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I'm wanting to start a nonprofit organization, but have no idea where to start. (self.nonprofit)

submitted ago by giggidywarlock

Here is some background. I am a 22 years old, a Christian, and a gamer by hobby. However, one of my biggest passions is social justice. Specifically, something I want to contribute to putting an end to is human trafficking. There are over 27,000,000 people around the world who are trapped in human trafficking. 80% of them are in the sex trade. This means that there are girls, some as young as 4 years old, who are taken from their homes and sold to be raped by multiple men on a daily basis.

What I believe is that by raising awareness, we can all put an end to this evil. What I plan to do is establish a nonprofit that specifically targets the gaming community, that will inspire gamers around the world to join in doing something to stop this disgusting injustice.

How would I get this started? What are some things I need to know first hand in order to get this idea into a reality?

Any information helps.

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[–]jwheelinator 6 points7 points ago

To be honest, it might be more effective to propose your idea to organisations that already raise awareness about human trafficking, and through them set up this program. Starting a not for profit from scratch - especially when there are others out there with the same goals - can be incredibly challenging and inefficient. If you have a great plan then it can make all the difference to have an already reputable organisation with resources (and finances!) to back you. They'll also be better qualified than most to tell you the challenges relating to your ideas.

[–]AnasaraWoyyo 2 points3 points ago

Like wheelinator says, it can "incredibly challenging" to start your own nonprofit. But the point that I would like to emphasize is that it is not a good use of resources, and can be redundant to the point of actually doing LESS good than supporting an existing organization. First priority should be to get educated on the issues behind trafficking: are you looking to work with locally, nationally, or internationally trafficked individuals? From what sector of the population for what purpose (sex, labor...)? It is an extremely broad issue, and you need to have a specific focus to make a difference.

Volunteer with an existing org, get a job with an existing org, hold a fundraiser in support of an existing org that is working on a project you are passionate about (with their knowledge and approval), inform others about the facts of what you are learning. I highly recommend against starting your own nonprofit, particularly for someone with no experience in that sector.

[–]papillon24 1 point2 points ago

I agree with other posters. Really, you are better off using your efforts to support a nonprofit that is already in existence than starting a new one, because there is a really good chance that the type of work you want to do is already being done by someone else...and if community awareness is what you want, helping an organization that is already doing something will truly be adding to the goal. You can talk to existing organizations about what you want to do, and see if there is place within that organization for you and your specific goals.

Also, nonprofits are not easy and while sometimes it seems like there is plenty of money and support and volunteers, there never is. To be successful, you have to get bigger, and to get bigger, you have to have money, and to have money you have to be successful...it's a circle. Many many startups nonprofits fail within their first year. There a many federal and state compliance issues that have to be dealt with ( and often times paid for). You could spend a great deal of time and energy creating an organization, only to find that you have committed so much of your own money into the project that you come up short of being able to provide actual services or outreach for your project.

[–]profoak 0 points1 point ago

You need to know a lot. Do you have a background in Non-profit administration?

[–]giggidywarlock[S] -1 points0 points ago

No. I'm in school to be a youth minister if that counts.

[–]profoak 0 points1 point ago

I would focus on the following.

  1. What is your goal? Not a broad goal, but a tangible goal. (e.g. raise x amount of money for y group, organize Days of Action to have people talk to their legislators.)

  2. How are you going to interact with gamers in a different way than they already are being interacted with?

  3. Sex trafficking is not an awareness issue in the same way that hunger is not an awareness issue. You need to have an action to go with your ask. You don't want to be the R(ed) of your issue do you?

  4. Why should people give money to your group or participate in your cause over other groups? Money is finite and so it is competitive to get the cash that is out there. Your perspective donors are going to want to know that you are not going to lose your passion for this after 6 months.

  5. You need business experience. I would suggest working for other groups in this issue at first.

[–]redditforgoodnerd 0 points1 point ago

Awesome. Were you at the justice conference?

What will you do that will inspire the gaming community? It sounds like you have a goal, but no plan. That's okay, but it's hard to give you advice yet outside of: come up with the hook that will get gamers involved.

Once you have the hook, then we can focus on the rest of your question, "how do I get started."

Separately, there are lots of needless nonprofits. Why not throw your weight behind one that's good?

To inspire you on the hook: Read more about what this guy has done: http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/06/20/video-game-icon-athene-explains-how-he-raised-a-million-dollars-for-africa/

The biggest thing you might do is call Athene and get him to do one for the trafficking. Even if its not your name, you did something to change the world. Maybe get him to partner with the international justice mission. I know folks there, if it ever comes in handy. But you'll need your hook and your plans in order.

[–]giggidywarlock[S] 0 points1 point ago

I was not. To answer your question about plan I have thought about it a little bit. I would partner with a healing house in Cambodia called Rapha House and I would send all proceeds there. To spread the word I would have booths at conventions such as BlizzCon and PAX where I would sell t shirts with 100% of proceeds going to rapha house. I would also talk to companies such as Razer about advertising so that I could get more awareness out there. Finally, I would have a website that has a livestream where I stream 27 hour gaming binges and encourage others to join me.

I know who Athene is. He's a cool guy. Mad respect for him.

[–]susinpgh 0 points1 point ago

Profoak made some very good points, especially about working with a non-profit before you try starting your own. You might be able to get your basic idea up and running as part of their existing program.

One thing that I've noticed about launching organizations is the importance of strong board members. These folks can be passionate, and can also help to fill out your skill gaps. I would spend some time making contacts within the general community.

[–]twelve88 0 points1 point ago

Check out Drucker's Managing the Non Profit Organization, too.

http://www.amazon.com/Managing-Nonprofit-Organization-Peter-Drucker/dp/0060851147

[–]taa 0 points1 point ago

I agree with the other posters.

You could also think of some sort of corwdfunded project, rather than setting up an organization, using something like Start Some Good.