Posts Tagged ‘intern’

An Intern’s Perspective: Final Post

Friday, August 13th, 2010

From Carrie, the Intern

I have put a lot of energy into this summer internship, but the most impactful aspect of this position has been the amount of energy Philanthropiece as an organization has invested in me. Katie and Colleen both arranged meetings with other foundations so that I could get a broader prospective on the work foundations do, I was included in all staff meetings, and invited to attend board meetings and lunches with friends of Philanthropiece/ partner organizations as well.  The time the women of Philanthropiece have dedicated to answering my questions and broadening my horizons is truly appreciated, and I find myself feeling at home in the office.  It’s only natural that I’m hesitant to leave. Fortunately, Libby Cook (Executive Director, Co-Founder) has offered the unprecedented opportunity to extend my experience with an independent research project focusing on evaluating Philanthropiece’s Baja Loan Program. Professor Bernhard (professor of statistics at the University of Puget Sound) will be supervising the mathematical aspects of the project, and I can’t wait to get started. This internship has served not only as an experiential education, but as a critical stepping stone to my future. Working with Philanthropiece has opened my eyes to so many opportunities in the non-profit sector, and seeing the amazing work of these women, I’m convinced more than ever that this will be my career path. I’m going to take the lessons learned from this internship and use them as the inspiration for future positions.  As my summer internship comes to a close, I’m starting to realize that sometimes the end is just the beginning.

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The Viewpoint of an Intern: Christine

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Philanthropiece is honored to have the presence of two amazing interns this summer. Christine Evans joined our team earlier this month and we couldn’t be happier to have her. Christine will begin her senior year this fall at the College of Wooster, but before that, she will spend the summer helping Philanthropiece learn more about sustainable agriculture and family gardens. Just like her counterpart Carrie, we have asked Christine to share her observations and highlights of her research here on the Philanthropiece blog. Check back regularly for words from the extraordinary Philanthropiece interns.

And now, we present the first installment of “The Viewpoint of an Intern” by Christine, our Fabulous Intern.

Although this is technically my second week at Philanthropiece, I am going to pretend for this blog that it is week one. Last week I was only in two days because Monday was a holiday, Wednesdays we have staff meetings and Thursday Katie, Carrie and I had a wonderful lunch with Katie’s cousin Emily who works at the Wild Foundation. We learned all about the amazing things they are doing and it was very eye opening to see how another non-profit operates. This week I have primarily been researching international development organizations that have implemented successful family or community gardens in Latin America. The two organizations I have so far, Project Harvest and The Garden’s Edge, are actually both in Guatemala and the fact that they have been very successful for a number of years demonstrates that they could both be a good model to work off of with family gardens in Chajul. The garden initiative in Chajul is currently at the point where, if little is done, all the momentum behind it could easily burn out. It’s exciting though, because with more attention I think it could easily become an integral part of the community and one that would help combat hunger and malnutrition, be an extra source of income, and help the community to be more self-sufficient and sustainable.

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An Intern’s Perspective: Week Six

Monday, June 28th, 2010

From Carrie, the Intern

Things here at the office are running smoothly; with the exception of our silverware drawer.  We have a distinct lack of regular forks (I’ve been using the plastic ones), which is odd since there seems to be a cornucopia of spoons (out of five compartments, four are filled with spoons, with the remaining space dedicated to butter knives).  To compliment my eclectic cutlery, I have been reading a wide variety of sources.  Everything from Forces for Good, to Reports from Esther Duflo crowd both my desk and mind, and I unashamedly took my Nutrition Research Binder home last weekend to discuss with anyone who would listen.  People might think I’m becoming a bit preoccupied with my work here at Philanthropiece, but it’s really a matter of priorities.  Some have their career and their passions separated; I see no need for this.  Afterall, I think no one is going to argue that I am misusing my time by returning my thoughts time and time again to various poverty alleviation methods.  And going out on a limb, I’m going to assume that if you’re reading this we have similar interests, so I’d like to share an interesting lead with you.  Mentioned above, Esther Duflo is implementing truly innovative techniques to the social sector. She is applying testing similar to that of the medical field to assess the effectiveness of social entrepreneurship and policies. You can find her reports here: http://www.povertyactionlab.org/duflo , or read the article in the May 17th issue of The New Yorker (a subscription is required to read it online, but you can access an abstract here, http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/05/17/100517fa_fact_parker).  Enjoy!

