Table of Contents Title Page Copyright Page Acknowledgements Preface Introduction PART I - An Idealist Is Born Chapter 1 - I Want to Help, Where Do I Start? Chapter 2 - Nonprofit Basics Chapter 3 - Where Do I Fit In? Chapter 4 - ALL Experience Is Relevant PART II - Taking Action Chapter 5 - Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering Chapter 6 - Everything You Need to Know About Board Service Chapter 7 - Everything You Need to Know About Personal Philanthropy PART III - Idealism at Work Chapter 8 - Everything You Need to Know About Changing the World Through Your Workplace Chapter 9 - Everything You Need to Know About Corporate Social Responsibility Chapter 10 - Changing the World and Getting Paid to Do It Chapter 11 - The Search Conclusion Appendix A Appendix B - Additional Resources on Idealist.org Additional Reading Endnotes Index Praise for The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World " The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World helps idealists of all ages assess and identify their interests and motivations, and provides the tools, strategies, and inspiration to become engaged and active citizens." -Jon McConnell, Associate Director for Public Service Education, Haas Center for Public Service, Stanford University "Archimedes, the Greek mathematician, said, ''Give me a lever and a place to stand and I''ll move the world.'' This book is a timely primer on what our own lever might look like, and where we should put it if we wish to change the world. Given the explosion of interest in trying to make a difference-through offering time, talent, or treasure-this book provides compelling, easy-to-follow guidance on how to turn good intentions into effective world-changing actions." -Kevin F.

F. Quigley, President, National Peace Corps Association "At once practical and inspirational, this book asks the simple but penetrating questions: Are you an idealist? If so, what are you going to do about it? A must-read for anyone interested in making a difference, changing their life and community-in short, building a better world." -Patrick Corvington, Senior Associate, The Annie E. Casey Foundation "This has to be the single best book for those who want to translate good intentions into action. It clearly presents the myriad ways in which each of us, regardless of our age, resources, or preferences, can have a positive impact on our community. Whoever you are, whatever you are doing, this book will empower you to help make this world a better place. A must-read for idealists everywhere! " -Bill Alberta, Associate Director, Cornell Career Services "This book provides invaluable advice by helping readers reflect upon their dreams for building a better world then find ways to turn those good intentions into action. Its tone is refreshingly non-ideological, non-preachy, and just plain practical.

I would highly recommend this book to individuals of all ages, as well as to university and community libraries." -Bill Nolting, Assistant Director of Education Abroad, University of Michigan International Center "The concept for this book is so heartwarming. It tugs at, tempts, and thrills the idealist in all of us. With so many examples of ways to invest time, talent, and dollars, it underscores the idea that anyone can help make the world a better place. As with any good guidebook, you will find yourself marking it up and referring to it often." -Linda Wiener, Aging and Workforce Consultant, Wiener Training and Consulting Group "Idealist.org''s website has been a powerhouse of information and knowledge for more than a decade, and this new book captures and shares those resources with anyone who has ever hoped to ''make a difference.'' Not only do the explanations make the nonprofit sector accessible, but the emphasis on using solid career-education tools, such as self-assessment, research, and networking, ensures identifying and finding a perfect fit for using one''s skills, time, or resources to build a better world.

This book should prevent the idealist in anyone from becoming a pessimistic realist." -Beth Olson, Associate Director, Center for Career Education, Columbia University "Idealist has taken another step toward removing the barriers between bright ideas and good actions, empowering people of all ages and talents to contribute toward building that better world." -Lynne Schuman, Director of Career Services and Alumni Affairs, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota "From donating money to exploring corporate social responsibility, this resource will engage all who want to create a better world. It goes beyond other volunteer resources by discussing ways to contribute in nonprofit and for-profit organizations, in the workplace as well as through volunteering. The creative suggestions for involvement offer a fresh look at civic engagement." -Andrea Smith Shappell, Assistant Director, Center for Social Concerns, University of Notre Dame "An absolute must-have for any college career adviser! This book provides the needed tools to enable students and alums to explore options in nonprofit from volunteering to making career changes. The in-depth materials in this book provide keen insight into motivation, self-knowledge, organizations, resources, and much more. This is a much-needed resource.

" -Greg Hatch, Assistant Director, The Career Center, University of Illinois " The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World offers an often overlooked message that you can contribute to the nonprofit world in many ways beyond direct service. There is great information about how to contribute your time, expertise, or money through volunteering, board service, and philanthropy, whether you work at a for-profit or nonprofit organization. This book conveys its message in an inspiring, no-nonsense style and provides a concrete roadmap to help you move from good intentions to actions. I highly recommend it." -Joseph Du Pont, Esq., Director, Hiatt Career Center, Brandeis University " The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World shows us how to make a difference in unconventional ways.

It opens the reader''s mind to overlooked talents and forgotten passions and inspires action. The most empowering message from the experts at Idealist.org is that building a better world through taking action is possible, no matter how small that action may be. This is a provocative yet practical guide for readers to uncover their passions and skills and use them to make a difference, not only for others but also for themselves." -Linda Arra, Director, Career Services, Lafayette College "For anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the world, I can hardly think of a more excellent resource. This book is a very practical guide to putting one''s desire to help others into action. Whether through gifts of time, talent, or treasure, this marvelous work provides a roadmap for taking concrete steps toward enhancing the lives of others." -Jim Lindsay, Executive Director, Catholic Network of Volunteer Service "Designed for those looking to make positive contributions to society, this book leads individuals through a process of self-assessment by encouraging them to think about the issues that matter most to them, as well as their experience, skills, and limitations.

Filled with valuable resources, this is perfect for the individual who has always wanted to give back but never knew where to start. Start by reading this book! " -Rebecca Zirm, Director of Recruitment, Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations "For those who find themselves asking the question, ''How can I make a difference in my community?'' The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World is an excellent place to discover some answers. This is the best resource for living a life of action that makes a difference. I know of no other resource that packs so much practical information for those who seek to contribute to the common good." -Scott Hudgins, Assistant Dean, The Graduate School, University of North Carolina at Greensboro " The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World is an outstanding resource for anyone who wants to make a difference but is not sure how to begin. This down-to-earth, highly informative book is useful both to beginning job seekers and experienced professionals considering a career change.

I highly recommend this book." -Dee Thompson, Director, Career Center, Portland State University A PERIGEE BOOK Published by the Penguin Group Penguin Group (USA) Inc. 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England Penguin Group Ireland, 25 St. Stephen''s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) Penguin Group (Austr.