Social Venture Partners Greater Tucson

By Erin Henderson

Communications/Programs Associate SVPGT

AmeriCorps VISTA

"Clush" : Power Couple with Philanthropic Presidential Superpowers

Many of America’s prominent figures have paved remarkable paths for philanthropy. But none can compare to the potential powerful impact of a philanthropic president.

Eisenhower promoted cross-cultural communication with the People to People Program. Truman set precedents for international aid with the Marshall Plan which eventually led to USAID. Bush encourages others to serve through Points of Light.  Jimmy Carter is an advocate and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and developed the Carter Center for human rights. Clinton’s Foundation and Global Initiative supports victims of natural disasters, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, accessible clean water, obesity, and a number of other global needs.

Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, and Theodore Roosevelt were each awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Being president has its perks, but more importantly its powers.

Not only are you a household name, constantly covered by the media, and of some financial pull, you’re also, well…the President! And I’d say it’s a pretty good opportunity to use your powers for good (Super Philanthropist to the Rescue!).

The PPPPPPPP ( count ‘em, that’s 8 ), also known as Presidential Philanthropists Procuring Public Policy for the Poor People of the Planet, could be the next big thing in the non-profit world. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. Or maybe Past Presidents United (PPU). Ok, so I made both of those NPOs up. But we’ve seen Clinton and Bush, Sr. unite for the National Institute of Civil Discourse in our own backyard (through the University of Arizona located in downtown Tucson at the Providence Building).

Why not push for more former heads of state putting their heads together to solve global human rights issues leveraging their presidential super-powers? Imagine the pulling power of more of these power couples: Brangelina. Bennifer. Clush?

By Mark Rubin, Founding Partner and Guest Contributor

Mark is a lawyer, fiduciary, teacher and recognized expert in the area of professional ethics. In addition to active non-profit community engagement, one may also find Mark busy in his garden or kitchen or relaxing with a glass of red wine and traces of dark chocolate on his fingertips. He is the author of A Life at 50-ish.

Partners mingle with guest speaker/Executive Director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, Brint Milward (center).

At the National Institute for Civil Discourse/SVPGT event on January 19, Brint Milward—NICD’s Executive Director—made the following statement:

“One thing we know about social networks is that proximity usually breeds networking…You accept that even those who have different opinions are still reasonable people.”

 

This statement accounts in part for the success of Social Venture Partners and other giving models that involve more than simply writing checks to worthy causes. These models create philanthropic communities of reasonable people working closely together for the betterment of the community at large.

We are blessed with a group of partners whose pictures could appear in the dictionary next to “reasonable,” but the back and forth discourse we share with one another enriches all of us, keeps us engaged and gives us the energy we need to go forth and make our community better. Bottom line: We don’t face the same problems our elected representatives confront in Washington, but by working together we makes our lives and those of everyone around us better.

When I share the SVP story with others, many of whom are people with a propensity for sharing their treasure, I hear from time to time the queries: “Don’t you waste lots of money?” or “It’s more efficient to give directly to X, Y or Z.” In one sense they are right, for if we assume a zero sum game, a dollar spent on marketing SVPGT is a dollar not spent teaching a child to read. On the other hand, if the real purpose involves building a better community where people can share their experiences, their knowledge, and their enthusiasm for making sure we have a literate community in the not distant future, the dollar that helps create the environment for sharing and building enthusiasm multiplies itself many times over.

Erin Henderson

Programs and Communications Associate SVPGT/AmeriCorps VISTA

When you’ve lived in a river town amongst pine trees and lush green lawns for over 20 years, the desert feels like an alien planet. On the last leg of my westward journey from Columbus, GA to Tucson, AZ, I conceded that, although 1,800 miles is a great distance in a tiny Cavalier crammed with all my worldly possessions, I might as well have been a million miles from home. At 75mph(ok 85mph on those long, straight stretches of road-my foot may be made of lead), I sat back and watched as the Great American Landscapes unfolded around me.

But, as anyone who has ever relocated to begin a new chapter in life can attest, the geographical changes, marvelous as they are, are only the setting in which personal changes can occur: emotional, spiritual, social, physical, intellectual.

I had considered joining AmeriCorps after graduating high school. But I opted instead to go to college first. I graduated from Wesleyan College in May. And, in the back of my mind somewhere, AmeriCorps was there, willing me to fill out the lengthy application, and JUST APPLY ALREADY!

But I wasn’t ready. Wasn’t willing. Things were in the way. People were in the way. I was in the way.

