Shared Effort Fall 2010 Edition

Fall 2010

Volume 13, Number 3

Community Volunteers Program Launches

Alumni from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s gathered in Washington for the Community Volunteers launch.

In This Issue 2

A Focus on Food

2

Individual Donors Shine in 2009-2010

3

PP55 Fellows at a Glance

3

PP55 Program Update

4

Changing the Atlanta Community: A Profile of Sara Deitch s55

5

Board Member Spotlight: Margarita Rosa ’74

6

Regional Updates

7

The Alumni Network in the Windy City

Visit Shared Effort Online to read this article and more! blog.alumnicorps.org

On October 13, Princeton AlumniCorps, in conjunction with the Princeton Club of Washington, held our first Community Volunteers outreach event in Washington DC, bringing together over 25 alumni for a rousing discussion around board service and how to best get plugged into the nonprofit sector. This event was a wonderful opportunity for the AlumniCorps community to engage a new group of Princetonians around our vision of civic engagement and leadership; it was a great

start as we begin to reach out to nonprofit organizations and identify their needs at the Board level.

Panelists Bill Richardson ’73, Dick Walker ’73 and Hilary Joel ’85 shared from their personal experiences working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector, and offered advice to alumni looking to lend their skills in a new way. As a precursor to the networking event Princeton AlumniCorps hosted November 15th with representatives of local nonprofits, this was a heart-

ening first step for Princeton AlumniCorps newest program! Board member and facilitator, Arthur McKee ’90, closed the panel discussion by saying, “I hold this organization as a sacred trust bequeathed to us, the younger generations, by a truly inspiring group of individuals. It is up to us to continue to carry and lead their legacy through programs like Community Volunteers.”

John Shriver, Program Director

A new program for alumni from classes in the '60s, '70s, and '80s:

Many nonprofits are deeply invested in their communities but lack the resources to fully leverage their vision. Likewise, many alumni have the skills and experience to make a real difference in their community--but have not been offered an opportunity to meaningfully give back.

Princeton AlumniCorps wants to change that.

Lend your time and your talent alongside other Princeton alumni volunteers.

To learn more, contact William Leahy ’66, President of Princeton AlumniCorps at wrleahymd@aol.com.

A Focus on Food Gordon Douglas ’55 and Sheila Mahoney are committed to communicating and helping to find solutions to the perils of industrial food production. They approached the Princeton AlumniCorps Board with a plan to help increase the number of fellowship placements focused on this important public health issue.

Here is an update from Gordon and Sheila on their work to bring attention and expertise to this issue through our fellowship program: Our idea for food fellowships was presented to the Board of Directors of AlumniCorps on September 25, 2010. The problem addressed in the proposal is modern industrial food production (“factory farming”) and its devastating effects on human health, the environment, and on animal welfare.

The marked rise in obesity and Type II diabetes plus sustained high rates of cancer and heart disease are directly attributable to modern food production.

With the goal of creating fellowships in this very important area we have been approaching nonprofit organizations that are working on making the facts clear, increasing public awareness of the issues and promoting sustainable alternatives. Fellowships may be focused in a variety of areas including public policy, science, public health, alternative agriculture initiatives, and advocacy.

Some of the most active organizations with whom we are in contact are Pew Charitable Trusts, Union of Concerned Scientists, Center for a Liveable Future at Johns Hopkins, Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Humane Society of the United States. They have all been very enthusiastic about the program. Additional organizations that have indicated interest include universities, health departments, foundations, state and community food programs, and more. One of the officers at the Pew Charitable Trusts called this the “new environmental movement.”

We plan to continue to email you with updates and we welcome your involvement.

Gordon Douglas ‘55 Sheila Mahoney

For more information, email project55@alumnicorps.org

Individual Donors Shine in 2009-2010, Despite Economic Recession Princeton AlumniCorps’ 2009-2010 annual campaign, led by volunteers and staff, raised a total of $192,123 from 331 individuals, an 11% decline from the previous year. However, events in celebration of our 20th anniversary were instrumental to bridging decreases in support. The gala and other anniversary celebrations across the nation raised a net total of $114,194 from 291 individuals to supplement funds raised from our annual campaign.

