When the tax man cometh, what are you gonna tell him about your charitable deductions?

Throughout the development of US civil society (and credibly, the non-profit sector), citizens have had the unique privilege to decisively care for, protect, and preserve the institutions that have enabled the growth of American society, and the charitable tax deduction has been a significant part of this social exchange.

The non-profit community consists of hospitals, universities, libraries, museums and theatres, civil rights organizations, community development organizations, and a myriad of other social assistance providers. Creating this protective layer within our society has enabled this country to supplement government services in a way that is unmatched in other nations, and charitable contributions have been an essential part of building such a strong sector.

The Revenue Tax Act of 1917 ensured that Americans would be able to receive attractive tax benefits as a result of offering contributions to government recognized charities. While this model has been replicated in different corners of the world, the early century timing of this legislation enabled the non-profit sector in the United States to grow during times of both economic growth and hardship, political celebration and uncertainty, military peace and warfare, and both decline and regrowth in the private sector, as we are now observing.

In every aspect of preserving the values and advantages of civil society, our national history points us to the time during which leaders encouraged citizens to create organizations (and provide resources that support them) so that we may enjoy healthy communities and the standards of an excellent quality of life. Supporting non-profit organizations was not simply an act of generosity and benevolence. Instead, it marked a time when strengthening the voluntary sector was a privilege of those who were able to do so – and more importantly, it was a responsibility.

As shareholders guide the success of corporations in the private sector and elected officials direct growth in the government sector, the onus is on us, the general public, to drive progress in the Third Sector – the voluntary world of non-profit organizations. While volunteering, donating, and serving on the boards of non-profit organizations are certainly the most well-known ways to strengthen the sector, there is also the opportunity to partner with policy thinkers to think though how we can ensure the continuity and expansion of legislation that protects the sector and the key component that sustains it - the charitable deduction.

Conversations are currently underway in Congress about how laws regarding charitable tax deductions may be altered, which would severely impact the system of 1.6 million public charities, private foundations, and religious congregations governed by current legislation.

Here are a few ways that you can be an active participant towards ensuring that these conversations work towards a most beneficial end for the Third Sector:

1. Stay informed – Organizations like Independent Sector have a strong grasp on the conversations that shape policy related to the non-profit sector. At the very least, checking the website once a week (www.independentsector.org) will enable the non-profit community to remain aware of relevant news.

2. Add your voice – In 1976, Congress passed legislation that outlined the types of nonpartisan lobbying activities that non-profits may conduct. With guidance from the non-profit organisations that mean the most to you, be sure that your voice and presence are part of the important conversations that are happening now.

3. Do something…and NOW – The economic messiness of the past three years places us in a unique position: with the devolution of government programs and services, the non-profit sector has the opportunity to strengthen the laws that govern its impact and ensure a much more sustainable voluntary sector. By being in touch with your elected officials, offering support to the non-profit organizations in your community, and actively convening to build knowledge and familiarity with proposed changes to legislation, your voice can be part of the movement to further protect and preserve the sector that has added tremendous benefits to Americans.

By strengthening the support for legislation (like the Revenue Act of 1917) that ensures the wellbeing of a strong Third Sector, we as a national community can continue to provide and benefit from the superior services, care, and human connections provided by healthy and sustainable non-profit organizations.

Know that you can be a part of building something big, and be sure to take steps now.

I've got to be the most unemployed professional you know

Seriously!  My career has been FULL of amazing experiences, but nothing beyond 2.5 years. I've had short term contracted work, fellowships, and gigs that were more work-visa dependent than I'd prefer. Is this normal?!?!?!?

I've been thinking about researching cities (and that, girlfriend, means booking a flight/train/bus ride!).  I've rung the alarm and put in some resumes at organizations in Philly, NYC, DC, Raleigh, etc.  Just the other day, I set my sights on Toronto.  It's a fantastic center of culture, commerce, and great living.  The festivals, concerts, restaurants are never-ending.

It'll be tough, though, to find myself in a new city, aiming to live in a new country (I've lived in Canada for 2 years, but I still need to take care of all the legal stuff),  and getting myself into a new job. But this challenge, my friends, is one that I can't wait to take on.

Here are a few ways that I've pounded the pavement - please please please, send along thoughts on how you've aimed to do the same.  Would LOVE to put your ideas to the test!

