Sunday, April 19, 2009
Week 13
This week was rather difficult for me because it is honestly hard to critique an organization that has nothing but selfless intentions. When it comes down to it there are just a few things that I would ideally like to change but most of them are things that are reliant on money which so many non-profits themselves would change but unfortunately it all comes down to funding. One thing that I have experienced personal difficulty with is the out-dated technology that Ffk has. The computers are old and so are the programs. It's very hard to get work done at a fast pace because the system is very slow. We as a ever-changing technological community know how important it is to upgrade and keep up with the new systems and programs. So obviously this is something that needs to be changed in the organization and the staff there knows that as well it's just all about getting the funding to do so. Another thing that I have witnessed is on the mentorship side of the organization. The children we deal with are at-risk youth so the kids have a lot of struggles that we don't get to see. That being said, in the classes we teach a lot of the times the kids can be overly rambunctious and not want to pay attention. It seems as though the things we try to convey to them are of no value to them because a lot of times they are things they have never witnessed. I think the mentorship program might be able to improve by bringing on more staff. I think if there was maybe a 4:1 or 3:1 ratio with the mentors and the kids we could be able to relate to them more and really converse with them to see what's on their minds. it is obvious that what these kids reallt need is guidance, positive role models, and most of all attention. If they know that there is someone out there that has struggled like them and succeeded they may have the drive. And if there is someone pushing them and believing in them it can make a world of difference. So I think being able to have closer interactions with the kids would help change that. Other than that I think FfK has great goals, great fundraising abilities and great objectives.
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Gina
ReplyDeleteI did my internship with a non-profit organization as well and I feel the same way about the constant strain for money. I felt like it was something you eventually just accept when you are working with these kinds of organizations.
The one thing that I wanted to change about my internship, was adding more volunteers. I think this would help with adding more mentors to your site. I feel like at risk children really need that extra interaction with a good influence that can help guide them in the right direction.
Suzanne
Hi Gina, Kris Knapp here...
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like you are at a really good site that is doing great things for at risk children. It is a good thing that you struggled to find ways to improve the organization because that means they are doing things right in the first place. I don't know specifically what you do at the site so I may be way off on this one, but it sounds like there can be better communication between the kids and the mentors. With communications as one of my concentrations, I can suggest that the organization find ways to communicate with their children better. I know you said they are short staffed so not all kids are heard, but their are other ways that the kids can express their feelings and what they are going through outside of the Ffk. Communication isn't only done through speech, but also non-verbal ques, writing, and art. Maybe your organization can think of fun creative ways to get the children to express themselves and better communicate with the mentors like yourself so you better understand their situation. In turn, the mentors will be able to help them grow out of their past and have a positive future.
Gina,
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate the fact that you have trouble critiquing a selfless non-profit organization. It is encouraging to know that your organization has little need for improvement. The children you are helping must be getting sufficient assistance. I can absolutely relate to being in charge of kids that don't pay attention. I'm just playing basketball with them, you are trying to enrich their lives and give them a more positive outlook, so it is obviously more important for you to maintain that connection with your kids. The only drawback if my kids don't listen is that they may not have a nice jump shot! I like your comment on lowering the ratio of mentor to child. In ANY learning situation (even basketball), can be maximized with a low ratio of student to mentor. One on one being the best. Best of Luck!
Kellen Walter