My Nonprofit Reviews
ApostrapheS
Review for Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Both of our sons attended OSAI (the summer session) of OSAI and it made a HUGE, positive impact on both of their lives. One of the first comments made by our older son was that "he was amazed to be in a place where EVERYONE is an artist and a good one" and that "it really felt good to NOT be competing with the jocks for resources". Both sons, after being enrolled in college a short time, expressed amazement that other states don't have programs like this and how great it was to be able to completely focus on their art 24/7 for two whole weeks! Because of the enormous positive impact that it made in their lives and other students, I readily joined the board. Now I can also see just how hard the impressive staff works all year long to provide excellent arts education opportunities to Oklahoma high school students. This is a GREAT organization!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing students who haven't had the opportunity to have their talents recognized, much less appreciated! They're given hope for pursuing careers that would make their hearts soar!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More geographically diverse board WHILE not in any way making the longterm Oklahoma City leaders feel left out. They have done a phenomenal job, they just need to find ways to represent and advocate for the WHOLE state.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The impact that it's made on the students is obvious, but what really astounds me is the huge number of people who LOVE this organization. With other organizations, there always seem to be at least a handful of naysayers . . . but NOT with OAI!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Dedicated and all focused intently on the same goal. That in and of itself is much more rare than one would expect.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand the program to take programs to geographically diverse locations throughout the state to raise the quality (or even existence) of arts education throughout the school year. Also, two large units of group housing could be added.
Ways to make it better...
there were more defined ways for individuals to help (beyond just money). When others say to me that they don't have much money to give, but want to help, I'd like to be able to tell them how they could volunteer in a meaningful way.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
dependence on Legislative appropriations and building an endowment fund
One thing I'd also say is that...
I feel so privileged to be a part of this organization and would like to see it become the example for other states to develop similar programs.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
