NGO Education Survey

SASS 284 The Impact of "-ism"s:  Oppression, Privilege, and Inequalities in Society

Privilege flings open the doors of opportunity in a multicultural society. Oppression jams those doors tightly shut. This course provides students with understandings of how oppression and privilege operate in a multicultural society to restrict the life chances of minority and disenfranchised group members. Increasing knowledge about the nature and dynamics of oppression and privilege are fundamental dimensions of the ability to value a diverse world. This undertaking requires self-assessment and reflection on discrimination, oppression, and privilege as components of individual awareness. Such insight will help students to live, work, study, and play well with "others" who are culturally different from themselves with respect to race/ethnicity, religion, class, gender, sexual orientation/gender identity, ability, and age. Beyond increasing respectful social interaction, it is hoped that students will be motivated to work towards dismantling systems that perpetuate de-valuing, exploitation, marginalization, and violence against members of subordinate groups. Major consideration will be given to structures of oppression and privilege related to racism, classism, religious bigotry, sexism, heterosexism/transgenderism, ableism, and ageism. Note: A student cannot receive degree credit for both SASS 284 and SOCI 349.

SASS 367 - Poverty, Wealth Building, and Social Entrepreneurship

With poor communities and individuals across the world aspiring for higher standards of living and quality of life, monolithic development strategies are proving to be insufficient. Microenterprise and social entrepreneurship are among the latest strategies for poverty alleviation. New strategies that are grass-roots, multi-dimensional, entrepreneurial, and engage stakeholders as partners are gaining ground. They seek to fundamentally transform the roles and relationships of the stakeholders in the economy. While social entrepreneurship is revolutionizing the practice of development work, the micro-enterprise sector plays an important role for some of the poorest sectors of society who gain employment, connection to the market, and opportunities for innovation through it. In this course, we will examine social entrepreneurship, the change it brought about in how development is viewed, conceived, and implemented. Some of the examples that will provide core content include economic development strategies that promote asset building among the poor; Mandragon in Spain (and other similar institutions from across the world), Greyston Bakery (and other similar examples from around the United States) and Evergreen Cooperative (and other relevant local examples).

SASS 369 - Social Networking and Community Organizing in the 21st Century

his course will examine the changing nature of place, given increased mobility and diversity in communities within the United States and the emergence of a truly global economy and communication network due to the revolution in information technology. Community itself is being redefined as many members of society consider their most important relationships are primarily virtual in nature. The forms of engaging citizens are also changing as old models of community organizing give way to new approaches that focus on connectivity through social networks. This course will examine various new approaches to engagement, from political or campaign organizing to social networking around mutual interest to mobilizing people for a cause. We will examine the Obama presidential campaign as an example of a new mobilization strategy that emphasizes choice, flexibility, value, and the ability to influence through organic informal networks. The course will also explore case studies, such as network centric organizing as developed by Bill Traynor and Lawrence (MA) Community Works. Special attention will be given to controversial efforts criticized by the right or the left, such as the ACORN voter registration initiative. Students will also explore the changing nature of community in Northeast Ohio and how this new approach might lead to social change and economic development for greater Cleveland.

SASS 405 - Nonprofit Ethics & Professionalism

This course is an application of ethical frameworks and analysis to nonprofit organizations. Using cases and essays, the course will help nonprofit managers become better equipped to address ethical problems and dilemmas in their work in the following areas: ethics of boards, ethics and leadership, ethics and organizational culture, professional ethics, and ethics and fundraising.

SASS 407 - Nonprofit Revenue Planning and Development

Revenue strategy and development are critical in advancing the mission and core work of a nonprofit organization, and are among the most strategic responsibilities held by an executive director and his/her board. Nonprofits face a myriad of revenue options which could be pursued but each of these has implications for how the organization advances it mission and its sustainability. The course will examine how to assess these revenue sources and evaluate how they can contribute to an organization's overall financial vitality.

SASS 409 - Nonprofit Strategic Planning

This is an integrated practicum designed to provide "hands-on" experience in planning for, designing, and conducting strategic planning in nonprofit organizations. Students will learn to assess organizational readiness, facilitate the design of strategic planning processes, create a variety of approaches involving key stakeholders, and finalize a planning design suited to organizational culture.

SASS 410 - Nonprofit Databased Decision-Making

Nonprofit leaders face a wide range of data needs and opportunities to use data to inform strategy and practice. This course is designed to give students a working knowledge of data analysis, statistical concepts, research designs for program planning and evaluation, and techniques for problem solving. By exploring a continuum of decision making opportunities in the nonprofit sector, the course will present methods and frameworks for collecting and interpreting data to inform organizational action.