Scribing a new chapter for others

Sep 15, 2023 • 2 min • Non-profit

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”

In the realm of volunteering, I've found a home at Changing the Present, a beacon of hope in the non-profit universe, aptly dubbed the "Amazon.com of the non-profit world" by The New York Times. This journey has been nothing short of transformative, a tapestry woven with threads of learning, impact, and a profound sense of purpose.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to volunteer as a data science intern at Changing the Present. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Robert Tolmach, Changing the Present is revolutionizing charitable giving by making it easy for donors to directly fund specific projects at non-profits around the world. Working directly with him has been a privilege beyond measure. It's not just about the data; it's about understanding the heartbeat of this organization, feeling the pulse of its mission.

A significant portion of my days is spent navigating the world of spreadsheets, unearthing insights, and aiding Rob in charting the course forward. It's remarkable how something as seemingly mundane as Excel can be the canvas for so much change. Each row and column tells a story, each formula a potential for impact.

Yet, it's not confined to cells and formulas. My AI/ML expertise finds its wings here, soaring beyond the confines of data points. It's about envisioning a future where Changing the Present's reach stretches far and wide, where more hearts beat in rhythm with its cause. It's about strategizing, innovating, and finding novel ways to recruit more warriors for this noble battle.

In this journey, I've come to understand that volunteering isn't just about giving time; it's about investing in a vision, in a shared dream of a better world. It's about making a vote for the kind of community we want to live in, not just once a year, but every single day.

Here are some of the key takeaways from my volunteering voyage:

The Power of Data: In the world of non-profits, data isn't just numbers; it's the compass that guides decisions. Every data point holds a clue, every trend a potential insight.
The Human Element: Beyond the spreadsheets and algorithms, it's the people that fuel the engine of change. Rob's dedication is a testament to the impact a single individual can have.
The Ripple Effect: Volunteering isn't just a singular act; it's a stone cast into a pond, creating ripples that touch lives far beyond what we can see.
The Joy of Purpose: There's a unique joy in knowing that every analysis, every insight, contributes to a cause larger than oneself.

As I pen down these thoughts, I'm filled with gratitude - for this opportunity, for the lives touched, and for the journey that's only just begun. In the tapestry of volunteering, each thread counts, each stitch matters. Together, we weave a narrative of change, one data point, one insight, at a time.