Happy summer OP-ists!

If you live in Boston, I bet you are more than happy to see the sun after the weeks of rain we have had! I sure am! 

I hope everyone has been enjoying OP's recent posts about my favorite philanthropic power couple and my rockstar friend Mike. Their stories and paths are powerful and unique, but each person has found a way to give back. Did anyone have a cool volunteer experience in June? Any volunteer plans for the summer?

Now that my MPA classes are almost over (one more week!) until September, I am gearing up for a summer of blogging and planning. Check back in soon for new posts, volunteer opportunities, and possibly some new resources ;) In other minor news, I cut off and donated 10 inches of my hair!! It was a big decision, but I am so happy I did it and thrilled to be able to help a child suffering from medical hair loss. Check out Locks of Love and consider donating a hair or two!

Random side item: I recently stayed up to watch the sunrise over the Harbor. Thought you OP-ists would enjoy these pictures.

SWEET SOUNDING PHILANTHROPY

My college buddy, Mike, is as modest as they come. While pursuing his lifelong dream of being a finance analyst rockstar, he dedicates a large part of his time to helping others. Make sure to check out the amazing organizations MIke is helping (and his musical talents!) Send operationphilanthropy a message if you are interested in getting involved.

Name: Mike Patton

Age: 29

Live: Somerville, MA

Career: Tell me a bit about your career path. How did you end up where you are? 

I went to college (with you!) for economics and finance, and had a sweet finance gig all lined up, when I reached the conclusion that I hated finance, and dreaded the thought of 9-5 corporate America in general.  So I moved to Costa Rica, where amongst other things I co-founded a real estate development company that was committed to responsible development.  So instead of haranguing locals into giving us their land for a fraction of its value, we'd pay a fair price the them, still have plenty of room to make a profit, and then spend some of that profit giving back to the community (i.e. the company installed new water pumps for the town, built an expansion for the local school, etc.).  Then I retired from that to move back to the states play rock guitar (www.3partsdead.com, and www.TheStrangeAvenues.com), and help run the family business,www.LanguageCorps.com.  That's pretty much what I'm still doing, although when a family friend participated in a LanguageCorps program, and was moved by the situation in Cambodia to start a non-profit (www.CambodianThreads.com), I leapt at getting involved with that.  And just recently my father has founded the Fund for Disadvantaged Children, which I've been working with him closely on (and serving as Corporate Secretary for).   

1.    Are you philanthropic? Why?  

I don't know, I don't really think so…  Maybe?  I keep getting involved with philanthropic organizations, and my bands seem to play a bunch of benefit shows and the like, but I don't know if that really counts.  People like my father, and Jake Daniels (Cambodian Threads' founder) are philanthropic, I just figure I've had a pretty cool life, so I might as well spend some of my spare time trying to help make someone else's life a little easier.

2.    What does philanthropy mean to you? 

Haha, I was all set to resort to Google for this one, but really, I just think it means doing what you can, where you can, to make the world a little less shitty for someone or something.    

3.    What organization(s) do you donate time and/or money to? 

I don't really have a specific "cause" – like I'm not all about saving the whales or anything… There's the two groups I work closely with, obviously.  I also volunteered for a few years at the Aspergers Association of New England, which is a great cause. My bands have played benefits for children's cancer, veterans, animal shelters/humane societies, disaster relief, etc.  Lately we've been donating to the One Fund Boston, after the marathon tragedy. I guess for the context of the sub-questions, I'll stick with the big 2 though.

a.    What do you do? Haha, a little bit of everything.  For Cambodian Threads, I've visited the schools we're giving back to, participated in overall/general strategy discussions, mailed scarves, administered photo shoots, managed a lot of the technology side of things, manned booths, etc.  For FDC, I've been serving as Corporate Secretary (ensuring legal compliance) and participating in overall strategic planning and forecasting as we get up and rolling.  That could definitely grow/evolve as FDC does.  

b.    Why do you support this (these) cause(s)? Because they're good causes, and I know the principals involved so it's easier for me to make a "big picture" impact.  Cambodian Threads has a great sustainable model that's product driven, so it helps the local craftspeople while it generates the money that it uses to help the local schools and children.  FDC is a more traditional donation-driven model, but it helps by working to build up the organizations and infrastructure that the countries and communities it works in need to be able to provide long-term support and solutions.

c.    How did you find these opportunities? I was lucky enough to know the founders (obviously my father, and Jake was a childhood friend of my brother), and be asked to participate (due to my previous entrepreneurial experience).

d.    Do you enjoy it? Of course!  It's not like I'm getting paid, so I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't enjoy it and think it was worthwhile.

e.    How would you improve your experience, if possible? I'd love to see both organizations grow, so the impact could be wider reaching.

