Tutor/Mentor Connection2024-03-28T17:36:45ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentorhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10389860854?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/group/networkwithtutormentorconnection/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=tutormentor&feed=yes&xn_auth=noT/MC Membership???tag:tutormentorconnection.ning.com,2010-12-21:783429:Topic:135962010-12-21T20:30:28.000ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentor
<p>I just wanted to get a discussion going about an idea we have thrown around a bit at Tutor/Mentor Connection to try to raise more consistent funds for the work we are doing.</p>
<p>T/MC has always provided information, resources, and insights entirely free and openly. Yet as we are increasingly running into financial constrains, we are thinking it might be time to change this model. We have tossed around the idea of becoming a membership organization in which programs that benefit from our…</p>
<p>I just wanted to get a discussion going about an idea we have thrown around a bit at Tutor/Mentor Connection to try to raise more consistent funds for the work we are doing.</p>
<p>T/MC has always provided information, resources, and insights entirely free and openly. Yet as we are increasingly running into financial constrains, we are thinking it might be time to change this model. We have tossed around the idea of becoming a membership organization in which programs that benefit from our resources and services pay small annual dues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dan recently pointed to an article on Social Edge that I think brings up some interesting questions about "collaborative sharing" versus "competitive edge." I encourage you to read it and reflect (also see Dan's comment below the article): <a href="http://www.socialedge.org/discussions/scale/impact-scaling">http://www.socialedge.org/discussions/scale/impact-scaling</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here are several questions I have regarding the feasibility of becoming a membership organization. Any ideas, other questions, or brainstorms would be appreciated! Thanks!</p>
<ul>
<li>How do we best communicate the strategy and mutual benefit of collaborative action for tutor/mentor programs?</li>
<li>How do we start charging for information we had previously offered for free? What "benefits" would the organizations need to get in order for T/MC membership to be appealing to them? (ie: reduced rates to conferences, exclusive newsletters, etc)</li>
<li>Do programs have the resources to pay dues to T/MC? Would parts of what we offer still be free of charge?</li>
<li>Would becoming a "membership" organization limit our funding in other ways (ie: grant restrictions, etc.)</li>
<li>How do we reach more organizations so they are aware of what we are doing and how they can benefit from T/MC?</li>
<li>Do we have strong enough relationships with the <em>current</em> leaders of programs to ask for membership fees?</li>
<li>Do we have the manpower to maintain databases of members/annual fees/payments etc?</li>
</ul> November Fund Raising Opportunitiestag:tutormentorconnection.ning.com,2010-10-11:783429:Topic:133022010-10-11T20:37:49.000ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentor
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866042977?profile=original" style="width: 337px; height: 260px;"></img> Join T/MC in November at a <a href="http://www.tutormentorexchange.net/mapathon">Mapping Solutions</a> to be held at Webster Wine Bar in Chicago. This event that will demonstrate the way maps can be used by business, faith and elected leaders to mobilize resources to support tutor/mentor programs in different parts of the city and suburbs. Sponsors who support this event will help us produce these maps, and can use them in their own efforts to reduce…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img style="width: 337px; height: 260px;" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866042977?profile=original" alt=""/>Join T/MC in November at a <a href="http://www.tutormentorexchange.net/mapathon">Mapping Solutions</a> to be held at Webster Wine Bar in Chicago. This event that will demonstrate the way maps can be used by business, faith and elected leaders to mobilize resources to support tutor/mentor programs in different parts of the city and suburbs. Sponsors who support this event will help us produce these maps, and can use them in their own efforts to reduce poverty and urban violence while preparing more youth for 21st century jobs and careers. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img style="width: 264px; height: 184px;" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866055138?profile=original" alt=""/>On November 19 the Tutor/Mentor Connection will host a Fall <a href="http://www.tutormentorconference.org">Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conference</a>, at US Cellular Field in Chicago. Sponsors are needed to help cover the costs of the event, help offer scholarships to those who cannot afford the fee, and to support efforts of the Tutor/Mentor Connection in 2011. <br/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you can help introduce donors, benefactors and/or potential sponsors to the Tutor/Mentor Connection, you will be helping us do work that intends to help every tutor/mentor program in Chicago, and in other cities, lower the costs of operating, while improving the quality and impact of their work. We all win.<br/></p> Tutor/Mentor Jam - August 29, 2010tag:tutormentorconnection.ning.com,2010-06-24:783429:Topic:126812010-06-24T01:42:48.000ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentor
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866043253?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"></img></p>