We are delighted to report that last year was a record year for gifts from new donors, with more than 130 individuals making a first time gift to Princeton AlumniCorps. A special thanks to all of those who made their first gift last year – we hope you will continue your support!

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The support of our individual donors also mitigated an immense decrease in foundation funding last year. We received $72,000 from foundations, a decrease of more than 50% from the $146,557 raised in the previous year.

Although we anticipate increases in foundation funding in 2010-2011, individual donors provide our largest source of support, and your help is critical to advancing the mission of Princeton AlumniCorps.

“We have the stalwart supporters from the Class of 1955 and the many donors from younger classes to thank for our success. In 1989 we were an organization envisioned and supported by members of one visionary Princeton Class. Since our inception, Princeton AlumniCorps has engaged donors representing 58 different Princeton

classes,” says Executive Director, Kathleen Reilly. “When you choose to give to Princeton AlumniCorps, you are not only supporting yourself, your community, and current Project 55 fellows and Community Volunteers.

You are bringing attention and social context to the good work of Princetonians of all ages, for many generations to come. Our impact in cities across the country is only made possible because so many passionate, dedicated alumni give.”

As we launch our new umbrella name, two exciting new programs, and a renewed commitment to engaging alumni of all generations, Princeton AlumniCorps is relying on your support! Make your gift count for the future of AlumniCorps and donate today!

Shared Effort

Project 55 Fellows at a Glance...

“Believe it or not, even pretending to be the Big Bad Wolf while playing with a 4 year-old girl at a Children’s Socialization Group every Thursday brings me all the more closer to answering such grand questions like “Could I really be a psychologist?” to such equally as important ones like “Does this voice sound wolf-like enough?”

- Alejandro Perez ’10, New York Center for Child Development “This has been and will continue to be a year of much personal and professional growth. I am learning to become more adaptable in terms of adjusting to a new environment, as well as taking on new tasks and responsibilities...The meaningful relationships I am making with students and staff continues to help me in my ability to relate to a wide range of people…”

- Jess Jardine ’10, Umoja Student Development Corporation “Last week, my mentor took me and another fellow to a Democratic National Committee event featuring Victoria Kennedy (the late Senator Ted Kennedy’s wife) and First Lady Michelle Obama. We had the opportunity to briefly meet Mrs. Obama, and of course, we excitedly informed her that we were fellow Princeton graduates and current Project 55 fellows…”

- Aditi Vasan ’10, Primary Care Coalition

Read their full stories on the PP55 fellows blog at pp55fellows.blogspot.com

Project 55 Fellowship Program Update The deadlines for the Project 55 fellowship program may be in December (3rd for organizations and 15th for students), but October and November are certainly the months to put things in motion. Area committee members have diligently been sending in organization contact information, students have been trickling in through our offices, and there is a steady stream of emails from people who want to know more. How does the process work?

How can they take part?

The first major applicant information event of the month occurred on the first day of the month: Friday, October 17st was Princeton Career Services’ General Interest Career Fair. More than 80 students stopped by the Princeton AlumniCorps’ Project 55 Volume 13, Number 3

table and filled out a sign-up sheet, including 74 seniors. The students had varying degrees of familiarity with Project 55 fellowships: from knowing just our name, to knowing current fellows, to knowing what organization they envisioned themselves at next year.

We also held an information session on October 12th that was well attended by approximately 40 enthusiastic students. Katie Ko ’09, Scott Welfel ’06 and Julianne Grasso ’10 spoke about their fellowship experiences in New York, Newark and Philadelphia respectively. We will be participating in three information sessions in November: a November 9th panel hosted by Career Services featuring staff from Princeton AlumniCorps as well as

Princeton in Asia, Princeton in Africa, and Princeton in Latin America; a panel event hosted by the Princeton Varsity Club aimed at reaching student athletes on November 16th; and a Project 55 fellowships information session on November 17th.

Alumni interviews with fellowship applicants take place in Princeton in January.

If you’re interested in helping to interview fellowship applicants or learning more, please contact Sara Gordon at project55@alumnicorps.org.

