San Diego Gas & Electric’s Post

My career was possible because of a few people who took a chance on me and provided me the opportunity for (paid) internships. So when Forbes Nonprofit Council wants to discuss how best to build an #internship program, I’m all in. Be sure to check our some of the great thinking from my colleagues. #nonprofits #nonprofitleadership #intern #leadership #professionaldevelopment #careerplanning

Volunteering with an organization offers a valuable opportunity for skill development and cross-functional learning. Without the constraints of a traditional employment arrangement, volunteers can explore diverse areas of interest and acquire transferable skills. A notable example is a colleague who volunteered in the sound department of a campus Christian fellowship for four years, honing expertise that now generates income. Similarly, another individual's experience in decorating venues for fellowship events led to expertise in events management, yielding profitable ventures. Countless individuals have benefited similarly, developing skills in leadership, administration, music, and more through campus fellowships. These organizations serve as incubators for talent development, demonstrating the broader potential of volunteer work. This phenomenon extends beyond campus fellowships, applying to any organization or setting where individuals can contribute their time and effort. By volunteering, people can: - Develop new skills and competencies - Explore diverse fields and interests - Build professional networks - Enhance career prospects - Foster entrepreneurial spirit Volunteering offers a win-win proposition, benefiting both the individual and the organization, while cultivating a skilled and adaptable workforce for the future.

Community Service & Volunteering! Is it really unpaid? In the world today, money is almost regarded as the highest form of value you can get from doing a job or fulfilling a task. But money is usually the least value we get from completing a job, because money is meant to be exchanged for other things with greater worth and value. For me, I believe the most value we get from doing a job, task or project is the knowledge we get, the relationships we build and the memories that lingers. As I continue my work with Nixerlex Youth Development Foundation, I realize more fully my own potentials and the joy I get from such service is enough value that money can’t offer. So perhaps the next time you have an opportunity to volunteer, serve others or just maybe an unpaid internship opportunity, I suggest you look forward to the intangible values that are worth more than money. #NYDF #NixerlexYouthDevelopmentFoundation #Volunteering #CommunityService

Apparently some C-level person said something recently about being willing to work for free. My thoughts will be a synthesis of stuff I've seen elsewhere. You COULD say something truly insightful about seeing your own work as an asset: *Volunteer work gets you face time with people hiring in your community. "Oh, we believe in the same causes? You need a job to keep up this volunteer work? Let me see what I can do..." *Volunteer work gives you professional experience working with clients, but you practice with local nonprofits. "Hey food bank, need a modern website?" *Straightforward mentorship opportunities might be worth some free work, especially if you're in high school or college. If C-level people are talking about working for free, I'd like to hear them spell out exactly how that's going to work and not just be something where I'm proving to the boss I'm willing to lick his boots just because I'm so darned grateful to have a job, any job, and not be in the work house, Mr. Top-Hatted-and-Monocled-Dickensian-Capitalist-Archetype, sir. Your work in exchange for something other than money can be a valuable trade, but you have to have a vision for what you're trying to get out of it. Don't write off the possibility of free work, but if the work is free, you're the boss. Or, you're a customer: "I do X work in exchange for Y mentorship and training, at the end of every work day." If it doesn't work for you, you walk out. Work the "customer is always right" dynamic to your benefit. One other thing about volunteering: it's a good look into how multiple parties come together: community, business, nonprofits, local and regional government, all of it. #volunteer #volunteering #internships #learning #training