We've added a new event, a music concert, titled Tutor/Mentor Jam, which will be held in Chicago on August 29. The web site is <a href="http://www.tutormentorjam.org">http://www.tutormentorjam.org</a><br></br><br></br>The timing is just before school starts, so any publicity we generate through the event can draw attention to tutoring/mentoring and encourage volunteers to use the Program Locator, or a list of programs who advertise on the Tutor/Mentor Jam…
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866043253?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/></p>
We've added a new event, a music concert, titled Tutor/Mentor Jam, which will be held in Chicago on August 29. The web site is <a href="http://www.tutormentorjam.org">http://www.tutormentorjam.org</a><br/><br/>The timing is just before school starts, so any publicity we generate through the event can draw attention to tutoring/mentoring and encourage volunteers to use the Program Locator, or a list of programs who advertise on the Tutor/Mentor Jam page, to find places to volunteer.<br/><br/>However, our primary goal is to raise at least $25,000 that will offset the loss of a major grant that has been funding our computer technology center, mapping, and elearning for the past few years. Thus, we need to find multiple sponsors at the $5,000, $2500 and $1000 level, plus fill the event with at least 300 music fans.<br/><br/>Everyone is invited to help, and to innovate ways to build support for this event. <br/><br/> Farmer's Market CC - T/MC Booth?tag:tutormentorconnection.ning.com,2009-11-02:783429:Topic:105542009-11-02T23:47:09.000ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentor
Has anyone ever organized a booth at one or more of Chicago's more prominent Farmers Markets?<br />
What is sold at the booth would go directly to CC and the T/MC and could be themed to fit the season using reasonable cheap goods to raise funds and community awareness...hot chocolate, coffee, latte and warmed baked goods in Winter; Homemade lemonade and frozen/fresh berry lemonades or smoothies in the summer.<br />
I'm not certain if Farmer's Markets are year round here in Chicago, I was spoiled in LA.<br />
I…
Has anyone ever organized a booth at one or more of Chicago's more prominent Farmers Markets?<br />
What is sold at the booth would go directly to CC and the T/MC and could be themed to fit the season using reasonable cheap goods to raise funds and community awareness...hot chocolate, coffee, latte and warmed baked goods in Winter; Homemade lemonade and frozen/fresh berry lemonades or smoothies in the summer.<br />
I'm not certain if Farmer's Markets are year round here in Chicago, I was spoiled in LA.<br />
I thought of this when attending last month's Flea Market...there was a booth selling homemade lemonade...2-3 dollars a glass depending on size. Their cost per glass less than 25 cents.<br />
<br />
We'd be mingling with people directly engaging with their community and sending the message that they support local farmers and vendors - the same people that are likely to volunteer or donate to CC and the T/MC program. Perhaps because CC is a non-profit the FM will cut a deal on space or donate space. Establishing A Virtual Connection Between Mentor and Menteetag:tutormentorconnection.ning.com,2009-07-20:783429:Topic:93262009-07-20T14:55:57.000ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentor
Hello guys,<br />
<br />
My name is Rachel Hong and I'm a student at City University of New York--Baruch College. I know that there are other volunteers who don't live in the Chicago area, but would like to extend hands to the students. I believe we can help the students' academic performance and personal growth through virtual means.<br />
<br />
As I was researching for volunteer opportunities, I came across a group (which I forgot its name) that recruits young adults and adults to help improving the elementary…
Hello guys,<br />
<br />
My name is Rachel Hong and I'm a student at City University of New York--Baruch College. I know that there are other volunteers who don't live in the Chicago area, but would like to extend hands to the students. I believe we can help the students' academic performance and personal growth through virtual means.<br />
<br />
As I was researching for volunteer opportunities, I came across a group (which I forgot its name) that recruits young adults and adults to help improving the elementary students' reading skills. They would assign a book bi-monthly to both mentors and mentees. The mentors are mentees are asked to not just to read the books but also to think of discussion topics based on the assigned book to share with each other through emails. I think that's a great way to both expand their knowledge as well as getting to know each other. They don't have to see each other in person, but the book is the virtual bridge that will connect their hearts and souls.<br />
<br />
What do you guys think of the idea? I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this!<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
<br />
Rachel Ideas for finding donors and benefactors to support work of tutor/mentor programstag:tutormentorconnection.ning.com,2009-07-05:783429:Topic:88072009-07-05T14:53:06.000ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentor
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" height="580" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866064523?profile=original" width="490"></img></p>
<br />
This image illustrates a challenge most non profit organizations face. We're trying to reach out to many different directions to find volunteers and donors to support and sustain our work. There is a huge cost to this, and we're not equally good at finding these resources.<br />
<br />
I believe that by building a <a href="http://www.tutormentorprogramlocator.net" target="_blank">database of Chicago tutor/mentor programs</a> and hosting this online we can all…
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866064523?profile=original" alt="" width="490" height="580"/></p>