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Changing the Atlanta Community: A Profile of Sara Deitch S55 “What are you going to do with the last third of your life?” asked Ralph Nader ’55, with an intense, inquisitive look in his eyes. It was 1989 and an aging group of men and their wives sat staring right back; many pondered the question, but they had not answered it, “What could they do?” Leaning forward, Ralph Nader paused and slowly surveyed the room. In a low voice he said, “Create an alumni service organization.” It was a simple idea; but it struck a chord as each felt the electricity of excitement in the room. They could change the world.

Sara Deitch, wife of Milton Deitch ’55, felt the electricity too. But the idea was for the men. The women, mostly housewives, were not considered part of the big picture. It was not until months later, when the men realized that starting an alumni service organization required the expertise of women, much like their wives, that Sara was able to really smile and relish in the excitement of the idea.

After the mini-reunion in Washington, Milton and Sara Deitch both became part of the AlumniCorps community. They were proud Board members of the organization and for six years they trekked back and forth from their home in Atlanta to AlumniCorps in Princeton to attend Board meetings, where ideas flew like sparks.

In 1992, Bill Shafer ’55, another Board member, got her involved in service credit banking. Sara used the concept of service credit banking to create her own organization, CareShare Exchange, which helps senior citizens live independently instead of in institutional care. If a woman needs a ride to the doctor, a driver, whether older or younger, is available to drive her and then banks the hours, and in return the woman would offer another service such as making telephone calls to make up for the hours it took to Page 4

drive her. Younger volunteers banked hours into a community account where people could withdraw from without having to do anything in return.

Despite fundraising barriers, Sara is quick to say the program was successful. By providing services for Senior Citizens, Sara’s organization raised awareness within the Atlanta community about senior citizen life. Under her guidance, from 1992 to 2004 CareShare Exchange blossomed into a functioning senior citizen program that benefited not only the senior citizens involved but also the volunteers who participated. In 2004, the Atlanta Senior Citizens Services, another senior citizen community organization, was intrigued by what Sara had been doing and folded CareShare Exchange into their program.

Sara’s hard work for the elderly carried over to helping Princeton students in Atlanta. She ran the Atlanta Project 55 Fellowship Program in the 1990s, forming bonds with over 20 agencies

enjoyed building lasting relationships with the interns and fellows in Atlanta during and after their time working for non-profits in the area. Additionally, Sara built relationships with the support staff at Princeton AlumniCorps in Princeton, particularly Marjorie K. Berger, the late Princeton AlumniCorps administrator.

“The changes taking place now are wonderful because you can see the “Sara Deitch changed concept broadening to involve more her world and the world of the alumni…it’s evolving,” says Sara. Sara people she came in contact Deitch, in her own right, changed her with; thus fulfilling and world and the world of the people she came in contact with; thus fulfilling building upon the ideas Ralph Nader proposed in the and building upon the ideas Ralph 1989 Washington Reunion.” Nader proposed in the 1989 Washington Reunion. Twenty-one years later, Princeton AlumniCorps is still going strong.

“Awesome!” is the first word that for placements. “She is a visionary… comes to mind when Sara thinks about very determined,” says Milton, dePrinceton AlumniCorps; it is also the scribing his wife, “because of her I became involved in a lot of things that perfect word to describe her. What began in Washington has multiplied I wouldn’t have been involved in on across cities and across generations my own.”

The Deitch’s house became a home with the hard work of leaders like Sara.

Thank you, Sara Deitch, for your years away from home for many Princeton interns and fellows and they remember of meaningful service.

Sara’s kindness and generosity. She

By Krystal Hill ’11, AlumniCorps Intern

Shared Effort

Board Member Spotlight: Margarita Rosa ’74

Margarita Rosa, Esq. '74 has dedicated much of her life to the pursuit and promotion of social justice. As an undergraduate she joined other students in advocating, and planning for, the creation of the Third World Culture Center (now the Carl Fields Center) at Princeton University. As a student, and later as a member of Princeton's Alumni Schools Committee, Margarita recruited students to college from inner city schools in NYC, her hometown. Since 1995, Margarita has led a community-based, human service organization the Grand Street Settlement (GSS), located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Margarita has taught public policy/public administration and law to graduate students and has spoken extensively on subjects related to human rights, justice and equality, and inclusive diversity.

