The purpose of my blog was for me to write down my experiences when I was cycling. Now it will provide my blogging for PPPM 280: Introduction to Nonprofit Sector. My first blog post will be about myself, thoughts of the first two classes and thoughts about the readings.
I am a senior at the University of Oregon, my focus is in Geography (not geology but Geography). I am from a small town in Oregon by Mount Hood. I would like to either be a high school teacher or follow family foot steps and be an orchardist. I am taking this course to help broaden my knowledge in the nonprofit sector, because I know nothing about it. Not knowing anything about the nonprofit sector, this class looked very interesting to me. I am hoping to learn the history of the nonprofit sector; where and why it started? What is the focus and purpose of the nonprofit sector?
After attending class and having an introduction to the nonprofit sector, I had a ‘wow’ feeling from the lecture by Professor Choquette. A surprise to me was its history, starting with John Harvard in 1638. It is interesting how Philanthropy was viewed as “begging” when Harvard conducts a fund drive. The view taken back then surprises me, compared with today. Learning about well known people doing great things, that I did not know about really surprised me. Especially about Andrew Carnegie, in 1889 building 2,507 libraries throughout the U.S and the world. This made me think, why did this happen? Why would someone spend their own money on someone else? After Monday’s class from Professor Choquette, I realized these people did this from their heart.
A point from the book I found interesting was about Alexis de Tocqueville. “Nothing in my view, more deserves attention than the intellectual and moral associations in America” ([1835]1969,page 517) Here we have a French observer in a country that has only been around since 1776, saying that the moral associations in America deserve attention. The book covered quite a bit about Tocqueville and his observations. After reading this, I felt that Tocqueville really felt that the nonprofit sector helps improve society in areas the government can not help very well.
In class we discussed the two federal laws that govern the nonprofit sector. I didn’t know there were so many different classes among associations. Like the difference in a 501(c)1 and a 501(c)3. The laws for classification among the nonprofit sector is very large. Thats because it is a large, diverse and powerful sector that produces a lot of economic money.
In conclusion to my first post, I now have a brief definition of the nonprofit sector and know a little about where it came from, and how it was started. I have also learned some of the nonprofits that are out there by use of the Internet; American Humane Society, American Farmland Trust, American Heart Association and many more. The question that still floats in my head is ‘Why these activities gravitate to the nonprofit sector rather than other sectors?
Nice post, Tony. I’m glad to hear being a teacher is something you’re considering. And I want to hear more about your cycling, since I’ve been an avid cyclist and fan for some time.
Your question about why orgs gravitate to the nonprofit sector is a good one. You should bring it up in class.
Bob
Great first post, Anthony. And I’d echo Bob’s suggestion that you bring up this question of why certain activities gravitate toward the nonprofit sector. (5/5)