Loaded Question

I often get asked, "what can I do to help?" It's not always an easy question for me to answer. Each day is so different, so I honestly don't always have a good answer. Additionally, as is the nature of entrepreneurship, we're finding answers to new questions everyday. So, today, I give you five ways you can help - from easiest to hardest:

1) Help build our network on facebook. Up in the left corner, there's a link that says, "suggest to friends." Click on it, find some friends you think might be interested, and let's try to build our online community.

2) If you've been a donor, let people know that's the case. Tell them you're supporting a brand new nonprofit, and encourage them to do the same. Let them know that new organizations will never make it to market in the current economy without gaining the support of individual donors. Direct them to our website so they can learn more. Oh, and if you haven't been a donor, donate.

3) Encourage your employer to donate to Reach, Inc. Many corporations have giving programs, and they are especially interested in supporting the organizations that their employees support. Find out who is in charge of such efforts, and go to bat for Reach. If your workplace does events (such as dress down days benefitting a nonprofit), help Reach, Inc. become a beneficiary. Bonus points to anyone that can find me a comprehensive list of corporations that match employee gifts.

4) Identify individuals - specifically in Washington DC - that might be interested in serving on Reach, Inc.'s Board. We are looking specifically for individuals with skills in accounting, nonprofit law, literacy instruction, and educational administration. We're also looking to create a Board that is diverse with respect to race, class, gender, age, and capacity to give. 

5) If you happen to have connections to foundations, either in DC or elsewhere, please feel free to make introductions. While DC-area foundations would be particularly helpful, there are often discretionary funds available that foundations can give to support organizations outside their standard geographic area.

The reading, writing, and planning I do every day are leading to our pilot program in October. It's an exciting time, and I can't wait to bring Reach, Inc.'s model to DC's students. When that happens, we will have many more opportunities for all our supporters to be involved in activities related to program execution. I look forward to using your many talents when that time comes.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Mark

Founder and President - Reach, Inc.