4.    If you had a million dollars to donate, what organization(s) would you give to? International or domestic? Why? 

I'd probably split it between the two that I primarily work with, because I'd be better able to ensure that it's used efficiently, and because they're great causes that could really use the money to help grow and do more. Seriously, if you've got a million dollars lying around, check out www.CambodianThreads.com, and keep an eye out for the Fund for Disadvantaged Children (website coming), because they're awesome orgs run by great people.

5.    Is there a philanthropist you admire? 

I admire anyone who takes the time to give back, however they can, and not just for personal gain.  Big guns like Buffett and Gates are awesome, they've given billions… but if you don't have billions and instead take the time to walk or run for cancer, or just contribute that extra few bucks to an animal shelter when you're paying for your groceries, that's pretty cool too.  Way too many people don't do anything at all (understandable and forgivable, but doesn't inspire admiration), or spend as much time and effort (and money) making sure people know they're doing it - which while I'm still happy they're giving something, makes it less admirable.

6.     What advice would you give to a young adult wanting to embark on a career in public or non-profit services? 

Just go for it, do what you can, and don't limit yourself to trying to find a particular job with a specific organization.  There are countless ways in countless fields that you can help countless causes, or if all else fails, just start your own.  

POWER. COUPLE.

With such amazing parents, this kid is going to kick some serious butt someday.

Tara, a family friend, and her husband Zach are my favorite philanthropic duo. Even as brand new parents, they are changing the lives of children and families both domestically and internationally. Tara is a teacher at the Monarch School in San Diego, serving students impacted by homelessness. Zach is the Movement Director for Invisible Children, the organization behind the viral video KONY 2012. (If you haven’t seen it, you must live under a rock!) I had the opportunity to interview Tara (thank you!) and couldn't wait to share her insights on philanthropy and her thoughts on what's important in life. Click to check out this post to learn about Tara and Zach's interesting career paths, the organizations they work for and her definition of philanthropy. She's a smart lady and one I admire greatly.

Name: Tara and Zach Barrows

Age: 30 and 31

Tara:

I originally went to school for radio broadcasting thinking I wanted to work in the music industry. In college, I worked for my school's radio station in Promotions. I really enjoyed that. However, after graduating, I quickly learned that jobs were hard-to-find and the industry was rapidly moving towards a much more corporate model and that didn't really appeal to me. But, luckily, with my experience in Promotions, I was able to land a job with the American Cancer Society as a temporary Recruiter for their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. This position launched my career in the nonprofit sector. I then went on to work in Development for a small private school for kids with special needs in Hanover, Massachusetts. 

The thing with entry-level Development work is that you're doing the same kind of entry-level work as your friends in the for-profit sector, but you're getting paid pennies. I knew the work I was doing was making a difference for kids, but I didn't feel part of it. There was no connection. The job was kind of boring. So I went back to school for teaching. I was placed in Brockton, Massachusetts for my student teaching. That was the first time I ever met a child who was homeless. She was eight years old. 

In the summer of 2007, I had the opportunity to travel to northern Uganda. That was the first time I had ever witnessed abject poverty. It forced me to think very critically about charity, power, and privilege. Seeing what the long-term impact of colonialism and a lack of resources can do to a region is pretty devastating. But, seeing the resiliency and ingenuity of people, despite living in dire circumstances, is awesome. I left Africa with a great sense of pride in my new profession as an educator because I felt stronger than ever that education is the best way to overcome poverty and injustice. 

Zach:

Meanwhile, my husband Zach's experience went the other way. He went to school to be a history teacher. He graduated and taught high school for four years. We went to Uganda with the organization Invisible Children (IC) together in 2007 because Zach's students raised a ton of money to help them rebuild schools that were destroyed by the rebel group, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA.) When we returned from our trip Zach was spinning with ideas on how Invisible Children could grow and improve their Schools for Schools program. He approached them about a job and was hired originally as their Education Manager. He eventually became the Movement Director, which meant his job was to oversee the tours that go out on the road to schools as well as various other awareness initiatives here in the US.

