Two Weeks Down...Already?

"You always pass failure on the way to success."
- Mickey Rooney

Through the past few weeks I've realized how much this economy has effected non-profit organizations. I'm not going to complain, or try to suggest ways to turn it around, but I just wanted to share an observation. Due to the scarcity of money, organizations such as Active Minds aren't receiving the same amount of funding that they have seen in the past. Through many disheartening attempts at receiving funds and grants, there are always those moments when we hear a surprising "YES!" or "OH MY GOD!" coming from the conference room across the office. I have recently learned a lesson that everyone in the office has known for a long time - in this business, perseverance is key. As Rooney said, no matter what you do you're bound to fail before you succeed. The key to succeeding not only as a non-profit, but in life, is picking yourself back up, dusting yourself off, and continue running towards the ultimate goal.

It's been two weeks since I've started working in the Active Minds, Inc. office. From day one I knew I would have my work cut out for me. Working at a non-profit organization never proves to be easy, especially one with a small work force. As I said a few posts ago, the staff here is simply amazing (and no, I'm not repeating that because I know they read this). This small office that consists of six full-time employees works so hard towards our goal of reducing mental health stigmas.

With a small office such as this, there is always more work that needs to be completed. I haven't had many chances to sit back and relax without the thought of all the tasks I have to complete by their respective deadlines.

Yesterday was mostly spent working with the Director of Development, Heather, on how to get students excited about lobbying Members of Congress during our 6th Annual Active Minds National Conference in November. As I had said earlier, there is a bill going through Congress at the moment - S. 682 and H.R. 1704 - that will greatly improve counseling centers across the nation. In order to show this nation's leaders how effective this bill would be, we are hoping to bring the Active Minds' student leaders to meet with their Representatives. The main problem that has come up is how to get everyone excited about this opportunity. Many people who are not politically involved think politics is such a bore - it's just the opposite! Being able to sit down with your Congressman is such an amazing chance for them to hear you out, and witness - first hand - the compassion you have towards the issue you're meeting about.

Along with that monumental project, we have been shooting fundraiser ideas back-and-forth. One of the biggest problems in today's economy is the lack of donations towards non-profits. Many people don't realize that if every person who has, at one point, been effected by Active Minds gives $5 or even $1, it would add up to such a significant amount! We would be able to provide chapters with much more materials and give-aways (which we all know people swarm towards) than we are currently able to. If anyone has any ideas for fundraisers, PLEASE comment below or feel free to e-mail me: jeremy@activeminds.org!!

Aside from the development work, I've been helping the three chapter coordinators organize all the Chapter Inventories that were due May 15th. Many schools have sent their inventories to the office, but we're still missing so many; trying to chase down the chapter presidents only goes so far! I'll be completely honest, compiling the data was not fun and summarizing it was even more of a project. In a few weeks there is a Board of Directors meeting where all the data has to be presented, so before then we need to complete a board report with all the data I compiled. As the chapters know, if they don't turn them in soon, they will unfortunately be considered inactive, and no one wants that :(. If any chapters haven't turned their Chapter Inventory in, there's still a chance to get them in!!

Anyways. I just finished writing a memo on this year's Student Advisory Committee survey feedback for Sara, our Program Director. Other than that, it's a typical Friday! I'm all caught up with work (for now) and can't wait to see what next week brings to the table.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend, and feel free to post any questions/comments/concerns on this blog!

As always, We are all working towards a similar goal, so why not help each other out!