Like Dan, I thought I would take this opportunity to post my overall, final thoughts about the semester. Although I responded to his post, I have my own ideas as well.
It is amazing how many theories and concepts we have been presented with through our readings and class discussions. Ideas such as networked nonprofits, feedback, accountability, effectiveness, impact, advocating, financial performance, form 990, philanthropy, evangelists, collaboration, sharing leadership and sustaining impact. Whew! It has definitely been an abundance of information. All of these topics have given me much more insight about what the challenges are of ensuring that a nonprofit organization is doing what it is supposed to do, or as we MPA students like to say "fulfilling its mission."
This is my final class before my Capstone and it has truly proven to be a useful one. I have been through all required core courses and two other electives and this class is does a fine job in capturing subjects from all of those other courses. I have stated many times throughout the semester that I DO NOT have very much experience with nonprofit organizations. The complexity involved with how to be an effective leader and run an effective organization is through the roof. It takes a special person to want to truly make a difference in the nonprofit sector. I commend everyone who progresses through this program and decides that this is the right path for them. I am sure most of your thoughts are just like mine in that this class has helped prepare us for what is ahead.
Matt,
ReplyDeleteI agree that this class has taken a great deal of information from other classes and compiled it with new ideas and challenges, ending just shy of overwhelming. When I think about what I want to do after *CAPSTONE FALL 2011* I am both inspired and concerned. While I feel as though I have chosen the correct path, it does not fully compensate for some of the weaknesses that have been highlighted. Hopefully, that is where we, our newly acquired knowledge, and continued search for information and solutions come in. I began this program eying an opportunity to help people but this course has easily highlighted the fact that helping is not a two-step process. You do not simply move from deciding to help to seeing an impact. There are numerous “baby steps” in-between. Forces for Good was an excellent reminder that you must be driven by the mission, while being able to develop yourself and others. You must understand the big picture as well as the details – or hire someone who does!
I totally agree with both of you. Being that this is only my second semester, I have not taken as many classes in this program, but even in the ones I have taken, I've seen so much collaboration and common ideas approached in each class. This class in particular has really highlighted how much goes into running a nonprofit organization and even more importantly, a successful one. I have not had very much experience with nonprofits, so seeing all of the things that need to be considered has been a truly eye-openning experience.
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