Importance of Community Outreach

As a way of gratitude for their success and compassion for those around them, many large companies serve their community through different events and services.  Community outreach, though not essential for the survival of a business, encourages generosity in the company so they can use their wealth to bring together a struggling community.  Although larger, more developed companies may spend money on outreach projects, it is becoming evident that wealth is not a prerequisite to serving your community.  In reality, it is possible to serve the community without the exchange of money, allowing small businesses to give back as well. 

Tutors for Tots is a great example of how the size and age of a company does not need to be a hindrance in community involvement.  This young business is establishing a mentorship program at Beach High School, a school in Long Beach for high school students who are missing credits.  As a part of their outreach project, Tutors for Tots is finding students at CSU, Long Beach who are able to serve at Beach High School for academic credit.  As mentors, these college students will help these high school students with their school work and encourage confidence in academics.  This project is allowing Tutors for Tots to serve the community, providing additional assistance for the students at Beach High School, and allowing CSULB students to receive academic credit for meaningful work.  

No money needs to be spent for this community outreach project to be successful and all three groups can benefit from its establishment.  Tutors for Tots' work at Beach High School is simply one example of how wealth and size are not always necessary to serve your community.  Even small businesses have their own specialities and talents, they just need to find away to use what they already have to serve the people around them. Giving back to the community may not always be free, but I guarantee you will always gain from whatever you lose. 

How-To Culture

By Mackenzie Ammirato|Ed Enterprise|January 22,2014

Where do you go to find the answer to a question? Years ago, people researched information at the library, newspaper, or even turned to the wisdom of those more experienced. However, as technology is becoming available to more people, our questions can be answered with ease with just the click of a button.  I have realized that often when I ask someone a question, they respond, "I don't know - Google it." The fact that "Google" has become its own verb further emphasizes the impact of technology on the sharing of information.

When trying to learn life skills from the internet, we mostly search "How to [anything]", and many sites, blogs and forums will appear that give you instant answers to life's daily struggles, no matter how mundane or critical they may be.  However, many of these informational posts are extremely worth while, especially in the world of education.

Many teachers enjoy learning new methods to help their students understand challenging topics that are often difficult to grasp with traditional teaching methods.  Dupe Aleru has partnered up with eHow, the ultimate place to go for "how-to" information.  Whatever you are trying to learn, no matter how far fetched it may be, eHow most likely has an article about it.  As a teacher, tutor, author, and business owner, Dupe Aleru has developed effective ways to teach challenging topics to students in a way that is easier to understand.  Her unique perspective was recognized by eHow, so they filmed many educational "How To" videos of Dupe for their site.

Because of their success on eHow and YouTube, Dupe Aleru has been featured on Demand Media: Content Solutions for her educational videos. Congrats Dupe! It is always exciting to have your talent recognized on such a large scale. Next time you are learning for the internet, no matter what it may be, take a moment to appreciate the ease of obtaining this information, and the people who originally presented the information to you.