I have a nonprofit status

I am still making progress on my dream. I have found that I am most productive when I give myself an opportunity to just think. Sometimes I don't even think I am actively thinking about my plans. I may not be sitting and thinking about the ECRI, but my brain is still processing the data.  I need more time to process all of the ideas that I am working on.  It is a lot different than writing research papers or even doing finance. If I don't give myself the time to process then I make less gains. If I give myself a few days, I can start fresh and get a lot of work done.
I heard back from the Albany Social Justice Center that they accepted my application to be a member. This means I will have the benefits of a nonprofit. How exciting! Today, I have a conference call with the director, Victorio Reyes, to talk about the details of the arrangement. I have also sent a few emails to other organizations. I also have been in contact with Albany Public Schools to see how we can best work together. I have a meeting with the ESL coordinator in August. In order for this dream to become a reality, the community needs to work together.  This is good progress. I have a positive attitude and realistic expectations for the organization. My next step is to begin to create my curriculum for my first class.

Congressman Paul Tonko cares about his community

Yesterday, I went to a free workshop sponsored by Congressman Paul Tonko. The workshop was about grants.gov and how to apply for federal grants.  The workshop was at SUNY Albany and it was a pretty big deal. The president of SUNY Albany was there as well as other community members. There were about sixty people there learning about grants.gov. I was impressed that the workshop was so organized. There were signs on the campus directing me where to go and park. It always can be intimidating when I am on a unfamiliar campus. The staff was kind and helpful.  Congressman Tonko strikes me as someone that really cares about the community and wants to help the people. It was very refreshing. He offers a lot of constituent services and encouraged us to reach out to him if we need help with grants or communication with government departments.
The grants.gov workshop was a good overview of how to register, navigate and apply. I have never used the website so I did learn about the process and tips to remember. I am happy that I went to the workshop and am very impressed with Congressman Tonko. He is offering more workshops and I plan on attending.

Amazing progress!

I have been very busy the past couple of days.  Sometimes I feel very happy about the progress I have made then within a few minutes I feel like I haven't made enough progress. I have heard this is common for people starting a new business. It really feels like an emotional roller coaster.  I have been emailing with different people in the Albany area and they have been supportive and have given some ideas.
 Today, I had a meeting with the Director of The Social Justice Center in Albany, NY.  I found out through our discussion that their organization helps grassroots organizations get started in the Albany area. The Social Justice Center offers different benefits to member organizations. For $25 per month, I have access to reserve their space to hold meetings or events, use their telephone, mailbox, fax machine, copier etc. Most importantly, they will fiscally sponsor my organization.
The Social Justice Center is a federally recognized nonprofit (501c3). They are able to receive tax-deductible donations and apply for grants. This means that I will be able to apply for grants and receive TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS through the Social Justice Center. By becoming my fiscal sponsor, they are responsible for the management of my funds and to make sure they are being used properly.
 In other posts, I have mentioned that this is my biggest challenge- becoming a  nonprofit. It is very costly and I need to have board members and community support in order to succeed.  I have found a way to delay paying these heavy expenses and to get donations and funding at the same time. Once I have a consistent group of classes and have a proven track record and community support, I can eventually become a nonprofit. I think this will be a smart move. I will conserve resources, work and network with other organizations and accomplish my mission! There have been a lot of organizations in Albany that started this way and are now on their own. By working this way, I can immediately start applying for grants and begin my classes. I will be able to focus on what's important- the refugees and immigrants education. I won't have to worry about taxes and financial reports...yet. I think I will be able to start in August! This is pretty incredible because I started this project thirty days ago. My dream is indeed becoming a reality.

We have a tax id!

This morning I went and registered my nonprofit in Renselaer County. I decided to register in Renselaer because I live in Renselaer and I am not sure where my exact location will be when I am starting out. If I need to, I can register the business in Albany. It was very easy and quick to register as a DBA. I am officially known as the Education Center for Refugees and Immigrants. I arrived at the County Clerks Office early and there wasn't a line. It took about five minutes! I paid $39 to register and get a certified copy so I can open a bank account. After, I stopped at a few banks to find out what kind of accounts they offer for businesses. I got home and applied for a tax id through the IRS. I did it online and it was super easy- they give me my tax id within seconds. Things are moving along. Donations are already being put to use. Thank you for your support! You can directly help me start the Education Center by donating at http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=4219&url=educationforrefugeesandimmigrants

A little bit of this

Happy Monday!  This week is a new week and it has started off nicely. Today wasn't a very interesting day, but it was productive. I mainly e-mailed different people about the Education Center. I set a meeting with another director of a nonprofit in Albany. I also got paperwork to file at the Albany County Clerks office. Over the weekend, I received a cash donation for our nonprofit and I need to make sure I keep all of the business funds separate from my personal bank accounts. Luckily, I am familiar with the paperwork and know what I need to file to open a business bank account because I used to work in finance in the banking industry. It is funny that I am on the other side now.  I need to pay $30 to file with Albany county and register as a DBA.  Every step towards my goal makes me very excited and confident that I will be successful. 
I am still looking for board members and I have gotten some good leads. Later on this month I will be going to a networking breakfast and I will meet some more people. Being new to the Albany area is challenging at times, but people are friendly for the most part. Generally, when people hear what I am working towards they are supportive and willing to help in different ways. I am happy that this week is a full week without any holidays. I am ready to work and make some more progress! To directly help me with this venture, you can donate at http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=4219&url=educationforrefugeesandimmigrants

Recruiting confidence

Starting a nonprofit is complicated. There are so many different pieces I need to coordinate in order to do this. One piece is hiring the tax attorney. Well, I can't hire a tax attorney without the funds to pay him. In order to get the funds to pay an attorney, I am working on getting donations from friends, family and community members through Facebook and my fundraising website at: http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?url=educationforrefugeesandimmigrants&fundraiser_id=4219. I need to apply for grants to get resources to start my English language programs. Well, in order to apply for grants, I need to get register my nonprofit... So, that brings me back to raising money to pay for an attorney!

 One of the first things I need to create for The Education Center for Refugees and Immigrants is my board of directors. According to NYS, the minimum number of board numbers that I need are 3. I have one person that is interested in being on my board. This leaves two more people to serve on my board.  I am not sure about who to ask.  Books that I have read about starting a nonprofit say that I should select people with different strengths in order to grow and succeed. There are a few different nonprofit/business networking meetings I am going to this month, but I need to make progress on this before these meetings. Once again, I tell myself, "slow and steady wins the race." There is no rush and it is important to have good board members in order to help my organization be successful.

I need to be able to show potential board members that I have what it takes to make the The Education Center succeed. I need to show that I have thought about what I am doing and that I have a good idea and plan. I have my business plan written out and feel confident about it.  I just need to show people who I am.

Slow and steady wins the race...

"Slow and steady wins the race." This is my motto that I need to repeat to myself throughout the day and especially when I lay in bed at night. Last night was the Fourth of July and I enjoyed the day with my husband. I love days like that- carefree, beautiful, summer days. Soon, however, night approaches and I begin to think about everything that I need to do followed by  pangs of anxiousness. Thoughts begin to race in my head. Insecurities begin to surface. It's an ugly cycle.  But, when I repeat "slow and steady wins the race," it reminds me that I am doing everything I need to and I am making progress. It's kind of funny that the Tortoise and the Hare make a difference in my life each day, but the motto is true.  I need to continue working hard and count my daily successes.
If I could choose to do anything for my job, this would be it. I am doing my "dream job." It is pretty  incredible that I am able to say that I am doing exactly what I want to do in life. I just need to remind myself that I need to start small and build up, Rome wasn't built in a day, and to keep going like the Little Engine that Could. Who knew I would be repeating phrases from my childhood books (thanks, mom!) 
So far, in two days we have raised $180 in two days. This is awesome and I know that we will continue to do well. Our goal is $3,000. Education makes a difference in our community and I am confident that my community and friends will support this important and necessary project. You can directly help by going to the link : http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=4219&url=educationforrefugeesandimmigrants

My Karen Grandmother- Nel Lay

I met Nel Lay when I was a student teacher at Delaware Community School in Albany. Nel Lay is originally from Burma and is Karen. In Burma, there are many different ethnic groups-Burmese, Karen, Karenni, Chin etc. All of the ethnic groups speak different languages and have different customs and beliefs. The Karen are a minority in Burma and many live on the border of Burma and Thailand.  Many Karen refugees lived in refugee camps in Thailand because they were being targeted by the government. From Thailand, they come to the United States as refugees. Many Karen were farmers and worked in agriculture all their lives. Most have never received formal schooling and may not be literate in their first language.
 When I first met Nel Lay I immediately noticed her smile. When she smiles, I can't help but smile back. Nel Lay did not really talk to me very much when I first started at Delaware. She would, however, sneak little peppermints or citrus candies into my hand. Soon, we began to talk during lunch. She would sit at one table and I would sit at another. I would always invite her to join me, but she politely refused. I later found out that it was a sign of respect. Nel Lay thought of me as The Teacher. In her country, Burma, teachers are highly respected and she was following her custom. So, we would sit at opposite tables and talk. Nel Lay would talk a lot about her country, the United States and God. I still do not know the extent of what happened to Nel Lay when she was in her country, but I know it couldn't be good. Nel Lay has four children and they all live back in Burma struggling to survive. She doesn't really talk a lot about her family because it makes her sad. I have grown close to her and think of her like a grandmother.

