Business Council For Peace, Inc.
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I was trolling VolunteerMatch.org one day a few years ago, something I do ever so often to get a sense of what kinds of volunteering opportunities organizations are promoting, which organizations seem to be using it best, etc. And a posting by Bpeace got my attention. Bpeace was looking for someone to help them find funeral home managers who might mentor a funeral home director in Rwanda. I was completely intrigued by the posting - it's just NOT a volunteer posting you see posted every day. I went to the Bpeace web site and read more, and I became even more intrigued - as a researcher regarding volunteerism, particularly online volunteering, Bpeace looked like a model organization that I should know more about.
Because of my experience in Afghanistan and passion for empowering women, I decided to support Bpeace in some way. At first I was just going to promote them on my blog - but then I decided to volunteer formally, and to become a coach for a "fast runner" (an entrepreneur) in Afghanistan. Bpeace asks volunteers to pay a membership fee (something the Girl Scouts and many other organizations do as well). So, I joined, and I mentored a gentleman who was trying to expand a cleaning business in Kabul, and wanting to better cater to foreigners living in the country. I wrote about that experience here:
http://www.coyotecommunications.com/development/bpeace.html
It's not for entirely philanthropic reasons that I volunteer with Bpeace; if I'm going to remain an expert and trainer in volunteer management, I have to be a practitioner as well. I really intended to stay with Bpeace just for one year - and here it is, four years later. This experience has served me VERY well professionally, and when I'm train, I'm able to use experiences with Bpeace to illustrate various models of volunteer engagement (corporate volunteering, online volunteering, skills-based volunteering, pro bono consulting, etc.).
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
BPeace has spent nearly 10 years working to create jobs in some of the worlds toughest places--with a particular focus on employing women and training them to be leaders. A non-profit creating businesses is an amazing idea that doesn't happen often enough. That it's run by business people and has high demands for its own efficiency and measurable results is another notable thing about this organization. Fundraising is important but so are contributions of talent. Check out bpeace.org and consider becoming a volunteer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Working directly with promising business leaders from Afghanistan and Rwanda on projects as diverse as running an ice-cream franchise to manufacturing soccer balls.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes just more people involved!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Great - hope to do more.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Bpeace has a great philosophy to bringing sustainable peace to war torn countries: build local's business capacity and skills, help them be successful in their business of choice. This is accomplished by providing onsite (local to the country) business classes, providing laptops and essential business tools like Intuit Quickbooks, short internships in US based companies that resemble theirs, and matching them with US advocates that help them connect with the right people in US.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen how owners and their staff have grown professionally so much so they can identify areas of weakness and find solutions. I have seen companies grow their revenues and help their community by hiring people locally.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing really. With so little they do so much. It would have been great if I could give them a money tree that would provide them access to unlimited amount of funds so they can expand faster in countries and communities with great need.
This is a terrific organization for anyone that wants to make a difference through hands-on work. There are plenty of opportunities aside from mentoring entrepreneurs so if that is not your thing, don't worry about it. I am surrounded by very talented, experienced and passionate people, all of us with one goal...create peace through helping those that are less fortunate create and grow their companies.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I receive daily messages from those that I am working with in Afghanistan. It is touching to see how grateful they are for our willingness to help them. I can see and feel I am making a difference.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Emotionally and intellectually fulfilled all the time.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very intelligent, giving, passionate, experienced in all walks of life, and supportive.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
potentially create economic prosperity in places that have not experienced peace for decades, we could see kids grow up knowing they don't have to pickup arms to keep their family safe, we could see a very happy planet earth! Wouldn't that be nice.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I come from the other end of the equation- representing Inzozi Nziza (sweet dreams)/ Blue Marble Dreams, a Rwanda based ice creamery and coffee shop run by a cooperative of women drummers. We received much needed assistance from BPeace. I can't speak highly enough of this group! We are establishing a long-term business, which is new to us, and need guidance and capacity building in small business development. Over the last two years, we have received much needed training over telephone, email and in person from creative, dynamic and dedicated people. In the most recent BPeace visit, a very talented accountant was able to help us to understand concepts in a few hours what we struggled with for months! We can't speak highly enough of BPeace and are so thankful for our continued relationship.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
so many ways! Directly in expanding my "toolbox", better HR and accounting skills. Among the group, we've received so much confidence and skills building.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help them expand to do more work in Rwanda. So many of our local counterparts could benefit from such assistance.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
exceptional in every way
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
in the lives of my local partners- they help the women's group develop the business management tools they need to survive over the long term.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
