Opportunities in Nonprofit

by Rick Eng

Smart Career Steps Panel and Community Fair Shines Light on Public Service as Profitable Career Choice

Sidewalks, car seats and gasoline prices aren’t the only things heating up this summer.  President Barack Obama recently fueled the call to the country “to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation.”  He recently announced his summer initiative, United We Serve, which begins June 22 and runs until September 11.  The president is rallying all citizens to take an active role in America’s economic recovery and improve the lives of Americans through collective and individual action. “We need individuals, community organizations, corporations, foundations, and our government to be part of this effort.”

As a consistent theme in his campaign for the presidency, public service was popularized and made “sexy” by the election campaign.  With opportunities abound, can life in the nonprofit sector also be a viable lifelong commitment?  Bottom line—can you make a decent living working in a nonprofit?

These are some of the questions addressed at the Smart Career Step’s “Opportunities in Nonprofit” panel and community fair on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library.  The Smart Career Steps program explores topical issues and concerns to the American workforce in these challenging economic times. Previous educational events addressed by Smart Career Steps have included resume writing, presentation skills and, most recently, entrepreneurship.

The “Opportunities in Nonprofit” panel will feature leading members of the Los Angeles API volunteer community including Charles Chang, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center (APADRC), and Tom Hayashi, president of OCA Greater Los Angeles.

Smart Career Steps attracts a wide audience from established professionals to graduating student planting their feet in the workforce.  Youth will also find the program helpful since many high schools are requiring community service before graduation. In a competitive college and job market, donating time to a charitable organization becomes a requisite on a young person’s college or job application.

Smart Career Steps is sponsored by the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Los Angeles Lodge, Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library and the Next Generation Group of the Eng Family Benevolent Association of Los Angeles.   In addition, API community organizations have been invited to participate as Event Partners.  Young Generation Asian Professionals (YGAP) served in this role for the “Entrepreneurship” seminar held May 30.  The Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center (APADRC) will be an Event Partner at the August 1st program.

All Smart Career Steps programs are free and open to the general public.  For more information and pre-event registration, please visit www.smartcareersteps.com.  Smart Career Steps also is available on Facebook.