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Get Involved in Your Community--and Get Paid For It

By Clare Kaufman
Learning & Life Columnist
January 26, 2007

The opportunity to rub elbows with community leaders and work together for the common good is a signature benefit of nonprofit work. "There is no better way to learn about your community and to meet community leaders than working in a nonprofit," observes a university fundraising coordinator. Alexandra Lee, development officer at a performing arts center, enjoys "interacting with people in all industries, and rallying them around a project that I truly believe in."

Careers that Serve the Community

Some of the most profound contributions to a community come from public health and social services organizations. Depending on your natural abilities and educational background, you can find your niche in:

• Public Health. Public health administrators develop policies and programs to address the health issues facing a community. A bachelor's degree in a related field is standard, and a master's in public health (MPH) or public administration (MPA) is advisable for advancement.
• Nursing. Nurses work on the frontlines of public health, treating patients and educating the public about good health. A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) or a registered nursing program is required.
• Social Work. Social workers promote the social and psychological wellbeing of children, families, and others through counseling, education, and other support services. A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or sociology is the minimum qualification, but most social workers also hold a master's in social work (MSW) or counseling.
• Urban and Regional Planning. Urban and regional planners promote community wellbeing by guiding economic development and planning local services and facilities. They typically enter the field with a master's degree in urban planning.

Win-Win Career Positions

Besides providing essential support to the community, health and social services careers offer phenomenal growth potential and generous salaries. Healthcare careers represent seven of the Department of Labor's 10 fastest-growing careers. The demand has driven up salaries, especially in fields like nursing. All of this adds up to a win-win situation for nonprofit workers, who can promote a healthy community and establish a healthy career.

Sources

• Future Leaders in Philanthropy, "Back to School to Save the World"
• Future Leaders in Philanthropy, "Meet a Future Leader in Philanthropy"
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Outlook Handbook"
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, "The Ten Fastest Growing Occupations, 2004-2014"
• About: Nonprofits, "Top Five Reasons to Work at a Nonprofit"

About the Author
Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer who covers education and career-related topics. She has a graduate degree in English.

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