1. Network like crazy.
2. Volunteer at events, meetings, and conferences.
3. Find mentors in the field you work in, the city you want to live in, and those golden folks who you want to be like when you grow up.
4. Get noticed (for me, it's on platforms like my blog, my LinkedIn profile, and making special requests for e-introductions.
5. Getting in front of people.  Whether it's a 15 second elevator chat or an hour long pow-wow, getting in front of people gives them a sense of who you are - genuinely - and that means as much as a well oiled resume ANY day!

Cheers,
(an unemployed, but faithful) Allyson

If I were a Community Foundation President

I've been involved in community philanthropy since 2006 (entered the nonprofit sector a few years before), and I've gained a lot - it's what I know, and it's what I do. I've sacrificed a lot, too (family, community, personal life, etc). I've moved around quite a few times to chase the occupational ladder (South Carolina, NYC, Italy, Canada....) in a short time, and I've begun thinking on how my next transition could be a more permanent one. 

I'm thinking heavily about what it takes to lead a community foundation.  Whether its an older, asset heavy CF in the States, or a blossoming, passion-rich fund getting started in South America, I'm thinking and praying heavy on what the Lord has in store for me.

Some critics may argue that you need years in the field to take the helm of a foundation.  I couldn't disagree more.  With much purpose and intent, I've banged on this door of professional opportunites, secured the work visas, packed my bags, and shuffled from contract to contract to gain experience worth its substance in years. A community foundation doesn't need a leader with years' experience supporting why something shouldn't be attempted.....it needs a leader with vision, persistence, and resilience encouraging why a project should be attemped, and will be accomplished!


My mom always says to believe in what I want, and speak it.  So I am.

If I were a community foundation president, it would be in a diverse community where there is a democratic concern for equal well-being.  On second thought, if a community doesn't have this kind of culture, maybe it's EXACTLY where I need to be............

ciao y'all!
a

Tips 5 of 100 to become a Health Nut

We're on the brink of spring, and do you know what that means?!?!?!?!?

IT'S THE SEASON FOR MORE HEALTHY, REASONABLY PRICED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES!!!!!

I can't WAIT to get my grocery store shop on...I've already stocked up on papaya and avacados....just waiting for some other seasonal goodies to come in.  It'll be a welcome relief now that spring is getting closer. 

I came across this list of  100 Habits to a Healthy Nutritional Lifestyle.  I'll try to adopt 5 per week.

Here goes Week 1:

•  Make sure that 80% of food purchased in the grocery store is 100% in its natural form (fresh/unprocessed).
• Cut out butter, margarine, sauces and sugars.
• Choose plain nonfat yogurt - add natural ingredients for taste.
• Consume at least 8 glasses of water per day.  (Check!)
• Use natural nut or seed butter.

Sounds interesting.  Will keep u posted on the progress :)

Ciao y'all!
Allyson

80 Days till the Career Touchdown

Yup.  That there be a Clemson Tiger, Numbered at #1, making a touchdown (in Carolina's FACE, by the way!)  It's been only a few years since James Davis made that move, but a touchdown of a different kind is coming up in 80 days.  I hope.

I love, love, LOVE my work in Canada, but like all good things, my contract is coming to an end, and while my awesome colleagues have worked hard to extend my stay a little bit longer, an environmental change is imminent, and I've got to admit....I'm a bit nervous!!!

These days, the job search is harder than ever -  we're just coming out of a really bad economic downturn and obscene levels of unemployment have a whole lot of seasoned professionals lined up for the jobs that I'm hoping to pursue.  This is a tough reality.

The one thing that brings me confidence is recognizing the victories each day. I've got some awesome friends and colleagues who sprinkle bits of sunshine on the search everyday, and they reach out in ways that I could never imagine.  My girlfriend Gabrielle told me a few months ago (when my furious search started) that I've been planting seeds - and it was such an assuring realization....I HAVE been planting seeds - every day, and it's so satisfying to be able to hear from admired colleagues that they've got their ears to the ground for me, that they'd love to write a letter or serve as a reference.  I had a few victories today, and I can't tell you how good it feels to know that there are people who really do want to lend a hand in a productive way.

So - nothing really special about today's post.  Just that this job search isn't easy by any means - it's even harder now because of all the chaos in the market, which stretches itself across all sectors.  If you're in the same boat as I am, it'd be great to connect - just to share ideas, encouragement, and resilience in what we're about to do.