Have you ever had the itch to serve? In Georgia, we have mosquitoes. Lots of mosquitoes. And I am always the magnet (heard it’s a blood type thing- mine, ironically, is “B(e)-Positive”). When I am covered head to toe in bites after a Fourth of July picnic or a warm summer night in the park, itching like crazy, I grab some ointment to soothe the red bumps. And it goes away. The mosquito itch.

The itch to serve doesn’t go away so easily. Is there an ointment for the itch to serve? If there was, I would probably still be home, working hard to save up money, looking desperately for a “real” job as a recent graduate when most companies want someone with at least 5 years of experience (someone please tell me and my fellow graduates where we can get 5 years experience doing anything besides flipping burgers!). I would be there, getting by, wishing I was doing what I have known I was meant to do since I was a child: serve others.

This opportunity to build capacity and support Social Venture Partners Greater Tucson to promote literacy fell into place for me at the perfect time. That doesn’t mean it has been an easy move. But even as I doubted the sanity of my decision to drive across the country alone, all my belongings in my car, to a place that I knew nothing about to serve a year commitment, I knew that it was right. That this was it. Nothing left to hold me back. Nothing stopping me but myself.

“Self,” I said, “Move over. Sit back. Enjoy the ride. And if God wants you there, he’ll get you there. Just hold-up your end:  Just drive.”

By Mark Rubin

By: Mark Rubin

Founding Partner Mark Rubin will be writing a series of guest blog posts here at SVPGT. Mark will be sparking up conversations about giving and spreading the word, and we’re looking forward to his pearls of wisdom. Stay tuned for more!

I hope everyone is well and heading into holiday season mode.  I saw a column in the New York Times by Nicholas Kristof—a hero, who has done more to expose child abuse than anyone I know of—about being addicted to exercise.  Interesting, and it caught my eye because I can’t seem to stay off my treadmill!  Alas, I digress, for what really registered were six short paragraphs at the end of the column that focused on altruism as a hedonistic pleasure.  That’s right:  Giving can be pleasurable!!!  The link is here, and I’ll let you read for yourselves.

My point:  We really help our friends when we expose them to positive opportunities to share their time, talent and treasure with others.  So, as the giving season approaches, think about sharing with your friends the great experiences you’ve had with Social Venture Partners.  Spread the word, for it may be the best gift you can offer! –Mark Rubin

By: Jackie Kajos

Thanks for joining us for Part 2 of our site visits! To recap, each year as part of the Grant Round, our Investment Committee makes site visits to the organizations that are chosen as finalists for our Investment cycle. The 2011 Investment Committee consists of Partners David Griffis (Chair), Frank Grundstrom, Susan Tarrence, Bob and Ginnie McKay, Bill Wissler, John Payne, Susan Warmack, Ruby Buchsbaum, Doris Coris, Mark Rubin, Jill Rosenzweig, and Hank Peck.

Partners have volunteered their time to evaluate the nonprofit organizations that submit Letters of Inquiry, and the Committee then requests full proposals. Full proposals are requested from the nonprofits that they feel would be the best fit for working with our organization and have the most room for potential to benefit from Partners’ skills. As part of the Investment Process, the Committee makes site visits, which are one of the most interesting and fun parts of the Grant Round!

We have already recapped our visits to The Loft Cinema and Youth On Their Own. In the second round of site visits, the Investment Committee visited Literacy Connects and The Arizona Blind and Deaf Children’s Foundation.

Literacy Connects

Partners and ED Betty Stauffer

The Committee made a site visit to Literacy Connects, which is a newly formed organization that resulted when five literacy organizations in Tucson merged to create one strong organization that aims to lead a literacy movement in Tucson. Literacy Connects is a unique organization consisting of four partner programs: Reading Seed, Reach Out and Read Southern Arizona, and Stories That Soar!, in addition to the Literacy For Life Coalition. Together these programs provide a variety of services to the community, including and not limited to:  adult literacy classes, reading coaches and support for elementary-aged children, children’s arts programs, parental support and early literacy intervention, and community literacy advocacy.

Posters from the 1st Annual Literacy Rally

Our Investment Committee made a site visit to the Literacy Connects headquarters. We had the chance to meet with Executive Director Betty Stauffer to talk about Literacy Connects’ mission and goals in the future. Partners brainstormed and discussed opportunities in which they could assist Literacy Connects as they progress as an organization, solidify their infrastructure and integrate operations. Partners toured the very busy offices and got a feel for daily activities, which included a glimpse of two adult literacy classes. It was an exiting morning and we’re looking forward to seeing the “literacy movement” progress!

