My Nonprofit Reviews
tkdiggs
Review for San Francisco Education Fund, San Francisco, CA, USA
My experience with SFSV was terrific. From the outset, my volunteer coordinator overcame my first fear (that I would wind up with “busywork,” spending time doing tasks that weren’t as interesting to me or as useful as possible to students): she paid careful attention to the information I provided and then found a placement that was exactly what, where and with the kind of students I had hoped. Throughout the semester, my SFSV coordinator was a politic advisor, a supportive back-up, and a wonderfully wise and good-humored guide to the intricacies of the public school system. She consistently made me feel as if my questions were sensible, my concerns reasonable and my efforts genuinely valued. Thanks to her, working hard for no cash was worth a million dollars to me!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Over the semester, I became increasingly aware of the bridges SFSV had built – and constantly continues to expand – between the community (especially businesses, professionals, organizations, etc.) and the school system. Thanks to their thorough contacts-building, there is a substantial likelihood that student needs (whether for program-presenters, resources, equipment, performers, special tutors, or simple facility make-overs) will be met. I learned that professional San Franciscans are willing to make invaluable contributions to the schools IF and WHEN they learn the need exists: SFSV can and should continue to perform – and to increase their involvement in – this essential service.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
As a first-term vol, I don’t know enough to speculate, other than to wish more people knew about the SFSV experience – the rewards, the opportunities, and the enormous needs it fills.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
As a result of one project, I was forced to learn an enormous amount about something entirely new to me. It was simply great! Meanwhile, I got to work with a group of absolutely captivating high school students: their charm, intellect and genuine sweetness of disposition blew me away! The wholly unexpected benefit was that I also had an opportunity to interact with some of the Bay Area’s coolest business people – luminaries in their fields. They renewed my long-lost faith in humanity!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
My initial orientation was well-organized and informative. Interviewers were able to channel me to the exact coordinator I needed. That coordinator was always professional, well-informed, funny, gracious, smart and supportive: an A+ fit for me.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Develop and aggressively maintain the world’s best community-public school liaison system, linking every school with the kind of professionals, experts, artists, employers, technology gurus, etc. that the Bay Area affords and that could enhance/supplement student educational experiences regularly and tenfold. AND SFSV could launch and complete a program like the Robin Hood Library Program in New York City, which teamed top-flight architects, contractors, interior decorators, artists and librarians to revamp the city’s libraries.
Ways to make it better...
There was nothing SFSV could have done to improve my experience.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Again, as a first-term vol, I don’t know enough to speculate. That said, personal observation makes it clear that “It’s the Economy, Stupid!” The SFUSD is increasingly strapped for funding, for facilities conducive to contemporary education, for high-caliber teachers, for capable administrators and for the kind of special programs, opportunities and mentors that will give students well-rounded lives. I suspect that SFSV will be increasingly called on to fill in the gaps with volunteers who are likely to be hard-pressed to find extra time and good will.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
