Internal employee networks, non-profit organizations in local neighborhoods, and social media interest groups all provide resources and advocacy that support a purpose. While a grassroot movement tends to have a political connotation, a generic view of grassroots (ordinary people involved in basic activities) may help the career development professional serve the client where they are. Enlarging a toolbox by adding resources related to grassroot communities enhances growth and you know what they say about green grass!
~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
FOCUS ON: Volunteering at the Grassroot Level
Whether an individual seeks to support a specific charity, engage in local activities while traveling, or work toward solving world problems, volunteering at the grassroots level can aid career development. Search for opportunities at Grassroots volunteering or Mobilize.
WHAT CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING ABOUT: Employee Networks
To aid career growth and engagement, career development professional Melinda DiBenedetto, M.B.A., CCSP, recommends that clients seek Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) within their organizations. The workers can gather with others on a shared characteristic, such as age, faith or culture, while developing skills, cultivating friendships and serving in leadership roles. “Being actively involved in an ERG can be beneficial to one's career journey” says DiBenedetto (2022, para. 8). Read more benefits and opportunities in DiBenedetto’s Career Convergence article.
COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY: Mentoring PhDs
A student-led career mentoring program serving as a national model of a grassroots, cost-effective alternative to traditional career pathway programs is a valuable resource for graduate students. Transformation from the bottom up follows eight-steps including self-assessment, career exploration and job search preparation through peer-to-peer support. View the project abstract and toolkit from Stony Brook University.
TOP TEN: Benefits of Community on Social Media
The Internet is a source of ideas, support, and collaboration opportunities, making online communities a worthwhile investment. One of the most obvious benefits is the professional community platforms’ ability to serve as a hub for networking, job opportunities and industry insights. Sharing resources while tapping into the collective knowledge of those in the community is another benefit. Read all ten from StatusBrew.
QUOTES
"There is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
“The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” ~ Henry Miller
#benefit #college #connection #collaboration #education #effective #engagement #growth #online #organizations #opportunity #purpose #social_media #student #support #transformation