[Check out more photos here on Facebook]

Arizona Blind and Deaf Children’s Foundation

Painting in the Art Shed

The Investment Committee headed over to the Arizona Schools for the Blind and Deaf to check out the art, literacy, fitness and life skills programs that Arizona Blind and Deaf Children’s Foundation (ABDCF) helps to support. ABDCF is committed to providing the 4,000+ blind, deaf, low-vision and hard-of-hearing children throughout the state with experiential learning in key areas involved in and beyond traditional education. ABDCF does this by supporting programs at Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind. Executive Director of ABDCF, Rita Weatherholt set up a site visit for the Committee in the Art Shed, an area at the school where deaf and blind children have the opportunity to participate in hands-on art projects and express themselves through creative means.

Students scultping with clay

Partners and a student at the loom

The Committee got to explore the Art Shed, where students were working with a variety of artistic mediums. Students can sculpt with clay, paint and draw, and weave on large or hand-held looms. Partners were also given a presentation on other programs that the ABDCF funds. An ASBD teacher presented about the “Literacy for Life” program that includes adaptive communication tools and resources for parents and children about sign language and braille, and reading to children with hearing and sight impairment.

The Committee was also shown a demonstration of a broadcasting activity, where a student interviewed Partner Frank Grundstrom on radio equipment. Students can modify the interview and sound clips on editing software and create broadcasts. Another student also talked about a hiking trip that he went on in Sedona as a part of the “Fitness for Life” program. ABDCF purchased hiking poles for the students that they used on their 5 and 10 mile hikes! ABDCF also funds a “Success for Life” program that teaches students independent life skills, financial literacy and career technology. The Committee greatly enjoyed their trip to the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind and the Art Shed, where they were able to talk to students and see programs in action!

[Check out more photos of the site visit here on Facebook]

Thank you to The Loft Cinema, Youth On Their Own, Literacy Connects and Arizona Blind and Deaf Children’s Foundation for graciously hosting us! The Committee very much enjoyed getting to know our Finalists better. Thank you to wonderful Investment Committee for all of their time, energy and enthuasism!

By: Jackie Kajos

Last week the Investment Committee made site visits to our four finalists. The site visits are a wonderful way to get a real feel for an organization, meet the staff and get acquainted with the work that these four nonprofits are doing in the community. They are also a lot of fun!

The Loft Cinema

The Committee’s first site visit was at The Loft Cinema. The Loft Cinema is a nonprofit, community-supported cinema that honors the vision of filmmakers, celebrates ideas and promotes the appreciation and understanding of the art of film. It showcases independent, foreign, alternative and classic narrative films and documentaries. The Loft is a place for members of the Tucson community to go to hear the voices of people all over the world. Each year, The Loft hosts two free film series: the Tucson International Children’s Film Festival in July, and Essential Cinema, a series of classic art films on the big screen in new 35mm prints. It also offers 3 programs to support local filmmakers. In 2010, The Loft Cinema sold 145,000 tickets, an increase of 30,000 tickets from 2009.

For our site visit, Executive Director Peggy Johnson gave the Committee a tour of the theater. We saw the offices, two screens and the projection room. Following the tour, Debi Mabie the Director of Education presented a demonstration of The Loft’s education program that is currently being developed. This particular example pertained to modern film adaptations of Shakespeare, including a poem and excepts from films “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Romeo + Juliet”. The Loft’s education program will be a collaborative effort between the cinema and literacy programs in the community, and aims to give students the tools to interpret what they see on screen and develop critical thinking skills. The Committee greatly enjoyed the tour and the opportunity to participate in the film education presentation.

[Check out more photos from the site visit here on Facebook]

Youth On Their Own

The Committee also made a site visit to Youth On Their Own. Youth On Their Own is a nonprofit organization that supports the high school graduation and continued success of homeless youth in greater Tucson (ages 13 through 21) by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. The Committee toured the YOTO offices and saw the “Mini-Mall” which is a place where students can access basic needs items such as food, clothing, hygiene items, and household and school supplies. Additionally, students enrolled in the YOTO program can receive a monthly stipend of up to $125 based on their school performance. The YOTO program also offers housing referrals, personal counseling and one-on-one success coaching, medical, dental and vision care, a refurbished computer and employment opportunities and community involvement activities.

Committee members also had the opportunity to meet with Executive Director Teresa Baker and Development Director Matt Yotter to ask questions about the YOTO program and the youth that it serves.  YOTO boasts impressive statistics; they serve over 550 students with a 92% graduation rate, as compared to the average graduation rate of 78% in Tucson. Members were especially interested in hearing about students experience’s within the program. Teresa Baker was able to tell the group about a number of current students and recent graduates of the YOTO program and the success that they have achieved despite the hardship they have had to endure. Discussions also included where Partners could offer there assistance to YOTO, including strategic planning and board development. The visit was powerful and moving, in addition to informative and thought-provoking.