These last two summers, I had the wonderful opportunity of interning with the PATH Foundation in Warrenton, VA! This experience has been insightful and edifying as it has provided me with abounding knowledge of the non-profit sector! First, being an Intern in 2023, the foundation assigned me to Friends Of The Rappahannock. There, I was provided the opportunity to efficiently and effectively utilize Excel to update 15 staff profiles and gather 23 sponsors for their annual event, Riverfest. Specifically, I've utilized foundational skills such as Lookup Functions in Excel to sort out each staff member, as well as Canva software to research, design, and upload graphics on the organization's official website. During my time at the PATH office, I've worked alongside 18 other interns by participating in weekly group initiatives and leadership development activities to learn more about the advocacy that the foundation provides in their three-county footprint of Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper. We've completed a project where we collectively conducted comprehensive research and data analysis of our recent health equity reports, such as the 2023 ALICE, 2020 and 2023 CHNA. Through this, we delved into the provided data, examining various aspects of the community's demographics, social indicators, and economic factors. We've presented this data and provided the appropriate recommendations to the PATH team and their Board of Directors. Secondly, the foundation has provided me the opportunity of being an Intern Coordinator and assisting the Program Officers in hosting this summer's Internship program. Together, we organized the Intern Program and supervised 21 new interns, educating them on the foundation's mission and objective of providing grants, funding programs, and developing partnerships with other non-profits and government agencies whose objectives align with the values of the foundation. Sitting in on weekly staff meetings, program meetings, and luncheons with PATH Staff and grant recipients was one of the key takeaways from this internship. It was insightful to observe how the foundation's Program and Finance Officers, Accountants, and Executives navigate complex non-profit discussions and develop solutions. These meetings have opened my understanding to the fundamentals of Program Management and the concept of grant-funding. Networking with the PATH staff team was another key takeaway from this internship. I had the chance to speak with the Financial and Communications teams to learn more about how their departments function within a non-profit sector. These interactions have provided insight as to how I could potentially utilize these areas of business in the future. Overall, my time at The PATH Foundation has been an advantageous experience. I'm grateful for the knowledge I've gained, skills I've developed, and the relationships I've built. Giving Glory to God as always, and thanking The PATH Foundation for this last year!

With summer on the horizon, most schools are about to end for the year. However, that shouldn’t mean that students should stop experiencing new things and enrich their experience. Especially if you plan to apply for a 4 year university, to boost your chances of acceptance you should try taking part in extracurricular opportunities during your summer break. Today, we’d like to share a few examples of these activities you could take part in during summer break. -Volunteering at an Old Age Home: From personal experience, this is a very enjoyable way to spend any free time you have. If you can find memory care centers or old age homes in your area, the residents of these places tend to really enjoy spending time with younger people that they don’t see very often. You can also engage in many activities including little games and arts and crafts which can be fun for you too! -Internships: It’s not easy to find a lot of internships, especially on short notice, however, with a little research there are so many open opportunities you are bound to find some in your area. We recommend using LinkedIn or even just google to search up any potential opportunities while you have time during the summer. -Online courses: Taking online courses or workshops can help students expand their knowledge and skills in various areas. Online courses are self-paced and are more affordable than classroom based courses. They help show students initiative and commitment towards lifelong learning. -Instilt Educate: Of course we had to save the best for last, Instilt is an amazing way to spend your time over the summer. You can volunteer remotely and build the times you have to do work around your schedule. You can also be a part of a fantastic organization of people that are making a difference when it comes to global education. #CommunityService #Fundraising #Volunteering #NGO #SocialGood #Sustainability #ImpactInvesting #Donations #Causes #GiveBack #SupportNonprofits #NonprofitSector #Advocacy #VolunteerWork #SummerVolunteer #VolunteerOpportunities #MakeADifference #CollegeResume #CareerAdvice #ResumeTips  #ProfessionalDevelopment #ResumeWriting #CareerDevelopment #StudentLife #CollegeTips #InterviewTips #JobHunting #CareerSkills #Employability  #ResumeAdvice #CareerPreparation #JobMarket #CareerGuidance #ResumeHelp

