September Update

In all my excitement about these cool nonprofits I haven't given you an update on what I'm doing in a while. It's been 3 months since landing in Boulder and a routine is shaping up nicely.

• I do paid work part-time for Eco-cycle which is giving me an inside view of how nonprofits work, especially those trying to develop sustainable income streams.
• Once a week I do intake for EFAA which means meeting with clients and providing appropriate assistance such as gas vouchers or food bank provisions.
  
• My latest position is as a volunteer First Aid/CPR instructor for the Red Cross. This is a minimum commitment of one 8hr class per month, but I am on-call and can teach as much as I am able.
• I would also like to start working with the Radio Reading Service of the Rockies again. Several years ago I read the local news for them, they provide audio services for the visually impaired. But don't think they're helpless, the guy who runs the sound studio is blind! That will probably be a weekly commitment as well.

That's what is going on. It's really nice to have time and opportunity to be involved in these different areas. I still have my dream about turning this project into a sustainable business that can pay other people to "volunteer". I am realizing that I lack a lot of knowledge and connections so I am learning all I can at work and have gotten involved with the Denver Young Nonprofit Professionals group (another good nonprofit to know about) so I can build up networks and at least talk about the idea to people who can help make it happen.

As always thanks for your continued support.

Nonprofits You Should Know About - One World Cafe

On a recent hiking trip to Utah I learned about the One World Cafe in Salt Lake City. This non-profit restaurant serves organic cuisine, lets diners decide what portion size and how much they pay, and will also let volunteers (including the homeless) trade time for food. It is an amazing concept with the goal of ending hunger under the philosophy "everybody eats". If your first reaction was anything like mine you would wonder how a system like that could survive, but they have proved themselves sustainable after 4 years and have designed a "how-to" guide for other restaurants to follow.

They have a "short" list of U.S. cities where they'd like to establish cafes including New York, Washington D.C. , Pittsburgh, Iowa City, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta and Santa Fe. They also have a video on You Tube that can be accessed from their website. If you're in the neighborhood check them out, if not just think more about the food you eat & waste, if you're truly inspired start up your own!