As over 250 young professionals departed Edgewater Park for BVU’s Summer of Service event, BVU’s mission of “linking businesses and nonprofits to foster excellence in the nonprofit sector” was running through my mind.
Interns and young professionals from 26 different organizations (including the Cleveland Foundation) volunteered at 17 nonprofits in Greater Cleveland for the afternoon. On a typical weekday, these young professionals would be diligently working at Medical Mutual of Ohio, Eaton Corporation, Hyland Software, or other local organization. However, this afternoon they joined together to volunteer over 900 hours and make an estimated impact of $20,000 in the community.
As the Cleveland Foundation intern placed at BVU, I was responsible for coordinating many of the details of the day. This is a daunting logistical task, but fortunately many dedicated people from other organizations stepped forward to make the day a success. Ultimately, despite the 95 degree weather, it turned out to be an amazing day that definitely benefitted the nonprofits involved, but I believe also benefitted each volunteer.
My other main task during my summer internship is reaching out to local nonprofits to show how BVU can support their work in the community. BVU is able to link nonprofits to business professionals to serve on their boards or volunteer their business skills with projects at the nonprofits. The online Volunteer Center at BVU connects volunteers in the general public to volunteer opportunities at local nonprofits.
My meetings with local nonprofit leaders this summer have revealed the deep passion that exists in Cleveland to help those in need. It has also shown me the important role organizations like BVU and the Cleveland Foundation play in connecting these nonprofits to resources within the community.Everyone wants to continuously improve our community and these organizations bring people together to make a significant impact in Cleveland. Learn more about BVU.
Each week we use this space to give each of our interns a chance to reflect on their internship experiences. Nick is a graduate student from Case Western Reserve University. Placement: Business Volunteers Unlimited