Goodbye, Greenlights

It was a year after graduating from college that I came to Greenlights. I had already worked on the Kelly White Campaign for State Representative and done 5 months of interim work for Leadership Texas, but still felt new to the 9 to 5 scene. I remember a few months into working here, I told [...]

Finding Inspiration from Founders

I love the Fourth of July. Not because of the parades or the grilling or the beer, although those things are nice. For me, the fourth is all about my weird fascination with Revolutionary Era America. You may not know the words to all the songs in 1776, but sit too close and you may [...]

Healthy Striving

Later today, Greenlights is celebrating our former intern, Meredith. She worked in the Consulting Department 30 hours a week while she completed her Masters of Science in Social Work. I remember the day that she turned to me (we shared an office) and said “So all nonprofits have problems, they’re just different types.”
I believe my [...]

I Hate Social Media

There, I said it on a blog. I’ve been saying it for months: out loud in meetings, in the faces I make when people talk about it, and through emails to coworkers, friends, and fellow volunteers at several organizations. It drives me nuts, even though I am the target age for social media and actively [...]

Do-Gooders, Girl Power and Good Times!

Last Night, YNPN Austin hosted the third annual Do Gooder Games at Buffalo Billiards. It was a star-studded, suspenseful success! The DGGs, as those in the know call it, brought together ten teams of nonprofit nerds from organizations all over Austin. It is the signature YNPN Austin event. It’s when we get to be really [...]

Reflections on the Candidate Forum

Today I attended the AAHSA City Council and Mayoral Race Candidate Forum at the Mexican American Cultural Center. It was about what I expected; all of the candidates were prepared, rehearsed and civil. I was happy to see Seat 1 opponents Perla Cavazos and Chris Riley smiling and laughing with each other, since [...]

Not Bored on Boards

I had a huge “aha moment” last year at a Leadership Austin training. I was creating goals for my community involvement and it hit me. Being a better board and community member makes me a better employee.
It seemed so obvious, how could I have not been aware of it up to that point? So many [...]

Ms. Resourceful

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of maintaining a strong network is that when you have an issue and need guidance, you have people that you can reach out to. And, because you have been such a good resource to them, they are happy to be a resource to you.
Maybe it is a testament to my [...]

Accountability Matters

The following post by Kimberly Caldwell appeared last week on the blog for the V3 Campaign. We thought it would be appropriate to re-post on this Election Day.

While watching an episode of Frontline on PBS a few months back, I felt my stomach drop and panic overtake my brain. I was overwhelmed by the lack [...]

Put Your Money Where Your Hands Work

Kimberly Caldwell recently wrote this piece for Service Nation which they posted on their ChangeWire blog.
Sometimes, I think I know too much to be a good volunteer. I have worked with nonprofits and campaigns for more than four years now, and I’ve seen the inner-workings of volunteer engagement. I’ve seen how hard Volunteer Managers and [...]