Nonprofits can offer you a whole different kind of wealth

Our readers know that I am a true believer in "giving a little bit back" with respect to the skills and technology that we have perfected to gain the good life that we are likely already enjoying. I refer specifically to the earlier Career Advisor recommending that we seriously consider committing some quality nonpaid time to nonprofit or humanitarian, etc. organizations. I also asked for any suggestions of worthwhile groups that may qualify. You responded with several suggestions that I am going to pass along.

But first, the ever-present small print. You must understand that I have not contacted any of these organizations and cannot personally speak for their cause or effectiveness. That is up to you.

Some of the recurring names include The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, ASPCA and any number of religious organizations. Some of the others include:

· Local Social Service Agencies
· After school programs that offer adult and elder care training
· Tech Corps - Many of our readers recommended this one as "a grass roots collection of state chapters which organize volunteer projects at local schools". @techcorps.org
· Amanakaa's Amazon Network @amanakaa.org
· BuildPEN - "a group of volunteers that provide network [support] to PA schools @buildpen.org.

I have participated in and can personally recommend an excellent program jointly sponsored by Goodwill Industries, IBM, various government agencies and other corporate sponsors that provides specialized technical training to adults with disabilities. The programs exist in a variety of forms around the nation. If you or your company would like to participate, if you have a disability or know someone who does, start with the Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology @arpct.org.

Thanks to all of you for your input. There are thousands of worthwhile nonprofits that don't have sufficient technical resources. You won't have any trouble finding one that needs you, will enrich your life, boost your career and may open more doors than you ever dreamed.

Tom Whitley and the staff of Management Recruiters of Kannapolis, specialize in recruiting information systems, telecommunications, and networking professionals at both the technical and managerial levels. If you are interested in discussing career opportunities, if you need assistance with your recruiting efforts, or if you have comments about the Career Advisor contact Tom at tomwhitley@ctc.net.

Be it resolved, Network World on Careers
01/06/99

Discuss your career goals with the Career Doctor Shaun Kelly

Network World's online archive of Fusion Focus newsletters on Careers.