteer Management program) to expand their knowledge of your interests and preferences.  You are not required to leave personal identifying information - however, I am offering a $10.00 Tim Hortons Gift Certificate to individuals who wish to be entered into a draw.

Thank you for your assistance, feedback and participation in this survey.  Your assistance will help students of the Fundraising and Volunteer Management program better understand your preferences and interests as they related to charitable giving and internet trends!  Click, win and contribute to the educational process for Humber College students.

Look Again!

This summer I began biking.  I would ride my bike and every so often, I'd notice the smallest things; remarkable things... stunning things!  One day, I decided to bring a little point and shoot camera with me to capture these things.  Wouldn't you know it?  With my camera, I noticed even more beauty, oddity, interesting, wonderful - picture-worthy things.

It's now winter and I don't ride.  I miss those rides.  Not only was it great to push my physical limits, but my entire perspective changed when I spent each day finding new beauty along the same old bike path. 

This year I left my job and career of 13+ years, to enroll in the Fundraising and Volunteer Management, post graduate program at Humber College and pursue a new career.  After having spent years working very autonomously, I was now expected to be in a classroom every day and to work on a large number of team based projects.  It was a big change and a huge adjustment for me - and for everyone else in the class, no doubt.

We all survived.  I think in our own way - we all thrived.  Perfect strangers became friends.  People who didn't "fit" became part of the family.  In just over 3 months, a micro-society developed.  The term is over and assignments done (until January) and people have time to reflect.  And as I reflect on the past 3 months, I feel much like I do when I take my camera on bike rides.  In my mind, I am able to think of each person and recall something I learned; something I appreciate now - that I hadn't before. 

Each person in the program is absolutely devoted to making the world a better place.  Each has their own area of interest, their own passion... their own gift that they will contribute to a cause that improves the life of someone, somewhere.  If you happen to run into one of these fine folks...  look closer. 

 

You'll see some remarkably talented, committed and compelling individuals. 

Things this motley crew taught me (or reminded me)?

• One person's flaw is another person's valued character trait.
• Sometimes you just gotta say... "screw it".
• It may take time to really SEE a person for who they are... take that time.  It's worth it.
• If these people are represenative of "the future", the world will be a better place.
• Finally - and far less importantly.. I really like the music of my youth!

To the Fundraising and Volunteer Management Class of '07/08.. Happy Holidays!