The first thread that I read after posting my 'newbie-ness', was the one on charities:
http://www.singlediv...opic=1661&st=30
I didn't want to hijack that thread, but it got me to thinking...
It is awesome that this group is considering giving to a charity! If only everyone was like this. Let me state up front that I am not soliciting money (although we could use it), but I'm asking for input. What is it that people on these boards would want in a charity? How do you determine who to give to, or how to give? What are your criteria? What would like to see a charity do, especially one dedicated to helping youth?
I just happen to be helping a non-profit move into its next phase of growth. It is already an established 501c-3 non-profit organization that uses action sports to educate, inspire and prepare youth to create a better future for themselves, their communities and the environment.
We don't really teach kids how to get into a sport (there are enough organizations, clinics and camps to do such things, although we'd be very happy to partner with them for any number of events), but in partnering with athletes and corporations, including both for-profit and non-profit entities, we create and promote unique events for today’s youth, inciting better athletes and better citizens. Youth will never be perfect in every way, but we hope to equip them with the tools to enable them to make better informed decisions throughout life.
We are currently starting with the surfing community, and we have held various types of events (a fundraiser for a cancer victim, and beautification project for a local skatepark, etc), all of which have been successful. But I am a Divemaster and a friend that I talked into helping out is a PADI Assistant Instructor. We both celebrated our recent graduation with MBAs from USC with a dive of the Blue Hole in Belize. So we are definitely interested in incorporating some diving aspects to this organization.
Thus far it's been run largely on the heartstrings, and although we have won a couple of grants before we really get out there asking for money I'd like to be able to ensure the most critical skeptics that we are really doing incredible work. So please post your thoughts!
Oh I would post the name of the organization but I'd like to get some 'unbiased' opinion for a bit. I could PM you the name if you are interested!
Thanks a bunch and stay wet!
Jeff (TatonkaDive)
Edited by TatonkaDive, 10 December 2004 - 12:04 AM.