Non-Profit & Community Relations

Although I am trying not to be too picky when seeking a post-graduation job, I have to say that I truly hope to be working in the non-profit sector. My work with Sustain Champlain, The Waterwheel Foundation, and most recently ECHO has only inspired and motivated my passion for non-profit work. The downside to this passion is of course, compensation. Although I do not exactly know what public relations professionals make in the world of non-profits, I suspect there is a wide range of salaries and the entry level positions might leave something to be desired.

Since I started working with Waterwheel I have received e-mails from Guidestar, a resource who's mission is:

"To revolutionize philanthropy and nonprofit practice by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving."

This article, titled, "Think 'People', not 'organization'" , written by Larry Checco of Checco Communications, touched on a few of the topics the community relations chapter mentioned in the textbook. A major correlation is the idea of finding common ground among communities and organizations. This can mean within the community or organization if there is a disagreement or issue, but it can also mean finding common ground in communities that have a working relationship with each other. Focusing on the similarities instead of the difference builds trust, an obvious sign of a successful relationship.

The article also defines an organization as:

"An organization is defined as a social unit of people, systematically structured and managed to meet a need or to pursue collective goals on a continuing basis."

Not very different than my definition of community. 

Checco also mentioned co orientation, without actually saying the word when he talked about the way an  organization treats its employees and how that reflects the way other communities/ organization will perceive them.

"In many respects, your organization's brand is a referendum and reflection on how it treats its people. My experience working with many organizations over the years has taught me that the better an organization treats its people—including employees, customers, clients, and volunteers—the better the organization's brand."