Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit Organizations

5 March 2012

My Personal Journal: The Trip through the World of the Third Sector

Introduction:

The main objective of the journal is to reflect back on what I have learned and analyze the basic over view of a nonprofit organization, its characteristics, nature, to understand and appreciate the nature of the third sector; to analyze the relationship between government, for-profit businesses and third sector organizations in the U.S and globally; to assess issues and trends facing the different sub-sectors; to articulate the rationale for the existence of third sector organizations; and to learn about and appreciate the multiple career and professional options available in the nonprofit sector. When I started this class I thought that I knew what the third sector and nonprofit organizations were and I thought that I would just be brushing up on my skills and knowledge (sort to speak). What I found out was that I really didn’t know much at all because what I have learned through this class is way more than I bargained for (which is a good thing). Let me just start out by telling you what I have learned about nonprofit and third sectors.

Communities in America were formed well before formal government. Citizens were forced to come together to address issues within their communities and work together to form a solution. Even when government developed a presence within a community, citizens were afraid of the bureaucracy and often sought out solutions through voluntary association. Religion also provides a strong foundation for charity and altruism through scripture and a sense of duty taught within the church. The nonprofit corporation exists solely to provide programs and services that are of public benefit. Often these programs and services are not otherwise provided by local, state, or federal entities. While they are able to earn a profit, more accurately called a surplus; such earnings must be retained by the organization for its...