Introduction to non-profit organizations
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The nonprofit sector is an integral part of modern day society. This course is designed to provide an introduction to nonprofit and volunteer organizations and the fundamental principles of the nonprofit sector. The course will examine the types of organizations in the nonprofit sector and the political, social, and economic roles of these organizations. Students will be introduced to the primary aspects of nonprofits that distinguish them from public and private organizations. Nonprofit governance and leadership, fundraising, financial sustainability, communication and public relations, legalities and the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations will be discussed. Through service-learning experiences and case studies of non-profit organizations in Guatemala, students will be offered a variety of hands-on experiences designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of the visions, objectives, and challenges of organizations, as well as nonprofit operations in general.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- Understand the foundations of nonprofit and volunteer organizations and be familiar with the contemporary theories of the nonprofit enterprise.
- Understand the role of the nonprofit sector in society.
- Develop a basic understanding of nonprofit operations, such as governance, leadership, fundraising, communication, public relations and strategic planning.
- Understand the aspects of nonprofits that distinguish them from public and private organizations.
- Develop knowledge of the major fields and types of organizations in the nonprofit sector.
- Understand management structures of nonprofits, including the purpose, function and responsibilities of the nonprofit board.
- Apply understanding of nonprofit organizations to provide a context and connection to hands-on volunteer experience.
LECTURE TOPICS
- Brief history of the nonprofit sector
- Scope, structure and focus areas of nonprofit organizations
- Political, social, and economic roles of nonprofits
- Nonprofit governance and leadership
- Strategic planning and collaborative partnerships for nonprofits
- Fundraising and financial sustainability of nonprofits
- Issues and challenges faced by nonprofit organizations
- Growth and future of the nonprofit sector
FIELD STUDIES & EXERCISES
- Live and work on a local organic coffee farm cooperative
- Participate in a reforestation project
- Work with local youth in an afterschool program
- Construct a Safe Stove in a local community
- Partake in Guatemalan cultural workshops and activities
- Trek to Lago de Atitlán with a non-profit expedition organization
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