|
Training for new path in nonprofit work |
 |
 |
 |
|
 August 13, 2009 By ERIC LUU
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Karen Humphreys wanted to explore what she could give back to the community and employment opportunities in the nonprofit arena.
Paul Barrett was searching for ways to make a decent living after 20 years on Wall Street.
Delia Fasano wanted to learn about the nonprofit industry.
They got what they were looking for in an eight-week (20-hour) course at the Dowling Institute in Melville called "Nonprofit Employment and Volunteerism in Life's Next Chapter."
The course was designed for people checking out new career opportunities in the nonprofit world, giving them an inside view of the industry.
It focuses on the structure, culture, goals and politics of nonprofit organizations, said instructor Paul Arfin, who developed the course. His goal was to dispel myths about nonprofits and encourage students to re-examine their own lives while discovering a new passion and possible employment. While learning the mechanics of nonprofits, students also picked up tips on breaking into the market.
For instance, Arfin suggested, if there are no immediate openings for paid positions, donate your time. "In this bad economy, they can volunteer [for a nonprofit] and get their foot in the door," he said. "When it [the economy] recovers, they can have a step ahead as they have demonstrated their skill set and their commitment."
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Nonprofit Employment and Volunteerism |
|
|
|
|
This course is designed for individuals seeking greater purpose and meaning in their lives by transferance of their private-sector skills and experiences into the nonprofit sector. Students are assisted to: conduct self-assessments; learn about the history of nonprofits and the important role they play in society; understand the legal and governance of nonprofits; be advocates for those in need; dispel the myths and assumptions concerning nonprofits; adjust to sector-switching; prepare for interviews; and locate nonprofit organizations where they will be welcomed and where they are needed to apply their interests and skill sets.
The course was offered in Spring 2009 and received extremely high marks from all of its sixteen students most of whom selected volunteer opportunities or part-time or full-time employment. Students unanimously report that the course prepared them to switch to the nonprofit sector. The 10-week, 25-hour, non-credit, Certificate-bearing course will be offered again in the Fall at Hofstra University in Hempstead beginning Wednesday, September 30th from 7:00PM - 9:30PM. Space is limited to 30 students. Tuition: $300.
contact Paul Arfin at:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
|
|