My Nonprofit Reviews
skschuck
Review for Vote Smart, Des Moines, IA, USA
Volunteer AND donor. I first encountered PVS in about 2002 while living in Asheville NC. A May, 2004, move to Bellingham WA provided an opportunity to visit the MT ranch. After meeting the people, volunteers and paid staff alike, and helping with some work for a day, I was hooked. I returned that autumn for a 2-week member internship and each year since. The trip from the Seattle area is pleasant, and there are many attractions within driving distance for weekend enlightenment. Far more impressive is the dedication of the staff and interns to PVS' important work, particularly since the Supreme Court's "property is speech" decision. Unfortunately, while many people fund candidates' access to the media, too few support PVS' efforts to bring truth and perspective to their claims. Being retired, I do what little I can for PVS and snd will continue to do so.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Using their information on the internet. The bredth and depth of their information is impressive, and it remains surprisingly up-to-date, a tribute to both staff and interns.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing to suggest. The PVS management repeatedly requests suggestios from participants and implements them. I would like to change the mindset of the media, that likes the excitement of conflict resulting from ignorance over the relative calm that information produces.
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
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Hard. The situation at 6,000ft i the MT Rockies is excellent, the activities and organization are mature after many years of experimentation and improvement, and oft-changng (by design) personnel (students and staff) are knowledgeable and dedicated. My only wish would be more time to contribute.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
The tasks are, unfortunately, necessarily mundane and repetitive. However, working on a national scale helps me better understand the benefits and problems of my own state of residence. Washington state turns out to be one of the best of the lot, in terms of fair politics.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Like I've done something worthwhile for the BIG American political PICTURE. The rest of my time is spent in little political pictures, so this experience, once a year, helps me maintain perspective. Additionally, each visit is a good, two-week therapy session.
