Sharing To Learn: Inspired to Help (Part 2)

Below is Part 2 of our interview with Sharing To Learn Founder, Denise Ortiz.


1. Where would you like Sharing To Learn to be in five years?

I would love for the network of schools involved in our service-based learning program to continue to flourish. It is important to me to bring communities together so that they can learn with and from one another, bringing about a sense of understanding, respect and compassion. I also hope to have the support and funding to be able to build a state of the art, sustainable learning center for the Makuleke Community. The learning center, would serve as a platform for community development and would consist of four components: a spacious library, a technology center, an educational resource center as well as an art center. This learning center would give the village the infrastructure so that people could have the tools and resources to help themselves out of poverty.


2. What advice would you give someone who is inspired to start a
nonprofit?

My advice would be to welcome all of the help that people offer to you. Find a way for them to fit into your vision and allow them to be of service. I am only able to do the work that I do with the help of others.


3. How can someone get involved in your organization?

I welcome the support of anyone who is inspired by the Makuleke Community. Running a non-profit is a lot of work! The more help that I receive the better! I am always in need of people helping to network and fundraise - which could be simple events , such as lemonade stands, walkathons, hosting dinner parties, etc. I also love to accommodate people with an interest in traveling to South Africa and working driectly with the Makuleke Community.

6. What has been the greatest surprise thus far in getting Sharing To
Learn off the ground?

The greatest surprise has been the most lovely surprise: that by creating a non-profit organization, I was simultaneously creating a forum for a community of caring, compassionate and inspired individuals to come together and change the world for the better.

To learn more about Sharing To Learn or to get involved, visit: http://www.sharingtolearn.org/