Actually, you can if you have two!

Recently listed in Non Profit Tech 2.0 was their New 29 Favorite Nonprofits for 2012. In their top 2 for preventing high school dropouts was…Communities in Schools! (linked to their national office’s Twitter feed) It is a fulfilling feeling to know that I work with the amazing people in the North Carolina office and network of 36 local organizations. Its more than that – it provides me inspiration.

And today, one of the nonprofits I volunteer for, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network was named a Top 10 Nonprofit to Watch in 2012 by the Chronicle of Philanthropy! I mean how amazing is that!? Here in Raleigh, some great local young professionals and I have started the local chapter, YNPN Triangle NC, and its been an excellent experience.

Its taken the better part of twenty plus years for me to find these groups. But these organizations are amazing. And more importantly, these people that make up the parts of the astonishing work that occurs in those structured 501c3s. They are dedicated passionate people, they are family, and that is why they will make 2012 more than a great start.

And as the sun rises...

With the new year of 2012 closing in on everyone of us, I believe it is a good time to share of my efforts of “pulling forward” with the flipping of the calendar. It is a sincerely held belief of mine that the new year’s resolutions are not cliche. In my opinion the turning of the new year provides our species with the visible opportunity to set out personal and professional goals. While everyone makes resolutions, many don’t stick. So over time, its seen as a hollow promise.

It is my hope that these are not hollow – but inspire you to pick some things you want to achieve, for self, for happiness, for work, for love in 2012. I will be tracking all of these through the Happiness Project Toolbox (free to sign up) and keeping myself honest.

This year marks my 30th birthday on Earth. Its a pretty big milestone for me. Lots of change will be happening in my 30th, so its time to start really living these years in a better way than flying by the seat of my pants. Thus this is the motivating factor in this effort to not “push backwards” in 2012, but to “pull myself forward” to a better life.

Before we start check out this article (previously referenced on my Twitter feed) about the essential questions to ask yourself before you set out in resolutions. My favorite is #2 – is there concrete action to be taken? While that can be yes or no, the difficultly of that goal will depend on this factor.

Here we go, 12 goals for my 30 years!

• Volunteer with 12 new organizations in 2012 – 1 new one per month in the Triangle to get a better feel for the place I live.
• Read 20 books
• Participate fully in National Novel Month (November) – write a 50,000 word story in one month!
• Give up coffee for 1 month (March)
• Give up alcohol for 1 month (TBD)
• Give up meat for one month (January) – to live a healthier lifestyle, as much research shows the less meat the better.
• Blog on here and The View From Homeplate 1x a week
• Fundraise in a massive social media campaign #30×30 for 30 days and $30 donations each day for CISNC for my birthday in April (April)
• Plan a Date Night & $10 one-night outings each month with my sweetheart
• Visit 10 new ballparks (April – Sept)
• Hit the gym a minimum of 2x a week
• Call my immediate family 1x per month

Do you have any goals for 2012? Some continuing ones you strive for each year? Perhaps some new bolder ones? Please share, I would love to hear them!

Happy 2012! See you in the future!

When I started this blog a little under two years ago, I did so with the intention of solidifying my knowledge and understanding of a particular topic – nonprofits. However, this journey has now evolved into something so much more than just a place where I attempt (since I post 1x every 2 weeks) to speak about the social sector with some sort of statue. Instead I have found my social media experience evolving into a hands-on, full throttle interaction with some of the sharpest and deepest minds in the world.

And today I want to thank you all. While this list is not all inclusive, if you read this I highly recommend you follow this person/organization, as they are both inspiring and powerful. All the charities I list, or good deed organizations, I encourage you to donate and spread their word.

Again thank you.

Valerie Ardent, Taylor Overstreet, Earth Force, Jennifer Love, Brent Laurenz, Erin Timmermans, John Haydon, Ian Adair, Activate Good, Food Bank NC, CISNC, Leadership Triangle, YNPN Triangle NC, Gail Perry, Brianne Villano, Natalie Duggins, Yancy Scot, Bull City Forward, Amanda Rhode, Elyse Klova, Dara Goldberg, Rosetta Thurman, Allison Jones, Donna Cheek, Michael Chatman, Dawn Crawford, Jessica Schultz, Nick Savarese, Tony Martignetti, Nevin Daryani, Blair LM Kelley, Jen Newmeyer, Dan Blakemore, Liz Henry, Beth Kanter, Kelly Stonebock, Nathan Hand, Coalition to Unchain Dogs, Jessica Journey, April Northstrom, and Mandy Steinhardt.

For my journey to happiness – Gretchin Rubin and her Happiness Project & Benjamin Hill and his Ben’s Biz Blog.

Twelve years ago I entertained the notion of attending a Christmas play with a few high school friends in Greensboro NC. At such a young age I had no idea the weight in which that decision would hold over the rest of my life.

Also attending that play would be a young girl named Valerie from my school. We knew each other through the typical high school means – with my teenage taunts of her being late to class, and her throwing me into lockers with her overpacked book-bag of, well tons of heavy books.

To make a long story short – actually after an astonishing 12 years there is nothing to leave out. After that first kiss those long 12 years ago (which we still argue who kissed who), each day since has been better than the last.

We’ve attended new schools together (and rivals apart), moved to new states, made amazing new friends and kept close the old ones near to our hearts, and have helped countless people and animals together. Not to mention two loving and adorable dogs that we love more than anything.

But most importantly, each day we look forward to more days together. And the promise we sealed long ago to each day being happier, more meaningful, more fun, and better than the last.

I love you sweetheart.

With 2012 quickly approaching, I’ve found that 2011 was not everything I would hope it would be. Most of it was wasted time, unlike 2010 which was full of me really getting a mastery of my time and space. Instead I’ve found myself missing opportunities, and not achieving my goals.

I’ve volunteered far less. I did not reach my goal of reading 20 books (and found out some people I know read over 50 a year). I did not visit 10 new ballparks, only 7. I went significantly less to the gym. I did not get new layouts for my websites. And I did not even take up cycling with any real effort.

And on and on.

If anything this feels good. Its like a necessary purge and realization that I need to improve, and nothing is the way you want it without effort and persistance. Any steps you wish you took or would not take this past year?

I am ready to admit, 2011 was a great year. But 2012 will be even better. I am ready to fully pursue another year of happiness – in work, life, friendship, and through others.