Networking with Non-Profits

The Westboro Ride Against Hate was a success! People of all ages met up at the Washburn bell tower earlier this evening, decorated their bikes with glow sticks, and else off into the night. We had a few stops on the way, one of which was the Equality (Rainbow) House across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church.

We talked to a member of the organization, Planting Peace, who actually painted the house. This organization raises awareness and funds programs for everything from same-sex marriage to environmentally friendly endeavors. It was interesting to hear the things Planting Peace did, and members of our group were interested in doing more. Sometimes there are connections made between different organizations, and that makes it so easy to hear about events, have a supportive group, and to also publicize each other's events. 

It's safe to say that being a member of a non profit has some perks. You get to hear about a bunch of other awesome organizations that are very inspiring and give you something you want to share with others. You get to be "in the know" of more things happening in the community, by other non profits. 

First JA Press Conference

Okay, so it wasn't an exclusively JA press conference, but it was definitely exciting! This past Wednesday, I went with the JA of Kansas President, Amy, to the Topeka Country Club. There, we met many other leaders of prominent non-profits from the Topeka area. 

The big news was being announced by Topeka Gives, an organization that fundraises as Topekans, for Topeka non-profits. Last summer, Topeka Gives had a huge fundraiser where $189,000 was raised in one day thanks to Topeka donors.

Evidently, the fundraiser was such a success that they have decided to have it again next summer! It is set for June 3, 2014 and that made Amy very excited. I still don't know how successful the event was for JA individually, but I am interested to hear how preparation works for an event like this! 

I'm still learning about the ways of these non-profit organizations over here, but I am literally learning and experiencing new things every day! 

Cyclists at Washburn: The Ride Against Hate

Cyclists at Washburn started as a club a few years ago at Washburn. Currently, it is an organization on campus that is not very active. But, this week, CAW is hosting a ride, but not just any bicycle ride; it is called the Westboro Ride Against Hate, to advocate tolerance in our community and support people of all sexual orientations.

The ride is to begin at the Washburn Bell Tower, at 7 p.m. this Friday, October 25th. The club is teaming up with members of the Topeka Community Cycle Project for this event. This ride will go through the Westboro neighborhood and past the Equality "Rainbow" House. The ride will end at College Hill's Pizza Pub, where riders can fuel up and hang out for as long as they wish. 

As a member of CAW, I would like to see more rides like this in the future, to not only advocate healthy living and bicycling in Topeka, but to also show support for deeper causes within our community. It gives me joy to do multiple things it love in the same organization. 

JA Economics for Success

Friday is almost here! That is when I will be teaching my first Junior Achievement Session at Landon Middle School. I am ready to introduce myself to the students and try and make a good first impression.

The program, Economics for Success, is about learning practical information about personal finance and the importance of education and possible future careers based on individuals' skills, interests, and values. As a student, it is important to learn about these because they help us find a profession that we can be passionate about. Some people are interested in sports, reading, math, serving, selling, fixing, and all sorts of other skills and activities. Any or all of these  could be a key part of who or what we will be in the future.

 I think these lessons are a very fun way to learn about educational goals, and a great way to see what kinds of careers these young people might be interested in doing one day.

TCCP: Topeka Community Cycle Project

The Topeka Community Cycle Project is a non-profit that was started about 5 years ago. It is near 5^th and Kansas Avenue, downtown. Unlike some other non-profits, it runs entirely on volunteering and donations. People donate used bikes, parts, and donations to continue the shop’s success. Anyone can come in and work on their bicycle, using the shop’s parts, or come in simply to volunteer. For every hour volunteered, you earn a shop credit, which can be used towards parts and even an “Earn-a-Bike” or EAB. EABs cost 5 volunteer hours. After volunteering 5 hours, you can go to the back and pick out a bicycle to work on and fix up (and then take home!)

What’s the catch? Why would people be giving away bikes left and right? The answer is, sustainability, health, and the love of bicycles. I know personally, I want more people to have access to bikes. It is a way to enjoy the outdoors, save money on gas, get exercise, and have fun! Plus, there are quite a few people that have a bicycle as their only mean of transportation. It is awesome to be able to support a diverse population like that, and help people who need it.

Bicycles are available to children under 13 for free, if they come in with a parent. There is a steady stream of bicycles coming in and out, constantly filling the needs of the many children that want to have a bicycle. Topeka Community Cycle Project is a great organization that does more than have open shop hours. It has a great mission and vision. Check it out at:

 www.cycleproject.org

Olivia Marshall: Newest Junior Achievement Volunteer

I’m excited to say that I am officially a Junior Achievement Volunteer! Last week, Tracey (our volunteer organizer) “trained” me. It consisted of talking about my experience with children and topics like that. I have had quite a bit of experience at after school programs throughout the past few years, and feel quite comfortable in a classroom of children. I got assigned my school, schedule, and got the teacher contact info, so I can coordinate some pre-program items before the classes begin.

Tracey handed me a kit and a program book, and I started looking at all of the activities I will be teaching and running at the sessions. It consisted of a bunch of fun activities and tools to play games, take surveys, and learn more about how to make good financial decisions and think about what one may be interested in doing professionally, later in life.

I remember when Junior Achievement Volunteers came to visit my elementary classrooms. It was always such a fun break from the normal class schedule, and I always had fun. Those little name tents, the finance games, and the discussions always excited me. The people who came to teach the classes always seemed so well-prepared, dressed nicely, and just seemed like nice, genuine people. I’m excited to be that person and help inspire children to dream big and start thinking about all the possibilities of their future.