A little bit about Invisible Children:

IC was founded in 2003 by three filmmakers in their early 20s. The group that started IC had no experience in the nonprofit sector. It was truly a grassroots organization that sprung from three guys witnessing the aftermath of a 20 year rebel war in northern Uganda and wanting to do something about it. They learned quickly that the best way to help is to partner with local leaders.  Their Ugandan Country Director identified the greatest need to be education. Since the LRA abducts and forces children to be soldiers and sex slaves, the war took a real toll on the youth of northern Uganda. IC created a mentoring program and funded the rebuild of numerous schools. As the rebel war spread into various other countries in central Africa, the need to stop Joseph Kony's LRA and their reign of terror seemed more pertinent than ever. So in their push to make Joseph Kony a household name with their viral video KONY 21012, Invisible Children became one too. Now with the exposure they have garnered over the past year, IC is in a position to continue to evolve, innovate, and carry out the amazing work that they do. 

IC fundraises in a really unique way. Unlike the traditional model of development where most American nonprofits rely on grants and large-scale events, IC's fundraising dollars come mostly from small donations from American high school and college students. For the past 10 years, IC has sent teams of volunteers out on the road to show their films at high schools, colleges and places of worship. The sale of T-shirts and other merchandise help to raise money for schools and other programs in northern Uganda. This is the first season in 10 years that IC hasn't had a team of roadies out showing their films in the US. With this change, Zach's job is evolving yet again. He is currently part of the team preparing and planning for what is to come next at IC. It is all very exciting! 

Tara: 

Invisible Children brought us out to San Diego. At the time, I didn't have a California teaching credential. So I started looking for jobs in the nonprofit sector. That's how I found Monarch School. 

Monarch is a unique school that exclusively serves students impacted by homelessness in grades K-12. The school is a public/private partnership. The San Diego County office of education funds the teachers, textbooks, and basic school necessities while the Monarch School Project (a 501c3 charity) provides additional services such as access to clothing, food, health care, tutoring and extracurricular activities.  It is the only public school of its kind in the nation. I originally went to work for the Monarch School Project as their Volunteer Coordinator. I got to oversee their tutoring program and help build partnerships between the community and the school. Eventually a teaching position opened up just in time for me to finish up all of my California teaching credential requirements. Now I teach second and third grade. I can't imagine a more rewarding and fun job. My students are impacted by homelessness, but that does not define them.  They are just as smart and capable as students at any other school, however they often need access to resources beyond the scope of what a traditional school can provide.  I feel strongly that the public-private partnership model of the Monarch school is the best way for a community  to serve its most vulnerable student population. It will take changes in legislation and a whole a lot of fundraising, but the dream is that someday there will be a Monarch in every city in the US.

Zach and I are lucky to have such cool jobs that directly impact lives both here in the US and in the developing world, as we both feel strongly that where you live shouldn't determine if you live and have the opportunity to thrive. But I always say that you don't have to work in the non-profit sector to make a difference in the world. I believe fully that the world is better off when people find what it is they are best at and give it everything they have, whether that's working with people, crunching numbers, fixing cars, painting, or writing code. Whatever it is, if it inspires you or even if it just pays the bills but leaves you feeling fulfilled, you're contributing to the greater good. And that's what is most important for progress, innovation, and real change to occur. People are in a position to be philanthropic-to help others in need and advance humanity-when their own basic needs are taken care of and they've reached that self-actualizing tier of Maslow's hierarchy (aka find their meaning in life.) So find what you love and get after it! 

Friends who Philanth'rock' it!

Running sure isn't my thing, but Nicole can move.


Name: Nicole Floro

Age: 25

Career: Pharmacovigilance Specialist at pharmaceutical company. [No one knows that that is but it is ensuring patient safety during clinical trials and after the drug goes on the market. We monitor what happens to the patient while they take the drug and at the end of the day formulate the list of side effects you see on every drug you take]

I am in graduate school full time to get my MS degree in Biology (concentration in science education). I am also a teaching assistant to students taking Introduction to Biology.

I am going to be quitting my full time job to focus on my studies so pretty soon my career will be full time student!

Why are you running the marathon? Is this your first time running?

