I have had the pleasure of working with this non-profit from both a hands-on volunteer working directly with the girls benefiting from the groups programming, and as a behind the scenes board member working to manage the organization. The administrative team at work for TIME is dedicated, professional, creative, compassionate and welcoming. They have put together some very beneficial programming for young girls. They try to cater to a volunteers interest, abilities and level of commitment.
Of course, the impact on the girls and families This Is ME serves is the most important success it’s had, but I would point to the organization’s ability to work with limited resources to make such a strong impact as its greatest success. They owe this to being able to translate their budget from dollar amounts to in-kind opportunities – what/who can they attract and utilize without spending actual money? They look to three important areas: 1) partnering with other groups to use resources efficiently: For example, they don’t have their own space; they currently partner with a park, schools, and a library to drastically reduce overhead. And they work with Girls in the Game, the Junior League of Chicago, Metropolitan Family Services, and others to expand programming opportunities in a number of ways; 2) relying on volunteers to run the organization, including a very active Board of Directors, program directors, a Resource Development Coordinator, a Marketing pro, interns from universities, and dozens of direct and indirect support volunteers, and even the volunteer hours of the Executive Director and other stipened employees; 3) making the most of in-kind donations and free resources. In-kind donations tend to be program and office supplies so they get creative in planning projects and tasks based on what they have on-hand. Free resources tend to be technology products like Mailchimp that allow them to maintain high standards of professionalism without heavy financial investments.
I am a former board member and volunteer and current donor. I have been involved with This Is ME for over 10 years and the organization has continued to improve with each year involved in the lives of young girls in Chicago.
Since getting involved with This Is ME, I have been super impressed by the creative solutions and "can do" attitude that the staff, board, and volunteers have to make a difference for adolescent girls. It is clear that everyone involved is clear about the mission of the organization.
This Is ME, Inc. is comprised of an incredible team of volunteers and board members that are truly dedicated to bettering the lives of young women in the Chicago area. Attention to detail, care and effort go into every aspect of this non-profit, making it a well organized unit. An inspirational cause, which draws amazingly talented girls, This Is ME, Inc. strives to provide each participant with programs tailored to their interests.
I've been a member of the Board of TIME for 2 years, and I've loved every second. I've met such amazing women, worked with incredible girls during the programs, and have learned so much from all of them. My favorite thing about TIME is the passion of everyone involved. It's so wonderful to see such a group of devoted, talented women come together around such a great cause. Every activity, from Board meetings to public events, is inspirational and exciting. I'm so proud of everything we've accomplished, and I so look forward to the future as we continue to grow. I led an 8-week writing workshop for the girls this summer, and I have been so pleased to watch their progress. In the beginning, they were hesitant to even read aloud in front of the group. Now, they're workshopping their pieces with each other, and giving each other constructive, positive feedback. It's always a competition to see who gets to read their own work to the group first! They've become so comfortable and confident with their writing - it's been a privilege to be a part of it.
I started volunteering for This Is ME when soon after I moved to Chicago from Boston. I began volunteering as the monthly Logan Square Drop In program. I loved the hands-on programs we delivered to program participants. The girls in the program really seemed so happy and excited to be with us and very open to learning new things and making new friends. Next I joined the Programming Committee and then the Board. I was amazed and continue to be amazed at the talent women in this organization who make time from their very busy schedules to make this program the best it can be. It's a very supportive, fun environment for volunteers and Board members alike! I cannot say enough good things about this organization!
I have had the pleasure of being a part of This Is Me from the start. I have watched it grow to reach the incredible number of girls that it does today thanks to the tireless efforts of its leadership and strong volunteer base. I look forward to witnessing This Is Me continue to make an impact on shaping the lives of Chicago's young women for years to come.