How/Why did you get involved with Princeton AlumniCorps? Did it surprise you to learn that Princeton AlumniCorps is a multigenerational organization?

Some years ago, I hosted a visit of Princeton Project 55 participants, including Board members, to the Grand Street Settlement, where I have served as the Executive Director since 1995. I have known of the work of PP55 and have interacted with a number of PP55 fellows over the years and have been impressed with their dedication and their service.

Last year, two members of the Board of Directors of AlumniCorps who are familiar with my work as a nonprofit Volume 13, Number 3

professional and former government official, asked me to consider serving on the Board. AlumniCorps seemed to be a place where I, as a Princeton alumna, could work with other likeminded individuals to encourage and support members of the Princeton University community interested in participating in public service and in affecting social change. In the summer of 2010, I was elected to the Board of AlumniCorps.

What’s the most important thing you look for when supporting an organization or serving on a nonprofit board?

Understanding and believing in the mission of the organization is of paramount importance to me. I also want to know who the professional (staff) and lay (Board) leaders are and how they carry out their leadership roles. I want to know whether the leaders are well-informed, inclusive, open to new What is your background regarding ideas and to new people. Are their innonprofits/volunteering? How have teractions with each other, and with the you demonstrated “Princeton in the organization’s constituents, respectful?

Nation’s Service?”

Is there transparency in the organizaMy engagement in volunteer activi- tion’s financial and programmatic ties began in elementary school where transactions? Are the organization’s I tutored young children from my own, resources – including its human resources (i.e. staff and Board) – used and other, underserved communities. wisely and in service of the mission?

While in high school I worked as a Red Cross volunteer and also served as Please discuss the importance of what Princeton AlumniCorps does an after-school program volunteer working with school-aged children at a for the Princeton community and communities across the country. school for the deaf and hearing impaired. During summer vacations I AlumniCorps gives alumnae/i the served as a summer day camp counopportunity to share their professional selor in a camp for deaf children. and personal experiences and expertise While at the Harvard Law School I with individuals and organizations that had summer internships at the Office can use their help and support. Volunof the US Attorney for the Southern teers also have the opportunity to learn District of New York and at the Puerto from the organizations in which they Rican Legal Defense and Education serve and from the individuals whose Fund – a civil rights organization – lives they touch. where I subsequently worked as a staff For 2010-11, AlumniCorps placed 51 attorney. I also had the privilege of Project 55 fellows. What would your serving as the NYS Commissioner of advice be for our newest class of Human Rights in the administration of PP55 fellows, and to those PrincetoGovernor Mario M. Cuomo. I began nians who are still looking for a job my work in government as General next year?

Counsel of the NYS Division of HuWhether you’re employed or looking man Rights and served as Executive for a job, don’t hesitate to use your Deputy Commissioner before being formal and informal networks, includappointed Commissioner. My work at ing classmates, professors, and alumni. the Division of Human Rights solidified my commitment to public service, Remember that demonstrating that you can “work and play well with others” advocacy, civic engagement and the makes you a valuable and respected pursuit of social justice. When the Cuomo administration ended, in 1995, member of a team and can lead to new I joined the Grand Street Settlement as opportunities and lasting relationships. its Executive Director.

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Regional Updates -BostonIn the Boston area, Princeton AlumniCorps is in full swing! The current class of fellows has attended seminars on careers in the public interest as well as education reform in Massachusetts. The Area Committee has worked to engage previous fellows and is now focusing efforts on recruiting new partner organizations. Tom Flynn, parent of Julie Flynn ’10, who is currently a fellow at the New York District Attorney’s Office, has joined the Boston Area Committee and is leading up the partner organization recruitment efforts.

Chicago Food Depository and heard from speakers such as journalist Salim Muwakkil, who discussed how the downturn has affected the African American community in Chicago. Starting in December, seminars will focus on education reform in Chicago. In other news, the Chicago -Bay AreaOur five fellows are very engaged in Steering Committee has been busy rethe work at their placements, including cruiting new placement organizations, hosting events to acclimate new felChristina Jones ’10 at KIPP Foundalows to Chicago, and planning a spring tion, who was able to catch an advanced screening of widely discussed event for PP55 alums.