<br />
This image illustrates a challenge most non profit organizations face. We're trying to reach out to many different directions to find volunteers and donors to support and sustain our work. There is a huge cost to this, and we're not equally good at finding these resources.<br />
<br />
I believe that by building a <a href="http://www.tutormentorprogramlocator.net" target="_blank">database of Chicago tutor/mentor programs</a> and hosting this online we can all work together to educate donors and build more consistent support.<br />
<br />
In addition, I feel that volunteers who are not part of any single tutor/mentor program and who may not live in the same area as we do, can use their own networking and communications skills to <a href="http://cmapspublic.ihmc.us/servlet/SBReadResourceServlet?rid=1239487941161_2137423012_31737&partName=htmltext" target="_blank">help us reach to more people</a>, more frequently, with a result of drawing more resources to this forum, and to tutor/mentor programs.<br />
<br />
Thus, if you are a volunteer who wants to help us raise money for <a href="http://www.cabriniconnections.net" target="_blank">Cabrini Connections</a>, <a href="http://www.tutormentorconnection.org" target="_blank">Tutor/Mentor Connection</a>, or for any other tutor/mentor programs that we point to, I invite you to join this group, share your ideas, ask questions, and do everything you can to help us change the flow of dollars to tutor/mentor programs in Chicago and other cities.<br />
<br />
Please introduce yourself. Do as much as your time and talent allows. Share in the understanding that what you do helps thousands of others do what needs to be done. January 2009 Blog Exchange Strategy - Let Your Voice Be Heardtag:tutormentorconnection.ning.com,2009-01-07:783429:Topic:46462009-01-07T15:23:57.000ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentor
<p style="text-align: left;"><b><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866047900?profile=original"></img></b></p>
<b>What are you doing during January during the Inauguration to promote volunteering or mentoring or philanthropy?</b> Are you using a blog to write about President Obama and his message of HOPE and Service? Are you doing anything to draw National Mentoring Month attention to your local efforts to connect at-risk youth with a tutor/mentor?<br />
<br />
During this month, I feel that blogs that connect the Obama inauguration, the January 19th ML King Day…
<p style="text-align: left;"><b><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866047900?profile=original" alt=""/></b></p>
<b>What are you doing during January during the Inauguration to promote volunteering or mentoring or philanthropy?</b> Are you using a blog to write about President Obama and his message of HOPE and Service? Are you doing anything to draw National Mentoring Month attention to your local efforts to connect at-risk youth with a tutor/mentor?<br />
<br />
During this month, I feel that blogs that connect the Obama inauguration, the January 19th ML King Day celebration of "I have a Dream", and the National Mentoring Month, can draw attention to tutor/mentor programs operating in high poverty, highly segregated cities of the world.<br />
<br />
This can be thousands of individual efforts, trying to compete with massive marketing and attention getting efforts, or it can be a connected effort, drawing attention to many points of connection with kids. If we're united we create greater visibility and internet traffic, than if we're doing our own thing.<br />
<br />
We can unite through Blog Exchanges. If you write a blog on this theme, link to this site or to someone else who is also writing a blog on the same theme. Create a chain reaction of blogs, linking to other blogs. List your blog title and address here, and this list of blogs will last for the entire 2009, or the entire Obama presidency.<br />
<br />
We'll be writing about this on the <a href="http://tutormentor.blogspot.com">Tutor/Mentor Blog</a> and the <a href="http://cabriniblog.blogspot.com">Cabrini Blog</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Where will you be blogging this message?</b> Introduce yourselftag:tutormentorconnection.ning.com,2007-07-26:783429:Topic:842007-07-26T21:29:31.000ZDaniel Bassillhttp://tutormentorconnection.ning.com/profile/tutormentor
In 1973 when I came to Chicago to become an advertising writer with Mongtomery Ward, I was also recruited to be a volunteer tutor/mentor in a company sponsored program. In 1975 I became the volunteer leader of that program and every year since then I've spent time in August recruiting volunteers to be tutors/mentors for inner city kids.<br />
<br />
I've learned much through my advertising career and my tutor/mentor leadership and I now share that through the Tutor/Mentor Connection at…
In 1973 when I came to Chicago to become an advertising writer with Mongtomery Ward, I was also recruited to be a volunteer tutor/mentor in a company sponsored program. In 1975 I became the volunteer leader of that program and every year since then I've spent time in August recruiting volunteers to be tutors/mentors for inner city kids.<br />
<br />
I've learned much through my advertising career and my tutor/mentor leadership and I now share that through the Tutor/Mentor Connection at <a href="http://www.tutormentorconnection.org">http://www.tutormentorconnection.org</a><br />
<br />
Our goal is to help comprehensive volunteer based tutor/mentor programs grow by supporting the involvement of business volunteers in these programs. The T/MC web site shows how an entire city of programs can be supported by a small group of people. The concept can be duplicated in any city, if a small group of leaders emerges.<br />
<br />
Maybe you or the students in your school could provide that leadership? If you're interested, introduce yourself, browse the T/MC web site, and let's get connected.