Valuing Potential Over Perfection: Lessons from Volunteering with Brooklyn’s Future Innovators Yesterday, I had the privilege of volunteering at a high school in Brooklyn to help prepare students for job interviews. As engineers, we often come to expect a high level of preparation and a particular way of presenting oneself—traits we associate with readiness and potential. Initially, I felt a twinge of disappointment noticing some students did not dress for an interview or seem prepared in the ways I expected. However, amidst these first impressions, one young woman truly stood out. She approached me with a blazer, resume in hand, and a bright eagerness to share her portfolio of digital hand-drawn art. Her aspirations in animation shone through, reminding me of the passion that drives innovation. This experience served as a poignant reminder of the dangers of a fixed mindset, a condition not unfamiliar in the structured world of engineering. We are often trained to believe in a right and wrong way to approach problems, which can limit our perspective and ability to innovate. For years, I watched seasoned professionals get passed over for roles in favor of fresh faces with sometimes unrelated backgrounds. It puzzled me then, but I understand now: flexibility in thought and leadership can bring invaluable new insights to traditional roles. By setting aside initial judgments—about attire, preparation level, or nervous speech—I could engage in meaningful dialogues with these students. We discussed their goals, ambitions, and the barriers they feel they face. Through these conversations, I was reminded of my own challenges growing up in the Bronx, grappling with personal loss without support systems like therapy or open family discussions. This experience has reinforced the value of mentoring with empathy and openness. There is no single “right” way to prepare the next generation of workers. What is essential is the willingness to see potential and foster growth, even if it comes in unfamiliar forms. I encourage my fellow engineers and industry professionals to volunteer their time with young people in our communities. Remember where you started, the challenges you faced, and extend the grace you wished had been afforded to you. Let’s invest in the future by supporting diverse paths to success and fostering a growth mindset that values innovation over tradition.

It’s always sooooo impactful to give back. I love that there are educational incentives like these that allow students first-hand access to working professionals in the fields that they find interesting. As a Tech Professional who has achieved great success, I can acknowledge that there have been advocates and resources that not only inspired me, they poured into me. Having an opportunity to be that for others is humbling and empowering. I applied!! Are you interested in giving back to high school students as they take the first steps to embark on the journey of a lifetime? It’s beautiful - a technical education path that will equip them for all the wonder of tomorrow. #volunteering #philanthropy #techeducation #teals #blackintech #queerintech #productmanagement #saas #healthcaretech #professionalservices #giveback

What the video said, before you step out, volunteer and learn first. Before you start an NGO or start a project,volunteer with an organization who is currently doing something similar to what you want. Having passion is great but that alone is not enough. You need knowledge, people and resources. Last week I shared about how to run non profit projects without being bankrupt. You should read it 📌 back to what I was saying, volunteering will give you first hand experience and great learning opportunities. Before I did my brands Her Health Solutions first community project in 2022, I have been volunteering and coordinating an NGO. So I understood a great deal what to do but yet I still had a bit of "what if" when stepping into that path. But I believe it would not have been easy if I have not been volunteering and learning about projects Till date we have had 4 community focused outreaches through my brand and I am grateful for the opportunity we have to do this amazing work. So tell me, do you agree with this? Do you own an NGO and how did you start? ........................................................ If you own or work with an NGO or brand with internship /volunteer opportunities,DM me with details. ......................................................... If you are looking for volunteering opportunities, join the Volunteers Global Network and DM with your area of interest. ......................................................... Book a clarity session with me today on Coachli, link in the comment section. Video credit:TheGrowTribe #nonprofit #impact #volunteering #learning #internship

Igniting Young Hearts: The Power of Summer Volunteerism Imagine this, a world where our students not only excel academically but also become compassionate, engaged citizens. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's not just a dream; it's the potential of summer volunteer opportunities. Summer break is often seen as a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, but it's also a golden chance to instill in our students the importance of giving back. By encouraging volunteerism, we're not just filling their schedules; we're nurturing their souls. Volunteering can spark empathy, build character, and create a sense of belonging. It's a powerful way to teach students the value of helping others while developing essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. So, let's make this summer count. Let's inspire our students to become agents of change, one act of kindness at a time. How can we empower our students to make a difference this summer through volunteerism? Share in the comment section. Do you find this post useful? Kindly: 🍀 Repost/Share this to your network 👍 Hit the notification 🔔 + Follow Najoud Alharthi