By Nathanael Herbert
Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD — Males/Females Saving the Whales was one of the ideas students created to test their mettle at running a nonprofit organization.
Student Life’s ‘Running a not-for-profit’ Leadership Series event brought about 30 students to the Trutter Center on Sept. 26 for not only a free lunch, but also advice on how to run a nonprofit organization.
As part of the event, attendees were split into groups to create an imaginary nonprofit organization.
Besides Males/Females Saving the Whales, other ideas included: Open Arms, Higher Education Foundation and The Homeless Shelter Support Foundation.
Lincoln Land student groups, clubs and foundations are required to attend at least three Leadership Series events to earn funding from Student Life each year.
However, these events are for much more than a paycheck, says Michelle Burger.
The series is “a very good opportunity for officers and leaders to grow,” said Burger, the student engagement coordinator who helped organize the event.
She said networking and collaboration is highly encouraged.
“I am hoping to find something that will help our club,” one student said of the series.
“My goal for this semester is to give back to the community,” another student said.
Other students were unsure what they would learn from the series, but they did expect a free meal.
The ‘Running a not-for-profit’ had people representing the Student Government Association, the Honors Program, Student United Way, Phi Theta Kappa, Logger Activity Board, Jazz Club, Veterans Club, Theatre Club, Beardstown SELF Group, J’ville Student Loggers, Environmental Group, International Club and The Lamp.
The executive director of Girls on the Run (GOTR), Jennifer Sublett, was the main speaker. She quickly got people involved, as she asked everyone in attendance to share something about themselves, their clubs and their passions.
Sublett gave tips that would help ensure a healthy and stable management for each club and groups.
She helps train and prepare all volunteers at GOTR. She said she has received positive feedback from those involved.
Sublett graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She previously worked for several organizations and foundations. And in her words, she “just kind of fell into” Girls on the Run.
Nonprofits cover the entire spectrum of job occupations, meaning that anyone can be involved in or hired for one.
Sublett said a nonprofit organization needs a director and employees who can advertise, manage finances, plan and organize in accordance with each of their talents.
She said that, “They (those in attendance) can give back to their community with interests and passions.”
Nathanael Herbert can be reached at [email protected] or 217-786-2311. What is Girls on the Run?
Girls on the Run teaches girls how to handle difficult situations in life in a healthy and confident way. About 200 Illinois coaches help a group of eight to 15 girls in the fall and spring.
To find out more information on Girls on the Run, visit gotrcentralillinois.org.
Judy Herbert • Oct 16, 2014 at 4:02 pm
It’s very informative!
Roger Deem • Oct 16, 2014 at 8:51 am
Worthy cause. Great article.