Ciao y'all!
Allyson

A Wish List for Days Like Today (when a pick me up is long overdue!)

I keep an ongoing list of fun and quirky things that I really want, and in some cases, I treat myself to, but only when they're on sale.   Some of them, like a Mercedes 560sl, I won't get on impulse, but I like to keep an evolving list, as it's great to keep in mind what "I'm always looking for" in case I happen upon it.  Here are a few things that have stayed on the list for a while......

1. 5 well fitting short sleeve white t-shirts
2. The original version of TableTopics
3. 3 white sweaters
4. A cool bow tie
5. Some CD's by Israel & New Breed CD , the Dave Matthews Band, and Nelly
6. Some flattering gold-toned lip gloss
7. Wreath making tools and station set-up
8. Really supportive sports bras (like the outdated UnderArmour one I got a few years ago)
9. A Hudson's Bay Point Blanket
10. An Ottawa sweatshirt/jacket
11. A few bottles of Moscato d'Asti
12. The Travel Book by Lonely Planet
13. Cosby Show DVD's (all the seasons)
14. Cirque du Soleil performance DVD's
15. An iPod
16. An awesome wrap dress from Kania
17. The perfect facescrub
18. Cashmere Socks
19. Janet Jackson's Red Velvet Album
20. A great long sleeve formal dress

My Black History Month Journey of Celebrating Women in the Arts: Edmonia Lewis

• Mary Edmonia Lewis (ca. July 4, 1845 – ca. 1911) was the first African American and Native American woman to gain fame and recognition as a sculptor in the international fine arts world. She was of African American, Haitian and Ojibwe descent.
• Lewis crafted her own sculpting tools and sold her first piece, a sculpture of a woman’s hand, for $8. She opened her studio to the public in her first solo exhibit in 1864.
• A major coup in her career was participating in the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. For this, she created a monumental 3,015-pound marble sculpture, The Death of Cleopatra, which dramatically portrayed the queen in the throes of death. Of the piece, J. S. Ingraham wrote that Cleopatra was “the most remarkable piece of sculpture in the American section” of the Exposition. Much of the viewing public was shocked by Lewis’ frank portrayal of death, but the statue drew thousands of viewers. After being placed in storage, the statue was lost. After 120 years, it was discovered in a Sotheby’s auction. After authentication, it was donated to the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

My Black History Month Journey of Celebrating Women in the Arts: Lois Mailou Jones

• After marrying Haitian artist Louis Vergniaud Pierre-Noel in 1953, Jones traveled and lived in Haiti. In many of her pieces one can see the influence of the Haitian culture, with its African influences, which reinvigorated the way she looked at the world. Her work became more abstract and hard-edged, after her marriage to Pierre-Noel. Her impressionist techniques gave way to a spirited, richly patterned, and brilliantly colored style. Further travels to eleven African countries enabled Jones to synthesize a body of designs and motifs that she combined in large, complex compositions.
• In 1980, she was honored by President Jimmy Carter at the White House for outstanding achievements in the arts. Her paintings grace the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Museum of American Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Portrait Gallery, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the National Palace in Haiti, and the National Museum of Afro-American Artists and many others.
• As her biographer Tritobia Haves Benjamin told Beth Baker of "Ebony", "She is a reflection of the varied facets that represent American art. Just as American art has unfolded, embracing different styles and different cultures, so too has Jones' career."

My Black History Month Journey of Celebrating Women in the Arts: Augusta Savage

• Augusta Savage (February 29, 1892 – March 26, 1962) was a sculptor whose works were associated with the Harlem Renaissance. In New York, she enrolled in a free art program at Cooper Union while taking in washing to make ends meet. Subsequently, she was selected to participate in a summer program in France but was denied by the French government because of her race. Savage publicized the incident and while the decision was not reversed, she did receive an offer to study with a leading sculptor, Herman Atkins MacNeil.
• In 1934, Savage became the first African-American artist to be elected to the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors.
• Known for her figurative sculpture and devotion to teaching younger African American artists such as Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence and Ernie Critchlow, Savage was an icon of the Harlem Renaissance and Works Progress Administration periods.

Thank you Lord today for...

The future....

Not knowing what's in store...
Being inspired by the infinite possibilities...
And having faith that you've got it all in Your Hands. 

I love you, Jesus!

Love,
Allyson