The best job I ever had, was the one I wasn’t paid for. It was my role as President of New York Toastmasters.
The universe was pulling me toward non-profit, but I couldn’t see it.
Eventually the universe sent me enough signs (yes I just said that).
Omens directed me toward the world of social good. My aha moment and subsequent discovery was TechSoup Global, a nonprofit founded in 1987 on the belief that technology is a powerful enabler for social change. I will be the Social Media Manager for TechSoup Global–an organization that manages product donations of commercial hardware and software to more than 80,000 non-profit organizations in 23 countries.
Some numbers showing the impact TechSoup global has made
Why Non-Profit Is Hot During A Recession
Here’s the truth.
The world needs more help than it ever did. Additionally there appears to be more grassroots activism unfolding as a result of access of free “connector tools” (we can call this social media) and innovative support systems.
My generation–Millennials–according to researcher Bruce Tulgan–are more “hopeful” than any other generation in history.
What do you have?
A planet in need of extreme fixing. A generation of young people who want to help.
In my opinion it’s just a matter of connecting those who need help with the tools and resources to make it happen. Win Win Win.
Who Runs TechSoup Global?
TechSoup Global is run by three CEOs, Daniel Ben-Horin, Rebecca Masisak, and Marnie Webb. I will be working with Susan Tenby, the Director of Online Communities, TechSoup.org, and Non-profit Commons in Second Life.
I read an article from 2009, where CEO and founder Ben-Horin talked about the importance of looking for opportunity in times of turmoil. While most people wouldn’t assume non-profits would flourish during tough times, history shows us quite the contrary.
After the dot com bust TechSoup had a surge in applicants.
Founder and CEO Ben-Horin said, “There was this increasing feeling that something was missing, that selling toothpaste on the Web was not enough. I see something similar happening today, where giving is a way to validate your role in a world in financial turmoil.” While Ben-Horin said this in 2009, I believe it is very relevant today.
Onward and Upward
I see this as not only an opportunity to help those in need, but an opportunity to put my passion to use. While consulting has been an incredible growth process, I know this is the right move for me at this time.
On Susan Tenby’s team I will be working with Michael DeLong, Susan Chavez and more amazing, incredibly generous people.
Below are a few of the case studies from non-profits in New Zealand who have been supported by TechSoup.
*Thank you to friends, family, clients and former colleagues who have supported me in my own journey. Thank you to Jacob Morgan who has been there for me through thick and thin. I am a very blessed person. I am also a person who is more ready than ever to role up her sleeves and dive in.
**If you will be in New York next week and want to find out more about TechSoup Global I will be at CRM Evolution. Please attend my session on Wednesday, August 10th at 8am where I will be talking about Managing Gen Y alongside Jon Blum, Chief Illuminator for Infinite Green. I will be in Australia Aug. 18-30th and will have access to email. I will be formally starting with TechSoup Global September 1st.