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An Intern’s Perspective: Week Four

Monday, June 14th, 2010

From Carrie the Intern

Having written my writing and rhetoric course final essay on the importance of informed giving, I have traditionally been a huge fan of such sites as charitywatch.org, the website of the American Institute of Philanthropy- an organization which rates various NGOs based on their efficiency. The portion of the charity’s rating which I found most important in my essay was the” Percent spent on charitable purpose”, which the site describes as “the portion of total expenses that is spent on charitable programs. In AIP’s view, 60% or greater is reasonable for most charities. The remaining percentage is spent on fundraising and general administration. Note: A 60% program percentage typically indicates a ‘satisfactory’ or ‘C range’ rating. Most highly efficient charities are able to spend 75% or more on programs.”After meeting with Katie Morrow (Executive Director of Philanthropiece partner, Limitless Horizons Ixil), I find this approach may not be fair, and in fact may favor hand out based programs. It depends entirely on whether an organization lists certain staff as program, or administrative costs.  Take for example the Library in Chajul; which category should the librarian’s salary be under? The majority of the library’s funds go to pay her, so if her salary is listed as a non program cost, then the organization’s rating would be dismal. In contrast, a reading program which simply purchases books and then gives them away would be considered ideal, as the vast majority of funds would go directly to “programming materials”- the physical books. But the hand out model is missing the human aspect. What good are a few free books if there is no one there to teach the owners how to read, or a place to attain more in the future? The staffing cost does not make the program inefficient, just sustainable.

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An Intern’s Perspective: Week Three

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

From Carrie, the Intern

The corn based diets of Chajul have resulting in malnutrition.  Children are not receiving the vitamins and minerals necessary to develop healthy minds and bodies, and many do not consume enough calories.  Often, children will go to school exhausted after collecting firewood, and having eaten only a few corn tortillas.  Baja suffers from malnutrition as well, but of a different sort.  Food is expensive, and many rely on a diet heavily based in canned and processed foods- often resulting in obesity.  While these situations easily inspire an emotional reaction, simply giving food won’t do anything but prolong the problem.  I’m currently researching the various techniques used by NGO’s to combat malnutrition and food security.  There are several techniques, the most prominent of which are handouts, and microloans.  Since Philanthropiece is focused on sustainable solutions which lessen a community’s dependence on aid, I have chosen to focus on programs funded by various microloans and grants.  These often fund women to grow crops which diversify both the foods they consume, and their means of income.  Probably the most inspiring program so far is by Alimentos Nutri-Naturales- a partner of the Equilibrium Fund and a grassroots organization started by local women which teaches the harvesting of the “Maya Nut” and indigenous tree which produces edible nuts. The program not only teaches farming techniques, and provides food and income to growers, but also inspires the growers to become environmentalists in order to protect their largest asset- their land. I have become increasingly interested in the idea of agricultural development since reading the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation publication on the topic; which claims that agriculture is the best way for a community to both experience growth and become independent.

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An Intern’s Perspective: Week Two

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

from Carrie, the Intern

Despite many small, intern-esque blunders (such as throwing out a receipt with the trash from lunch, or initially forgetting to write this blog post), Colleen and Katie seem more than amiable.  My guess is this is because they are both mothers, and have had their patience stressed by much greater things. They also are naturally inclined to take on teaching roles.  And what a wonderful situation for me to be in!  I find myself amongst a dizzying array of information almost daily, whether it be sitting in on meetings, researching nutritional programs, or reading an edition of the Stanford Social Innovation Review I’ve been given, it seems work will be encompassing my summer.  And I don’t mind one bit.  I find myself jabbering on to friends about Chajul, and various nutrition programs, or I’ll ask for my parents’ opinions on various approaches to world aid at the dinner table.  Hoping to go into non-profit management, I’ve been hungry for an opportunity to learn all I can about various NGO practices, and I have definitely come to the right place.

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An Intern’s Perspective: Week One

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Philanthropiece has the absolute pleasure to introduce our summer intern, Carrie Keith.  Having just completed her first year in the University of Puget Sound Business Leadership Program, Carrie has joined our team to learn more about nonprofits, foundations, and the world of international development.  As part of her regular duties, we have asked her to share her thoughts and observations here on the Philanthropiece blog.  Check back weekly for Carrie’s latest musings on life as a Philanthropiece intern. 

And without further ado, we present the first installment of “An Intern’s Perspective” by Carrie, Intern Extraordinaire.  

Preparing for my first day at Philanthropiece, I had printed out MapQuest directions to the office. Driving down Monarch road I was a bit concerned that I might miss the building Colleen had referred to as “the barn”, but soon found it impossible not to notice the giant red building to my right, which looks a bit like a barn, except that it is far too large and clean. I was soon greeted by two smiling women, Colleen and Katie (Director of Operations and Director of Programs, respectively). I have to say, I find it a little amusing that all our names alliterate.  It has become apparent to me that this is not going to be the typical office experience. Whereas most interns are glad to be designated a cubicle, I’ve been given my own desk, but have also been encouraged to work outside or in the living room like lobby of “the barn”. Also, Missy, an older chocolate lab, frequently visits Colleen and I in the office, as Colleen has stocked dog treats. In place of other common company bonding, such as golf, Philanthropiece does yoga at nine on Tuesday mornings. I have been simultaneously shocked and thrilled at the laid back feel of my new environment. One should not however, be under the impression that it’s all play here at Philanthropiece. I attended my first staff meeting this week, and was barely able to write fast enough to keep up.  I am quite impressed at how the organization can be comfortable and inviting, while still maintaining professionalism and efficiency. I’ve also just begun my first research project (looking at nutrition programs), and am looking forward to working on it in the weeks to come.

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