Improving the world, and myself…one day at a time
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Day: Sixteen

Organization: Volunteer Los Angeles

Activity: Skills-based Volunteering

Ever thought about taking what you do for a living and applying it to service? It’s generally an easy thing to do, depending on your profession, and can be among the most-needed type of service.

In case you haven’t read the “About Brad” section of this site, let me tell you very briefly about my background. I am a pro-social marketing expert — that means I align brands with causes to promote a positive message. Most recently I worked at the Disney/ABC Television Group, which includes the ABC Television Network. Part of my role was to work closely with non-profits on a wide-range of activities, including integrating them into the programs aired on the network. Because of that work, I have a wealth of knowledge about how non-profits can engage the entertainment industry — knowledge that can be very useful to non-profits.

So, today I shared that knowledge with a variety of non-profits by leading a seminar that was part of Volunteer Los Angeles’ ongoing trainings that help organizations run more effectively. My doing that, was an example of skills-based volunteering. It was a fun way to spend my day and it reminded me just how smart I am — always nice to have a reminder!

Give some thought to how you can apply your professional skills to help an organization.

Enjoy the video!

Welcome to Day One of my Thirty Days of Service!!  I am so excited to share this journey with you and am so thankful that you are here. Over the next 30 days, I will share with you my journey completing 30 service projects with 30 organizations in 30 days! My intent is simple, to inspire you to get involved serving others. I hope to also entertain you a bit and look forward to sharing with you what I do and learn every day.

For a look at the organizations I am serving, check out the “Orgs Served” section of this site. If you want to know how I pulled off booking my 30 days and learn about how you can volunteer, check out the “Get Involved” section. And, to learn how to be a good volunteer, check out my “Tips for Volunteers.”

Thanks again…now on to Day One…

Day: One

Organizations: Volunteer Los Angeles and DonorsChoose

Activity: Reading “The Cat in the Hat”

I say all the time that man plans and God laughs. Well, that certainly appeared to be the case today.

As I have been planning my days of service over the past couple of months, I have run into many challenges — finding 30 things to do in 30 days with 30 different organizations isn’t easy!  I have had calls and emails go unreturned, I have looked into organizations that just didn’t really meet some basic requirements and have scheduled and rescheduled many of my days so that I could ensure they would all get booked.  I have also been trying to anticipate potential challenges that could arise once I start my 30 days — what do I do if something gets canceled or I can’t find a project for a day?  But, I truly didn’t think I would run into a challenge on Day One…but, I did!  And, fortunately I had a backup plan…

Have a look at my reading of the great “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Suess: