LA Marathon

As 2011 comes to a close and we embark on new goals and aspirations for 2012 I would like to discuss the prospect of running a marathon.

Now, you may have read the title of this post and thought, This one is not for me, but give me a chance, you might surprise yourself. Let me preface this by saying, I am not a born runner. In fact, I almost failed PE in the 8th grade because I REFUSED to run a mile. And yet, even I was able to run and complete the LA Marathon in 2010. And let me tell you, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

If you are considering running a marathon, I suggest going to watch one first. This is what truly inspired me to sign up. I know it may seem odd to "watch" a marathon, but when you are standing on the sidelines watching thousands of people of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages, heroicly stride past you, you can't help but want to be part of that too.

Not only is running a marathon an incredible physical feat, but it is also a way to give back. This year the LA Marathon is supporting over 60 charities through its Run 4 Something campaign. This is an easy way for you to build support, awareness and funding for a charity of your choice. You can choose to sign up for the 26.2 mile marathon, or compete as a team in the Charity 2-Person Marathon. This is a new and excellent option for couples, friends, siblings, father/daughter, mother/son, any pair of people looking to get involved and get in shape! Each person completes a 13.1 portion of the run/walk and you work as a team to fundraise and gather support for your charity.

There are many wonderful charities registered for the LA Marathon this year, but I would like to highlight one charity in particular that has been involved with the LA Marathon's charity run since its inception: Child S.H.A.R.E. Child S.H.A.R.E. is a non-profit organization that provides safe and loving homes for abused and neglected children through foster care and adoption. Through recruitment, they are able to find families for children throughout southern California who otherwise would be displaced in group homes and foster care facilities. As one who believes in childhood as a basic human right, I believe this is an admirable and worthy cause. I also appreciate the sensibility of taking care of our own, and finding homes for children in our own community who need the love and support of family.

I urge you to learn more about this organization by visiting their website and consider the option of running 4 something in this year's LA Marathon.

Veterans Day 11/11/11

50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy delivered his first and only inaugural address. President Kennedy will forever be remembered for this speech and especially for these words: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your county can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." Today, as we honor the men and women who have worn, and currently wear America's uniform, I would like to echo JFK's sentiment, "ask what you can do for your country." I have often asked this same question to myself throughout my childhood, which has led me to my decision to serve in our nation's military. However, military service isn't the only way to answer JFK's call to service. The Peace Corps, an organization President Kennedy started, is another great way to serve our country. Understandably, many people I know are at a time in their lives where a drastic change like joining the military or Peace Corps is not plausible, so in spirit of Veterans Day, I've decided to write about a few organizations that help our nation's veterans and active duty service members.

Homes For Our Troops - This non-profit, non-partisan organization builds "specially adapted homes to our severely injured veterans at no cost" to the veterans we serve.

The Mission Continues - The Mission Continues is a non-profit organization started by Navy SEAL and Rhodes Scholar Eric Greitens. Greitens, now a Lieutenant Commander in the SEAL reserves, started The Mission Continues with his combat pay and his two friend's disability pay. The Mission Continues goal is to "build an America where every returning veteran can serve again as a citizen leader, and where together we honor the fallen by living their value through service."

USO - "until every one comes home." The USO's mission is to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families.

Operation Shoebox - This organization sends care packages to those serving overseas to help raise their morale and let them know they are cared for.

Today I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the service and security our country and veterans have provided, and take action to give back.

Dear Readers,

I apologize for my lack of posts in the past few weeks, I have had some pretty exciting personal and professions developments which have taken me away from my blog. I have tried to continue to provide inspiration and nonprofit news updates through my Twitter @nextgengiving, which I hope you have been following.

I have recently begun a new position as the Development Associate for a Los Angeles nonprofit. I am thrilled about this new opportunity and am enjoying continuing my philanthropic education. I am very much looking forward to sharing my experiences with you along the way.

Another exciting development with my blog is on its way as well. I have decided to incorporate some new contributors into the blog to expand the point of view and increase my ability to provide you with news and inspiration.

My first contributor will  be a close friend who constantly inspires and encourages me in my philanthropic endeavors. Without his encouragement I may have never had the confidence to start this blog nor stay committed to my goal of pursuing a development career. I hope you will enjoy his added perspective as much as I do.

Best,

Maria