Pittsburgh, PA USA
I was able to speak with multiple staff members of FSWP, and I was greatly impressed with the pride they took in their organization and how readily they pointed to the individuals they served as markers for success. FSWP is a well funded, diversified organization, and I can only hope that more individuals will recognize the tangible impact they have upon the many communities of Southwestern PA.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... The number of individuals served by their services, and the wide range of needs which this organization addresses
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... The executive director was friendly and easy to work with, and staff are positive about the work they are doing
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Down to Earth, helpful, compassionate, willing
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Make an even greater difference for individuals in need
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... More marketing to the general public to let people know the services which this organization provides
Pittsburgh, PA USA
Coro is challenging to review comprehensively because it encompasses so many different programs, and I am only experienced with one of these. So, I will focus my review on my specific experience. I am a current participant in the Fellows Program in Public Affairs 2008. The program places diverse leaders in various placements in government / non-profit / business, and then allows the Fellows to design their own placement towards the end of the program. The other aspect involves leadership development training provided by various members of the Coro Staff, and interviews with high-profile leaders in Pittsburgh. Though only in the program for less than two months, I have been impressed with my experience so far, and Coro staff have been helpful in developing our group dynamic (a major challenge) as well as assisting my individual progress. The access we have to leaders is incredible, and my placements so far have been rewarding in their challenge and opportunity. Coro itself seems to be undergoing a few personnel changes, but the programs are seemingly unaffected by this retooling.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... Past Fellows and Public Allies who are now active leaders in various sectors of the Pittsburgh community.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... Direct access to decision-makers; Placements which provide an opportunity for a great impact in a short period of time;
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Staff challenges participants to ask the right questions; friendly work environment; passionate about Pittsburgh; respectful and careful not to allow opinions or ideology to inform learning opportunities
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Create and maintain more programs; become a public policy clearinghouse to inform Pittsburgh decision-makers
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... Still not done, but I would enjoy if the placement periods lasted longer per sector
- If I ran this organization, I would... Create an opportunity to develop more participant-created projects into published articles or studies
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Like any nonprofit, finding a sustainable long-term funding source; many participants leave Pittsburgh