This is a terrific organization really making a difference in the lives of poor women in war-torn countries. The organization is run by business women and professionals in a very businesslike and professional, and efficient, way, and the help provided to individual women is leveraged many times in that the women start and then expand their businesses, thereby expanding employment.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Laurie Chock made a wonderful film that captures the essence of this organization.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Extraordinarily professional and also very passionately committed.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Make a real difference in Afghanistan and Rwanda, and maybe even in other countries as well.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
What could be better than joining an organization filled with impassioned women and men that are joined together by a common thread - their love of helping individuals grow their businesses and create jobs? Bpeace, a nonprofit that I joined five years ago, specifically focuses on helping women entrepreneurs (and a growing number of men) significantly grow their businesses in Afghanistan, Rwanda and a soon-to-be named third country. We roll up our sleeves, and get our hands dirty. We learn about the world and have a direct and positive impact in our associates'(the individuals we train/support) lives and their communities. Additionally, we get to know each other and form lasting bonds of friendship and networking. I could go on and on, but Bpeace is an extremely unique and remarkable organization that is appropriate for young individuals all the way up to senior citizens. Bpeace also provides a valuable service. Entrepreneurs in regions of post-conflict lack support in which to run their businesses. We step in to help at a critical juncture and the funds we raise go directly to help such programs. A donor never had to wonder if their funds are getting caught up in bureaucratic red-tape.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the tremendous network of valuble contacts I have built as well as the immense amount of global information I have learned.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
all top notch and professional.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
create 10 million jobs
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
After a strong volunteering background throughout highscool and college, I entered the "real world" hopeful to find an organization that I could volunteer in which I could actually make a difference. After the standard arts & crafts with under-priveleged children and city park clean-ups and attending numerous fundraising events, I was feeling less than inspired! When I discovered Bpeace I realized I could not only make an impact half way around the world but I was also being exposed to a network of amazing businessmen and women spanning industries and broadening my professional horizons. Working with Bpeace you can find that perfect niche for your specific strengths and commitment level and develop business skills that as a young professional I might not have otherwise had access to for years to come in my full-time career. Bpeace is doing great and effective work in countries affected by conflict and I truly believe in their mission, that creating and sustaining jobs leads to less violence.
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand their reach globally. There are so many regions in the world that would benefit from Bpeace's support of entrepreneurs and sustainable business to create peace.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Because of my involvement with Bpeace, I am no longer a spectator, I take an active role in promoting peace in the world--not just talk, but real results through contributing business expertise to entrepreneurs who operate small and medium sized businesses in conflicted countries. We help them grow their businesses to increase employment because jobs bring hope for the future. Through Bpeace, I have had the opportunity to go to Afghanistan to work with entrepreneurs on communication skills--an essential skill in doing business anywhere in the world. However, in Bpeace fashion, we offer our expertise through the cultural lens of our associates, in other words, we tailor our interactions based on their specific needs and experience.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The relationships I have with the entrepreneurs with whom we work.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Our CEO is the powerful combination of a brilliant creative thinker and implementor. Our Program Director has a vast knowledge of the space in which Bpeace operates and is a highly valuable advisor. The on-the-ground staff are our touchstones.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
create a million jobs in a thousand communities
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
After 911 I wanted to do something positive to create a peaceful future. One day, I heard a colleague saying she was woking with a group that was working in Afghanistan. I went to a meeting, joined and never looked back. What a great group of people with a great program! Not only do I love getting to know and working with the American orgainzers and volunteers, I've also met most of the Afghan women who the program helps. I've watched their businesses grow and their lives change. I believe in the program and I've seen the results. Knowing the people who are doing the work and also the people who are receiving the help gives me confidence that my support is really making a difference. The bpeace volunteers that I've met are all knowledgeable and dedicated. Their expertise combined with their enthusiasm gives me confidence in the program. The women I've met from Afghanistan are also very impressive. These women are educated, but they still need help in learning modern business practices. Their gratitude for our assistance is matched by their excitement and inspiration to make their country economically independent and peaceful. I feel especially good about helping people in areas that have suffered from war because rebuilding is very important to preventing future conflict.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting other volunteers. They are all so friendly, professional and dedicated. It's a great group that really made me feel welcome.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
make a much bigger impact in more countries.
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to give. This is one organization where the more you volunteer, the more you get out of the experience.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have had a great experience volunteering with Business Council for Peace. My peer volunteers all have diverse professional and cultural background, so I have learned a lot from my volunteering experience. Overall, as an Afghan American, I have not seen many Afghans take the initiative of helping women entrepreneurs like the volunteers and management of BPeace. I would highly recommend working with this organization.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very smart and as mentioned had diverse professional and cultural background, so that I'm continuously learning.
Ways to make it better...
I was present in New York. Most of my interaction is via conference calls. However, I do meet them every once in a while.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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