The term "non-profit" does a disservice to itself

Fiction: Non-profits are places where a lot is discussed, but not much gets done. There's a lack of accountability and long-term strategic thinking. The charitable work non-profits do is critical, but the sector doesn't represent the epitome of efficiency or professionalism.

Fact:...

This week, President Obama announced a new summer service initiative: United We Serve. He is calling on all people - young, old, from across the country - to volunteer this summer, from June 22 to September 11. He states that the changes cannot come solely from Washington, but we need...

For thousands of Chicagoans being laid off from what once were steady jobs, it's the first time they've had to update their resume or remember decades-old interviewing tips they learned from their college career counselor. Job clubs have become popular, but when you suddenly find yourself at home, unemployed, spending...

While the government unleashes what the New York Times called its $789 billion of "fiscal firepower" in response to the nation's recession, women in Chicago last week unleashed their own firepower, in the form of a commitment to thousands of potential hours of volunteer service to area non-profits.

"I'm 67...

As the financial crisis continues without end in sight, many non-profits, especially those that provide social services, find they are being squeezed to breaking point. There's barely enough budget to continue providing regular services, much less hire more employees or expand services.

What many non-profits don't realize is there is...