#1SURVIVOR LOOKING TO START A NON PROFIT ORGAN,,NEED HELP

[darrellt]

starting a non profit,organization,,a housing place with comfortable living,,,an assurance that there is a brighter day. specializing in women an children,need help in doin so,if you have a heart,,an feel the need to help me with this journey, lets save lives together,org name is (ELITE LIVING).

[Ann]

Hi Darrell, welcome to the forums.

You said in another thread...

wow  that sounds like u got ur life back,, great start,,makes me wanna do more,,like volunteering,

Am I right in thinking you've never done any volunteer work before? If I'm correct, then you might want to start there first. While I admire your enthusiasm, you might want to gain some hands-on experience in the non-profit AIDS service organisation arena before jumping off at the deep end and creating your own.

If I've misunderstood, I apologise.

Ann

[darrellt]

thanks so much for ur response, actually i have did some volunteer,,before i really wanna work with kids, aids. but any other help or advice please feel free.

darrell

[MarcoPoz]

I would recommend joining the board of directors of a similar agency.  It will give you the opportunity to help those you are interested in and also provide hands-on teaching about the in's and out's of the details of running an organization like this.  Also, if possible, see if the major funder for this service has a community input or advisory board,.  This will give you additional insight into the processes involved in keeping an agency afloat.

[darrellt]

hey thanks man,,for that idea i will definitely look into it,,seems as if u know lots about this sort of thing. please do tell me any other thoughts u might have,,

[MarcoPoz]

hey thanks man,,for that idea i will definitely look into it,,seems as if u know lots about this sort of thing. please do tell me any other thoughts u might have,,

I've worked in HIV care and prevention for 16 years.  I started as a volunteer and worked my way through a few programs.  I've been on Boards and even started an organization.  Along the way I've had some success and made some stooooopid mistakes.  I'd say, the best way to prepare yourself to run something is to do the Board thing.  It shows you exactly how the 'sausage' is made.  It gives you a chance to meet and talk to funders, staff and clients.  There are so many opportunities to become engaged--many of which are volunteer--but I see these as free 'internships' that can teach you so much.  Even volunteering at your local ASO can do this.  While you are there, interview the staff, talk to the clients.

Getting involved nationally can help too.  Places like NAPWA and NMAC can show you the national side of things.

All just the opinion of a old, grizzled pozzie    Take what helps--leave the rest   

[darrellt]

hey did u have a hard time gettin ur 501-3c

[MarcoPoz]

Getting a 501c 3 is not as hard as it might seem.  It helps if you have a lawyer who needs to do some pro bono work or an agency that helps non profits start up.  Its just an application and fee, but you need to have a board set up, bylaws etc.  Talk to a non profit assistance agency or your local ASO to see how they did it--very often they can help with the process.  See if you have any type of free legal aid society.  They may be able to help as well.  I used a local legal aid society and the ACLU for advice and support here.

Be clear about your mission and build your board with like-minded people, then move on from there.

[darrellt]

hey marco wassup how was ur week?