Kizla

I have been working for nonprofits for most of my adult life. I believe in them, but I find that surprise, surprise! they aren’t the best-run organizations in the world. I’ve seen the nonprofits that are run corporation-style too, and while often more organized, they miss some of the heart and passion of smaller nonprofits. So I think I would like to create one based on things that I find important, and really be open to good management techniques, excellent training for the staff, opportunities for staff to grow, honest evaluation, and strong, positive outcomes for the world.
The things that I am passionate about and interested in are:
-urban youth
-writing
-social justice issues, especially education
-girls’ self-esteem
-web 2.0 tech
-community organizing
-mentoring

I’ll come back here as I continue to work on this mentally. I’m just today giving myself permission for this to be a real dream of mine. Before it was just an occasional itch, but now I think I can say that is my five-year goal. I’ve never been able to answer that question in interviews before (So,...where do you see yourself in five years?) but now I can say that I would like to ideally be starting/running my own nonprofit in five years.

I’m currently starting a job in nonprofit development management, so I’m learning the hard skills I”ll need to start my own gig. I have a lot to learn, but I’m on my way.

I started the first of my two semesters from hell. I will be:

1. working full time
2. taking four classes
3. completing my internship

I had my first session of classes and they seem like they will be manageable – individually that is. But all piled together I’m a bit nervous. Also, I went to buy my books and almost had a heart attack. Is there any call for a 200 page textbook to cost $85?? Are the pages giving me the secrets to creating gold out of iron or something? What The F*&%????

But I’m on the way. If I focus on one semester at a time I’ll get there. So including this one, I have four semesters left to completing my MSW.

Well, my husband was gone on a long work trip and I used the opportunity to really focus on exercising and eating healthily. I lost about five pounds and was on the move towards my goal. For the first time in a LONG time I felt like I was actually making some progress! I felt and looked better. When he came back I was like – tada! – but then I got lazy and started watching movies with him, drinking beer, eating chips, etc. Sigh. The weight came back.

So! I now know what i have to do, and that is literally eats TONS of veggies all day and avoid sugar. And run 4 times a week. That’s my ticket. (Like it’s that easy.) I’m really dreading the colder months when I can’t run outside. I do have a treadmill, but that is not very fun.