Intro Post

Hi my name is Naria Kiani. The purpose of this blog is to synthesize the material learned about the Non-profit sector. I will be blogging about how I conceptualized this newfound knowledge. I was recently accepted into the PPPM program and look forward to actively participating in the field not only through the university but also through the local community and perhaps an even broader scale. I originally started my undergraduate, as environmental studies major but desired a more personable route in pursing the general values and disciplines in environmental studies. I found that the PPPM major incorporated many of the same ideals of environmentalism without necessarily working directly with the natural environment. I am more interested in the dynamics of communities and cities and what makes them successful or unsuccessful, while maximizing human equity. Within this broad interest I specifically would like to explore the field of community development, mainly in low income neighborhoods.

I am taking the Introduction to the Non-Profit Sector to gain a better understanding out how Non-profits operate and how they address issues that governmental programs fail to address. I am also interested in the role these organizations play in our society. I have no prior experience in the non-profit field but look forward to exploring local non-profit opportunities.

My reaction to the first week of class has been intrigued. I came into the class with a very narrow perception of non-profits. I was surprised to learn that people such as Andrew Carnegie were so influential in the field. I had previously viewed the Carnegie’s as merely another wealthy family of the United States. I think I was surprised to see someone with such power and wealth use his money in a very socially responsibly way. Sometimes such self-less actions may be backed by ulterior personal motives but after reading some of “The Gospel Of Wealth” it is clear Andrew Carnegie had a real theory and passion for philanthropy and redistributing wealth. He addressed many things that people of his socio-economic standing might have been incredibly uncomfortable with.

I lived in Houston, TX for six years and philanthropy was a huge part of the culture of the elites in my community. Most all the girls and mothers were active in some sort philanthropic organization. My observation was that most of the people participating did so for more of the social aspect, rather than for the sheer purpose of helping the less fortunate. As of now I feel that whether or whether not that was the actual case with most of the participants it is still good for society for people to be active in philanthropy and non-profits, no matter the motive.

I have also heard of corruption within non-profits. I am not sure how valid it is but I would be incredibly interested in seeing the professor and fellow classmates thoughts on the topic and whether it is a credible skepticism.

Non-profits seem to be very complex organizations that have done a lot in this country to improve the lives of its citizens. It will be interesting how the class develops and goes deeper into the inner workings of the sector.