Today, I visited Nel Lay because I haven't seen her for a few weeks. She is one of the most caring and giving people I know. She has health problems and struggles in the United States. It is not easy for her, but she keeps smiling and tries her best. When I visit Nel Lay she is always very happy to see me. We don't always have a flowing conversation- in fact, sometimes we just sit and she pats my hand. I think love is a language and that's how we communicate, through love. Nel Lay is just one refugee who has made a difference in my life. 
You can help make a difference in their lives by donating at: http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=4219&url=educationforrefugeesandimmigrants

Fundraising to make the dream a reality

I have been working on this plan to start my nonprofit for almost a month.  Before I began researching about how to start a nonprofit, I really didn't know the ins and outs of how to start one. After talking with  people with experience and a tax attorney, I quickly found out that starting a nonprofit is complicated and I need money to begin the process. The first steps are to obtain a tax ID,  file articles of incorporation and create bylaws. This is where the tax attorney comes in. I want to make sure I do everything correct and hire an attorney familiar with the nonprofit laws so I do not have any problems in the future. 
The first goal I need to accomplish is to raise funds to create the nonprofit that will be called Education Center for Refugees and Immigrants (ECRI). I created a website that allows people to donate however little or much they want. The link is http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=4219&url=educationforrefugeesandimmigrants I also have been thinking about other ways to raise funds for this crucial first step. I have been boxing a few days a week at Schott's Boxing in Albany. I talked to the owner about helping support this cause and he was very receptive. I think in general small businesses and community members are willing to help because they care about their community and want to give back. The owner at Schott's boxing was willing to donate some boxing lessons, gloves and shirts. This gave me the idea of creating a silent auction in the community. So, here goes... I am creating a silent auction for a fundraiser! Iam going to contact local high schools to get their students involved  to help organize the event. They will learn about refugees in the process. It could be a community service project benefiting more than just one group- the silent auction will help educate the local community about refugees and immigrants, students may develop a new interest in their community and we will raise money for our cause.

Making new friends

I went to a Burmese community event last weekend. I was invited to watch a very important Buddhist ritual. A friend of mine named Zaw Min has a son and they were celebrating his son becoming a novice Monk.
I went to Rennselear, NY to a Buddhist Monestary. Looking on the outside, I thought it was an apartment building. Many would think it is an apartment if they don't spot the tiny sign outside in Burmese writing. I think it is very common for minority religions to "hide" their place of worship, especially if they encountered difficulties and persecution in their native country.
When I arrived to the Monestary I was greeted by many Burmese. They were very friendly and offrered me many different kinds of food- rice, fish soup, fresh vegetables, chicken, pork and fruit. They immediately found me a spot to sit and I shared a meal with them. They kept offering me food which is customary. I felt a little nervous while eating because I didn't want to offend anyone and I also don't speak Burmese so it makes it a bit difficult to communicate. Mostly though, I ate, smiled and thanked them for having me over. I was the only non-Burmese there and I felt honored to be there.
Soon after it was time for prayer and rituals. They meditated and chanted outside around the pagoda. Young children carried different items like clothing. It was a family and community event. The adults were encouraging the children to chant and there was a lot of smiling. I recognized some children and I ran over to say hello to them. I chatted with some parents and played with the kids.
Soon after, we went inside the monestary to pray again. The boys who were a part of the cremony had their head shaved by the Monks which symbolizes them becoming novice monks. There were about fourty people crowded on the floor watching the ceremony and praying. Even though I did not understand a word, I felt it and it was a beautiful ceremony.

Part of starting this nonprofit is creating relationships with the community and gaining their trust. The only way to do this is to learn about their culture and participate in their lives. Hopefully some of the people got to know a little more about me and we are becoming friends. Here is a picture from the ceremony (the monk is shaving the head).

I'm just like you...

The Beginning

It is 12:34 am and I was laying in bed thinking and planning about the nonprofit I want to create.  The vision is very clear in my head and I can picture the exact layout of how I want our future building to look. This has been happening for a few weeks now- laying in bed and thinking about creating a community education center for refugees and immigrants. Of course my dream building and location will take some time, but I believe my dream will become a reality. I am following the advice I tell my students- dream big and you can make it happen. I am living by those words.
My vision to create an Education Center for Refugees and Immigrants developed over the past six months. I casually thought about ideas and would mention what refugees and immigrants want and need to succeed in the United States, but I did not seriously think  about starting a non profit until I finish graduate school this fall. It wasn't until I was talking to an acquaintance about my background in business and my current passion- education for refugees and immigrants/ESL. I told her my ideas about what the refugee population in Albany needs and how I could help. I also said I might think about starting a non profit in the future. Her response was something along the lines, "why not now?" I thought about the idea for a couple of days and decided that the time is right.  Refugees and immigrants need my help now and there is no reason to wait. I have written out my mission, values and vision, started on my budget, talked to different people in the community and conducted a needs analysis.
My first and most important goal is to incorporate and actually become a nonprofit. Without becoming a nonprofit I cannot obtain grants or funding. This is where my fundraising page comes in. I need to raise money in order to pay a tax attorney to file and complete the paperwork. I am confident I will be able to achieve this goal, but on nights like this, I stay up wondering if I will really be able to do this.
I am going to  blog daily and tell you what I am doing to make my dream a reality. You will hopefully be following along on this journey reading about how an ESL teacher is improving the lives of refugees by creating an innovative education center.