A Teenager’s Guide: Starting A Non-Profit
The Problem
Starting up a non-profit with limited resources as a teenager can be a bit difficult, especially when you don't have the right help. Now I know what some of you are thinking. “Why would I even want to start up something like this in my teens, isn't high school enough?” I have been very fortunate to have everything I need, and wanted to provide it back to others in need.You see me and my sibling started up a non-profit that helps newly arrived kids from Afghanistan. We provide help in math, debate and leadership, teaching them these skills, while also making sure everyone has a chance to speak. We want to provide a safe space for newly arrived kids to ask questions, without judgement.
ORGANIZATION
One key to being successful is the type of organization you choose, making sure it is well-organized. Without proper structure and coordination, an organization becomes nothing more than a failed experiment. Some individuals choose to start an organization on their own and bring in others later, while others prefer to involve one or more people around them, and create a team of some sort from the beginning. Both of these approaches can work, depending on the type of person and the amount of effort put in. Another key to building a successful non-profit is selecting the right team from the start. When forming a team early on, choosing the right people plays a critical role in the long-term success of the organization. When building the right team, it’s important to look for individuals who are hardworking and able to perform well under pressure. Equally important is selecting team members who are trustworthy and loyal, people who can be relied on, even when faced with challenging situations or tempting opportunities to act otherwise.
Reasons
One of my main reasons for starting my own non-profit is to support the many children who come to the U.S. from around the world without any knowledge of the language or culture. Unlike them, I already speak the language and have skills I can share. By providing these children with the basic information and guidance, I hope to give them a head start before they enter school. Another reason is that for the others who can’t start their own non-profit and are interested in the topic, recruiting them would be in interest for both them and myself. Giving them a chance to experience something they never could.
Helping them understand the english language and culture
Teach tricks and skills
Provide a support group
Provide a comfortable and safe space to ask any questions they may have
Non-Profits
A non-profit organization is a group that is created to help others instead of making money for its members or leaders. Non-profits can be set up in different ways, such as a group, foundation, or even by one person who wants to make a difference. Many non-profits are used to help new immigrants and their children that arrive in the U.S. These groups might offer help with learning the English language. understanding the school system, or help with the adjustment of living in a whole different country. They can provide many types of things from school supplies, tutoring, to providing someone for families to talk to when they feel overwhelmed or lost. Non-profits like these are important because they provide the families with support, especially when they need it most. To become a non-profit, the organization's main purpose must clearly state that its purpose is to help others, not to make profit.
Conclusion(My opinion)
Starting up a non-profit at a young age, by yourself isn't always the easiest. With the right help and the right amount of effort put in, any organization can be successful. When it comes to choosing the right people to build with, it's important to choose people to work with who are equally passionate about your organization's mission. Unlike people who are hardworking, always think out of the box, and can work under pressure, would be more capable of having a more successful business. To those who live in the U.S, non-profits do not seem important, especially if they don't relate to them. However, to the rest of the people around the world who arrive in the U.S, without knowing the English language or culture. They see it as something to look back to and seek for guidance without the fear of judgement.