The Boston Marathon will be my second marathon. I ran a marathon in Washington DC on St. Patrick’s Day last year. I was never a runner. I was the high school “athlete” who came in last during the mile warm up, huffing and puffing the whole time. In 2011, I began running-first, using the couch to 5k workout and eventually transitioning to a half marathon. Crossing the finish line of my first race was an unbelievable feeling. Running in general became an unbelievable feeling. It provided a sense of calm in my hectic life and allowed me to just be with my thoughts for a little while. During especially overwhelming times in my life, throwing on a pair of sneakers and hitting the pavement was the best therapy. I can’t explain how many “life events” it has gotten me through. Although I hate it (a lot) sometimes, I can’t forget how positive it has been for me.

Training for a marathon is unlike anything I have ever done though. It goes beyond an enjoyable calming experience. It pushes you mentally and physically to the point you want to give up. For 18 weeks of training, nothing can come between you and your run, not the weather, not sickness, not fatigue, not social events, nothing. The mental toughness you develop is as important as the training. Running miles 18-26 of the race is entirely mental. The only thing getting you to put one foot in front of the other is determination. It is an unbelievable feat and I am sure crossing the finish line in Boston will be an even more incredible experience.

To sum up why I am running the marathon:

I am running to experience that triumph again.

I am running because you become part of a community of shared experiences.

I am running to challenge myself.

I am running to maintain a sense of consistency in my otherwise busy schedule.

I am running for something bigger than myself- the charity to which I dedicating my run.

Who are you running it for? Why are you running to benefit this cause?

I am running on behalf of the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. I applied to run only for this charity because I find their mission to be admirable and because 93% of every dollar raised goes to direct care which is considerably higher than most other charities. Additionally, many charities focus on the disease or disability itself while overlooking the family and friends who take care of the afflicted individuals. I found it refreshing to see that The Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center is focused on the caretakers and appreciating their strength and commitment to their loved one(s). I can imagine caring for an individual with disabilities is an exhausting effort and can really wear on a person/family. I am fortunate in that I do not have any friends of family members who require special assistance. However, as my grandparents have aged and become sick, I see how taxing their care can be on my parents. Seeing just a glimpse of the work that is required to care for loved ones brings even more of an appreciation to the volunteers at the Center. 

The Center provides an exceptional service to these individuals and their families through the many programs offered.  I would like to do my part to not only ensure these programs are maintained for current families but to allow for greater participation.

Do you support other philanthropic causes or volunteer elsewhere?

Unfortunately I don’t have the time right now to volunteer, which is a terribly lame excuse. Once my life settles down after the marathon and after I’m done working full time I am going to look into volunteer opportunities. I would like to focus on a mentoring program or tutoring at a local school once my schedule opens up.

If you had a million dollars to donate, what organization(s) would you give to? International or domestic?

I am not sure what specific organization I would donate the million dollars, however it would be organizations focused on homelessness and hunger in the United States. I don’t think either need to exist and it is hard to fathom that so many people have to suffer. Living and working in the city has opened my eyes to the problem of homelessness and hunger in the winter months it is heartbreaking. No one should have to worry where they are going to sleep every night or how they are going to eat every day. These are basic life necessities and should be granted to all.

Is there a philanthropist you admire?

I respect the philanthropic work of Bill and Melinda Gates and their foundation. It seems they are truly committed to improving the quality of life for millions (if not billions) of people worldwide. Additionally the issues addressed by their foundation, namely health and education, are issues I value.

The education system in the United States needs improvement. Students need to be supported in K-12 so they are academically ready to enter undergraduate studies. With my new teaching assistant position I am seeing firsthand how ill-prepared some students are to take on college studies. If students aren’t able to succeed and attain their college degree they face further difficulties in reaching financial stability. I appreciate the foundation’s focus on fostering academic excellence so as to empower students in the future.

My experience working in the healthcare field along with my biology studies has exposed me to the terrible diseases afflicting millions of people around the world. The disease rates in developing countries are staggering because the treatment is not available and the research isn’t being conducted.  The foundation is bringing to light many of these issues and working on improving treatment in developing countries and increasing research efforts on neglected diseases. Any minimization in disease incidence would be a considerable achievement.

What does Philanthropy mean to you?

To me, philanthropy is an appreciation for humanity and a focus on improving the lives and well being of people through altruistic initiatives.

To support Nicole's marathon run, visit Nicole Floro: Running for Respite