My Nonprofit Reviews
Harmony G.
Review for National Novel Writing Month, Berkeley, CA, USA
Every year i get to see the joy, excitement and confidence in the face of adults and teens in my area. Every daily goal they reach and every story they finish is a reminder of how great this program is. Too often our lives revolve around the things we have to do, the tasks that are musts. This program challenges you to take a little time to enjoy the things you want to do, give yourself a little time each day to be creative, and to make something all your own. their joy is my joy.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
finally completing projects that i have wanted to write for years. Challenging and pushing myself beyond my normal day to day life
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would love to see the Young Writers Program get to more schools.
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
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I have met so many wonderful and creative people through OLLs events. i have also learned confidence, persuasive speaking skills, organization skill, people skills and expanded my creativity
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
wonderful. i look forward to NaNoWriMo every year and all of the new people i get to bring along for this journey.
Review for National Novel Writing Month, Berkeley, CA, USA
Being a Municipal Liaison in the Office of Letters and Light's annual National Novel Writing Month is an amazing experience. Every year i get to sit in libraries and coffee shops watching people from all ages and walks of life come together to achieve the same goal; writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. It is a task that requires effort, creativity, and inspired insanity and every year it reminds me of how scary and wonderful it is to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and create something simply for the joy of its creation. I have seen teens consult their peers and elders alike in an effort to get through a difficult scene in their novel. I have seen writers cry as they type out the tragic breakup of a relationship, or the death of a character that they were seemingly unable to prevent. I have also see the timid fear at the beginning turn into frustration and joy as the month ends and we sit back in satisfaction, or even defeat, knowing that we have done something amazing. We have let ourselves free of the chains of fear we so often put upon ourselves to be perfect, to succeed and not fail. Instead we have put ourselves out there, risking failure at every turn. That is greatness, even in its brevity. Every November i look forward to the change i see in the people around me, and helping each new and returning writer make it to their goal or comfort and encourage them in their defeat. for me, that challenge is as greater than any novel i have produced, and just as satisfying. It is the attempt, and no the goal that is important. Something we all should remember.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My own renewed focus on my creative writing. it has also taught me to become more organized and better at managing my time. being a ML has also helped force me out of the corner in into communicating with lots of people, which has always been difficult. It pushes me to try, even when I'm afraid.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help MLs with a little more information on upcoming fundrasing events as well as a little more guidence on how to aproach organizations for funding. Its not an easy task if you have never done it. Otherwise the team works extra hard and could probably just use more funding to make more events happen.
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
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
More tools to help us help others, though that requires funding....
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
My own renewed focus on my creative writing. it has also taught me to become more organized and better at managing my time. being a ML has also helped force me out of the corner in into communicating with lots of people, which has always been difficult. It pushes me to try, even when I'm afraid.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
like a life changer, and like i can do anything if i just try. Failure is an option and not one we should fear.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