Waiting for “Superman” which fea-Connecticuttures KIPP schools. Another Bay Area Connecticut’s two fellows Blessing highlight, Christina adds, is the popu- Agunwamba ’10 and Idil Kore ’10 are larity of orange and black after the San excelling at Norwalk Community Francisco Giants World Series win!

Health Center. Harry Berkowitz ’55 is On November 11th, the fellows atlooking to work with Larry Cross, the tended their first seminar at Stanford health center’s executive director, to entitled “Strategic Philanthropy: Get- organize a day-long Public Health and ting Results and Adding Value" along Civic Service Event for local Princewith TAN affiliates Harvard CPIC and ton alumni and the community.

Stanford SPIN fellows. Steve McNa-New Yorkmara ’55 and his wife Kay generously hosted a welcome dinner on November Kristen Smith ’03 writes, “We are thrilled to have 20 fellows in New 20th.

York this year. On October 6th, Steve -ChicagoHouck ’69 and Toni Houck held our Kristen Molloy ’08 writes, “The annual welcome dinner for the fellows weekly seminar program for 2010-11 complete with delicious Indian food.

Chicago PP55 fellows is off to a great We recently held a seminar at the Disstart. For the past two months, fellows trict Attorney’s office which was a have attended a series of seminars fo- debate between Peter Kougasian '76 cusing on the theme of "hard times" (Bureau Chief of Office of Special and how the economic downturn has Narcotics) and Robin Steinberg affected neighborhoods in Chi(Founder and Executive Director of the cago. During this series, fellows visBronx Defenders). We reached out ited organizations such as the Chicago to fellows from Harvard, Stanford and Coalition for the Homeless, the ChiDartmouth to participate in this debate cago Jobs Council, and the Greater Page 6

creating a lively discussion about the criminal justice system. We are looking forward to our Career Night on November 30th hosted by the Arthur Malman '64 P'96 P'03 and Professor Laurie Malman during which the fellows will have an opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals."

-PhiladelphiaJulianne Grasso ’10, fellow at Foundations, Inc. came to Princeton on October 12th to serve on a panel for an information session and encourage applicants to consider a fellowship in Philadelphia, as a key group of volunteers on the ground works to expand the program. This initiative is being led by Carol Rosenfeld ’05, who has been in touch with Chet Safian ’55 about growing a program.

-Washington, DCKate Lewis-LaMonica ’08 shares the following: “The DC Region was excited to welcome our largest cohort ever – 13 fellows. In July, the early arrivers gathered in Chinatown to meet the other fellows and local volunteers, and then again in August to volunteer together at Bruce Monroe Elementary during DC Public Schools Beautification Day. We finally formally welcomed the fellows at our orientation dinner in September: As tradition, AlumniCorps President Bill Leahy ’66 and his wife, Chris, hosted a wonderful dinner at their home. Fellows gathered for a September workshop, Career Reflection 101, and the most recent seminar, "Options in Your 20s," featured a panel of successful young professionals degree who spoke to the career choices they've made since graduating.

On the social front, volunteers and fellows have organized outings to farm festivals and community dinners to sprinkle fun into our fall calendar.”

Shared Effort

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Princeton in Chicago On June 9, 2010, alumni volunteers and fellows from the Project 55 Fellowship Program, the University of Chicago, and Northwestern University public interest programs attended the first annual Chicago PIP conference.

All three programs work together to provide fellowships in the nonprofit and public interest sector to recent graduates in Chicago.

The conference in June was a promising and helpful opportunity for all three fellowship programs to reflect on past goals and to plan for the future; it was a collaborative effort that pinpointed funding, alumni involvement, mentoring, program management, and program evaluation as common concerns. According to Vince Anderson ’65 – a mentor who now coordinates partner organization recruitment as well as working on seminars – it was the first meeting of its kind. By bringing the three schools together in a collaborative setting, each gained a better understanding of how to reach out in Chicago and in other major cities across the nation.

