<p>I need to have more EC's before I apply to colleges and I'd like to be a pediatric oncologist. I'm thinking about starting an organization to benefit kids that are either special-needs, terminally ill, have cancer/blood based illnesses, etc. I just don't know what to do. I'm already involved in an organization that provides support for children with cancer through big-little sibling programs, fun events, transportation to appointments, emotional support, tutoring, etc So I'm not sure what exactly to do. I'd be open to anything that would really benefit these children! I know there's already organizations that make blankets for kids in the hospital, give them toys, etc. I'm 16 so the organization that I'd like to start has to be something doable for me. Any suggestions?? Thank you!!</p>
<p>Please don’t start a new organization. It requires lots of time, some money, and work. </p>
<p>Are you interested in spending your year writing articles of incorporation, bylaws, applications for federal tax-exempt status and state sales tax exemption and state registration as a fundraiser, and local requirements and filing lots of forms? Are you prepared to pay for accounting and legal help and introductory classes in nonprofit management?</p>
<p>Go to one of the existing organizations and ask to create an event on their behalf. Then follow their instructions. Because they’re the sponsoring organization, they’ll cover the legal and financial liabilities. Be sure you won’t need separate insurance and won’t need to post a bond to allow you to raise money.</p>
<p>Becoming a program of another organization is faster and easier than creating a new organization. Besides, you’ll be gone in a year. What would happen then?</p>
<p>Do not start a new organization. If you really want to start a new program, work with an existing organization. Otherwise you will start your program and then have to find someone to take over when you leave for college - or find an existing organization to take over. If you start your own organization you will waste time getting everything organized before you can do anything, time that could be used to actually accomplish something.</p>
<p>Also, you start your post lamenting that you need more EC’s. Do you want to start this because you need something for your resume, or because you see a need in your community. You know who you want to benefit, but you don’t even identify a specific need. This sounds like it’s more about you than about the kids you want to help. If you don’t see a specific need, don’t make one up!</p>
<p>Sorry, should have specified! I did not mean start a new non-profit with all the legalities involved. You have to be 18 anyway. I had a teacher who started a program once a week for special-needs kids. She got a bunch of teenagers to sign up and become counselors and on Saturday’s they’d walk the kids to and from their meeting place where the kids could have fun and play games together, etc, and get off the parents back. And once a year she does weekend-long events (Shabbatonim) with them. So I was thinking something more along those lines. But thank you, I like the idea of creating an event on behalf of another organization!</p>
<p>And CTScoutmom, yes I do need the EC’s because of college. But there also is a need in my community because there are a LOT of special-needs kids and I enjoy working with them. I’m not doing this just for college, trust me. My friend was diagnosed with cancer and is unfortunately not doing so well, so the need to provide for my community in this way has become so much more real now that I know what she’s going through and how painful the process is. I’m running a half-marathon in January in her honor and raising money to help support an organization that helps kids with cancer. I
I’m sorry if it sounded like this is all for college, because it most certainly is NOT!!</p>
<p>If it is not just for college then who knows your community better than you? You find the need. It should come from the heart and soul not lobbed to you by another person on CC</p>
<p>If your goal is medicine- and a tough specialty- it may be better to consider working in the med field now, not just with young kids in a recreational setting. Working at the hospital, even if it is in a starter vol position (even if it is with kids), brings you into contact with the professionals, policies and responsibilities, in that decision-making environment. Adcoms will see it as a step toward your career interests, not just an activity. Adcoms can like it when they see you testing your goals, taking on challenges relevant to them in way where you can learn more about your proposed future work. This benefits the others, but also you, as an individual, too. Good luck.</p>