The Non-Profit Struggle

 

I commenced my internship with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a medical research organisation dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.

 

I have been a volunteer with JDRF since 2013 and throughout this time, additional to my internship experience, I have gained some valuable insight into the working world of non profit organisations.

 

I have outlined below a few of the most prominent realisations I’ve come across during this time.

 

 

1. These people are life savers.

Although JDRF is a global organisation reaching as far as the UK and US as well as across Australia, the WA branch consists of literally two people.

Enter Kari & Jack, a dynamic chalk & cheese duo who pull every single event and campaign together throughout the year.

I’ve watched Kari (WA Development Manager) and Jack (WA Development Coordinator) every week organise back to back fundraising events, campaigns, guest speakers, accounts, program and web design – you name it! Anything from accounts to event coordination to fitness warriors, they are it.

 

Sure, they get paid, but the heart and soul these two put in every day at the office for the greater health of those diagnosed with type 1 is ferociously admirable. Their selfless over commitment is a seldom trait to be seen in an office environment. Not only do they work full time, they both attend extra curricular meetings, present at weekend fundraisers hosted by members of the community, travel to regional events, and are involved in getting the Youth Leadership Committee for young professionals a foot off the ground.

 

The astounding results and fundraising figures they manage to bring in at the end of every event and campaign are a testament to their hard work.

Not only this, the money they help to raise directly goes to fund research projects (many of them in WA!) to save the lives of children suffering from juvenile diabetes and ease the complications associated with the auto immune disease.

 

 

 

2. It’s real!

I’ve spend my fair share of time conducting cold calls to hotels, schools and businesses regarding getting on board a fundraising campaign or for even simply raising awareness for type 1 diabetes and the lifelong complications it entails.

 

Unfortunately, as with many issues that crop up in life, many people seem to take on an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ attitude. It can be a gruelling process breaking through this barrier to present to the wider community this disease is affecting the youth of today, right now! The statistics at the moment present 6 six children are diagnosed with type 1 every day in Australia alone.

The effects of the disease are life long, and have only management methods of assisting to control blood sugar levels. There is no cure, and no time for the body to truly switch off.

 

Type 1 diabetes, although it may not be as easily identifiable as a broken bone or physically shown ailment, it is very apparent, and it is very real for the thousands of families in WA adapting to a lifestyle to accommodate for type 1.

 

3. The level of rejection vs. donations

Throughout my internship with JDRF, I collated information and made calls to in excess of approximately 400 business, hotels and/or schools to assist with fundraising campaigns.

Although many had a fundraising or community development budget which was already allocated to another charity or fundraiser, there were still a majority who couldn’t take on a campaign or place a donation for other unknown reasons.

This is of no one’s fault or to anyone’s professional detriment, but it has a huge impact on the availability of research funds for JDRF.

 

The tireless efforts of constantly trying to gain support from the community is taxing, but when those shining stars come through, my oh my do they make a difference and JDRF are forever grateful.

 

4. It’s tough; You must be tough; Those diagnosed are even tougher

The non-profit industry is such a competitive industry now, with many varying causes and considerations requiring funding.

It’s a tough egg to crack, it’s a tough barrier to break through and make a difference.

It requires perseverance, a lot of patience, a lot of compassion and a great deal of tough skin to handle the setbacks.

But after seeing this determination, and then witnessing the community spirit and support backing the JDRF cause, you realise it is all worth it, and those living with type 1 are the ones with the thickest skin and strongest will.

 

Natalie Robb