Thank you to both The Loft Cinema and Youth On Their Own for taking the time to show us their organizations and answer our questions!

[Check out more photos from the site visit here on Facebook]

By: Jackie Kajos

Final Proposals from our Grant Round 2011 Finalists are due tomorrow, September 15th, 2011 at 5 pm. We have invited four innovative organizations that address community literacy to submit final proposals to our Investment Committee. The four organizations include: The Loft, Arizona Deaf & Blind Children’s Foundation, Youth On Their Own and the Tucson Literacy Movement merger.

The Investment Committee, consisting of Chair David Griffis and members Susan Warmack, Susan Tarrence, Bill Wissler, Ruby Buchsbaum, Hank Peck, Jill Rosenzweig, Doris Coris, Mark Rubin, John Payne and Frank Grundstrom, will review the proposals in preparation of the October 4th Finalist Presentations. The four organizations will give half-hour long presentations to the Committee, Staff and Partners about their organization and areas where SVP Partners can offer their expertise. The Investment Committee and Partners will then make site visits to the nonprofits on October 10th and 11th.

The Investment Commitee will meet on October 18th and vote for the organization that they feel has the most potential to benefit from a partnership with SVP. The selection will be reviewed and ratified at the Board of Directors meeting on October 25th. The organization will be notified soon after and our new Investee will be officially announced at the November 18th event.

Best of luck to our four Finalists! We’re very excited to learn more about your impact in the community during the next few months!

The Tucson Literacy Movement–the result of the merger of the five literacy organizations: Literacy Volunteers of Tucson, Reading Seed, Stories That Soar!, Literacy for Life Coalition and Reach Out and Reach Southern Arizona–would like for you to take a few minutes to participate in a survey about what literacy means to you.

Please complete it by July 15th and make sure you give your input about how to shape literacy in Tucson. Your insight is valuable, so please don’t miss this opportunity to make your mark on the literacy movement!

And make sure to pass the survey along to friends! Thank you!

By: Jackie Kajos

After much deliberation and consideration, we are pleased to announce the four finalists for our Grant Round 2011! We received LOIs from 13 amazing organizations in Greater Tucson, and we were floored by all they are doing in the community! We couldn’t be happier that so many nonprofits were interested in partnering with Social Venture Partners Greater Tucson.

However, our Grant Round is very competitive as the Team will ultimately choose only one investee. Thus, the Investment Team narrowed down the LOIs to four organizations who have been asked to submit full proposals to the Team. Our broader focus on community literacy has allowed for four very unique organizations that are addressing community literacy in a variety of ways.

And now to introduce the Final Four:

1. The Loft Cinema

The Loft Cinema is a nonprofit arts organization that is a venue for independent, foreign, alternative and classic narrative films and documentaries.

Mission: “The Loft is a nonprofit, community-supported cinema that honors the vision of filmmakers, celebrates ideas and promotes the appreciation and understanding of the art of film.”

2. Arizona Blind & Deaf Children’s Foundation

The Arizona Blind & Deaf Children’s Foundation “is committed to ensuring that all of the 4,000-plus blind, deaf, low-vision, and hard-of-hearing children throughout the state have access to experiential learning in key areas that encompass, and expand upon traditional education.”

Mission: “Arizona Blind & Deaf Children’s Foundation invests in the future of our state’s 4,000-plus blind and deaf youth.

3. Youth On Their Own

Youth On Their Own is “a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization drop out prevention program that supports the high school graduation of homeless unaccompanied Metro Tucson youth ages 13 (or in 8th grade) through 21.”

Mission: “Youth On Their Own is dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless youth by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance.”

4. “New Co” a.k.a Tucson Literacy Movement

The Tucson Literacy movement is the result of the five-organization merger of Literacy Volunteers of Tucson, Reach Out and Read Southern Arizona, Reading Seed, Stories That Soar! and the Literacy for Life Coalition.

Mission: “To empower people of all ages by developing a culture of literacy and creative expression.”

I encourage you to read more about these organizations, learn about their programs and their impact! All four organizations have accepted our request for a full proposal. The final proposal will be due September 15th. The Investment Team will do site visits in the fall, and the applicants will give presentations to the team! The final decision will be made in November and announced to the community. We’ll keep you updated, and we invite you to come along with us for this exciting ride!