While the three schools each see civic engagement, social change, and community outreach as their programmatic focus, each school models different leadership and faces different kinds of challenges.

The University of Chicago Public Interest Program (UCPIP) started in 1999 as a volunteer program led by John Fish ’55, a founder of Princeton Project 55 and also an alumnus of the University of Chicago. Inspired by Project 55 fellows, and with the help of Fish, UCPIP modeled its fellowship program after Princeton AlumniCorps.

In 2005, two alumni and a faculty Volume 13, Number 3

critical to UCPIP’s handling of university bureaucracy.”

For Northwestern, the challenge is increasing alumni involvement. Northwestern, in particular, sees “social capital” as a key to its fellowship program. “Social capital,” said Stephanie Arias, a rising senior and student coordinator of the Northwestern program, is about “making connections” and bridging the gap between the University and the community, getting more involved. “We need to pitch to them [alumni] that it is not about money but about connections…social capital as opposed to financial capital.” Arias suggests that Northwestern must reframe the way they understand the city and their role in it as alumni.

By attempting to follow Princeton’s alumni-driven model without losing a foothold on their student-led approach, Northwestern has not lost sight of their school’s perspective. UC is sult, this collaboration has allowed the also moving in a similar direction.

University of Chicago and Northwest- Tom Berg, UC alum and chairman of ern to uniquely benefit from what UCPIP said, “The challenge is to adapt AlumniCorps has learned over its 20 [Princeton AlumniCorps] model within years of sustained impact. the culture of the university.” While Yet AlumniCorps’ independence Berg understands the looming chalfrom Princeton University and strong lenge of following AlumniCorps’ network of loyal alumni volunteers is a model, he also sees the opportunities. challenging model to recreate. Kelly The opportunity to connect with the Kleiman, a board member of UCPIP, city of Chicago – and potentially othtalked about the difficulties confront- ers cities – to build up their universiing the two Chicago schools: “We’re ties as civic leaders in the community all fighting university bureaucracy, is one that both schools do not want to handling it in different ways.” pass up. As with AlumniCorps, they Kleiman, also an organization reare determined to ground themselves cruiter, is concerned with UCPIP’s in a common mission for civic engageinability to reach out to smaller nonment, social change, and community profits because of inadequate funds. outreach.

Fund-raising, according to her, “is

By Krystal Hill ’11, AlumniCorps Intern advisor launched the Northwestern University Public Interest Program; a mostly student led organization and, in some ways, one also modeled after Princeton AlumniCorps fellowship program. After its inception, Northwestern joined the University of Chicago and AlumniCorps programs. This collaborative effort, the sharing of seminars and broadening of support networks, would come to be known as the PP55 Chicago Program. As a re-

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Princeton AlumniCorps Board of Directors R. Kenly Webster ’55, Chairman William R. Leahy, Jr., M.D. ’66, President Jessica D. Johnson ’98, Secretary Charles F. Mapes, Jr. ’55, Treasurer Thomas D. Allison ’66 Illa Brown ’76 Margaret Crotty ’94 Andrew Goldstein ’06 James A. Gregoire ’69 John D. Hamilton, Jr. ’55 Stanley N. Katz h’21 Katie Ko ’09 James D. Lynn ’55 Melissa Mazin ’91 Kathleen McCleery ’75 W. Arthur McKee ’90 Dominic F. Michel ’70 Kathryn A. Miller ’77 Paula Morency ’77 Ralph Nader ’55

Anthony Quainton ’55 Michael D. Robbins ’55 Margarita Rosa, Esq. ’74 Marsha Rosenthal ’76 Warner V. Slack ’55 Samuel T. Suratt ’55 Lindsay M. Wall ’02 Scott Taylor ’75 Richard E. Thompson ’55 Richard O. Walker ’73

Princeton AlumniCorps Staff Kathleen E. Reilly, Executive Director Carrie Diaz-Littauer, Administrative Assistant Sara Gordon, Project 55 Fellowship Program Manager Arti Sheth ’08, Development Officer John Shriver, Program Director, Community Volunteers

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