My week 2 post about the RGK Center Summer Fellowship program is a bit behind, but I still intend to blog about each week of the program!
There has been so much going on in the past two weeks that actually finding a time to sit down and write has been challenging. However, the program has definitely been worth it. (If you didn't read my previous post, I am currently participating a summer fellowship program hosted at the University of Texas-Austin's RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service).
Every day that I'm here I am learning so much more about the nonprofit sector. I wish that more opportunities like this existed for doctoral students interested in nonprofits. It would be transformative for the field. Truly this has been a fantastic experience.
The other students in the program are amazing! They each bring a unique perspective to the study of nonprofits (some are interested in quantitative methodologies, others qualitative methodologies... some are interested in foundations, others in social entrepreneurship and leadership.... a varied mix of research interests).
I had only some-what known one other student prior to attending the program (thanks, of course, to Twitter and Facebook), and I am just so impressed that the study of the nonprofit sector is taking place from so many disciplinary perspectives.
The second week of the program was a continuation of research presentations (from the first week). The final three fellows presented their research.
- The first presentation (which was mine) focused on public confidence in the nonprofit sector, and factors that relate to favorable perceptions of the sector. This is a line of research that I have been studying for quite some time, and that I had become pretty "comfortable" with (to say the least). However, after getting feedback from everyone I have a renewed interest in the research and I'm actually thinking of taking it in a different direction.
- The second presentation focused on performance measurement and reporting in foundations. The student was interested in knowing whether or not recent regulatory policies had any impact on foundation activity.
- Finally, the third presentation was on corporate social responsibility particularly in the area of corporate philanthropy and giving programs.
Very interesting papers. Our sessions are always engaging and everyone provides such constructive advice. We are all learning from one another.
In addition to the classroom work that we do, we also go on outings as a group. We've gone to several different live music venues, western eateries, and country dance-halls. So, when I say that this is truly a unique fellowship program PLEASE believe me! It is simply amazing... hands-down.
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