Organizational Impact

If you have walked into a bookstore or watched the news recently, you have probably seen or heard Bill Clinton’s name. His book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, was released earlier this month, and his foundation is hosting the annual Clinton Global Initiative this week.

I picked up his book a couple weeks ago, and it tells of different organizations and individuals who give in extraordinary, and sometimes not so extraordinary, ways. It gives accounts of those who saw a need and then stepped up to meet that need – usually in a very creative and effective way.

As I was reading this, it was hard not to think of specific people or organizations that I know who are making a significant difference in creative ways. One creative, effective, and growing organization that came to mind was Earthbeat, who mobilizes thousands of volunteers to give back to their community while at the same time raising funds for specific non-profits.

We are currently facilitating their growth to a national organization, and it has certainly been enjoyable. Those of you at the past National Council for Faith-Based Youth Summit were able to see the passion and heart of their leaders, and I am confident you were inspired as well. I encourage you to find out more at www.earthbeat.cc.

Just as Earthbeat is making a huge difference for local communities and non-profits, there are many other organizations and individuals out there who are changing the world.

What organizations, or individuals, come to mind for you?

-Nathan Mallonee, Coordinator, Grants and Projects

Volunteerism

A wise theatre teacher I had would always say, “If you really want something done, don’t ask the person with the most time to do it, ask the person with the least time and they will make sure it gets done.” I’m not going to lie, it’s not always easy being a senior in college, being on the leadership team of a growing nonprofit, and having a social life. But, I’m learning this is the life I love, and the life many in my generation want to have. And perhaps that is not a generational sign…perhaps it’s a true sign of our time.

Statistically, people are volunteering through, giving to, and participating in nonprofits and their causes more now than ever before. In fact, the Corporation for National and Community Service reports: “Across our country, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are donating their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than themselves. According to data collected over the past 30 years by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans over the age of 16 are volunteering at historically high rates, with 61.2 million giving their time in 2006 to help others.”

Does that surprise you and do you see that in the arena you’re a part of?

-D. Gilson, Director, Communications and Donor Relations

Welcome to the C4 blog!

Let me be the first to welcome you to The C4 Group’s blog! Our team is really excited about this aspect of our organization’s journey. Our hope is that it will help us better connect to you, and you to us. Here you’ll see at least one new entry from our team leadership each week. But, we want this to be just as much about you talking with us…so please, leave comments, ask us questions, email us ideas, tell us what you’re thinking, let us know what you want to talk about, join the conversation. This conversation will serve as us, together, being a viable solution on America’s youth issues.

The team and I look forward to our conversations. Have a great day and check back often for new entries.

-Monty L. Hipp, President