The social and academic stress of college is a full-course load in itself, never mind trying to get a nonprofit off the ground, raising funds, and recruiting. But that didn’t stop Audrey K. Chisholm from launching Revolution Leadership Inc. during her sophomore year at Florida State University.
“I had had a long day, didn’t feel well, and felt frustrated with the whole process of school, and just got on my knees and prayed,†says Chisholm of how she came up with the concept. “I wanted to teach young people the skills that I was learning about leadership, money management, college success, and entrepreneurship. I realized how much easier college would have been had I known certain information before I started.â€
Launching the first annual retreat with about 12 students and approximately $1,000 in 2002, the now 10-year-old organization hosts up to 50 high school juniors and seniors each year at its Revolution Leadership Retreat. Its mission is to equip young people with the skills and financial confidence they need to succeed in college, business, and leadership. The 501(3)(c) nonprofit also provides year-round educational leadership programs, interactive workshops, SAT/ACT training, and college tours. Additionally, a scholarship funded primarily from private donations and grants is awarded to one student each school year; award amounts vary. In 2010, Revolution Leadership received a grant from Enterprise Holdings Foundation, the charitable foundation for Enterprise Holdings Inc., parent company for car rental and leasing company Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Its operating budget for 2011 was $3,000. Because its staff is made up of volunteers, all donations are put toward the scholarship, program expenses, and annual retreat. More than 1,100 students have participated in the year-round programs and retreat since its inception.
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Chisholm says the program attracts both top-performing and “middle of the road†students who are serious about their future and just need help getting there. “A lot of college scholarships are only available to students who have a 4.0 and a perfect résumé,†says Chisholm. “Our scholarship doesn’t focus on your GPA–we don’t even ask for it. We’re looking for students’ leadership aptitude.†Community involvement is another criteria considered by Revolution Leadership’s scholarship committee.
This year’s recipient was 19-year-old Treasure Leach. The University of Central Florida health sciences major used her $1,000 award for books and used the balance to purchase a laptop. “It would have been easy to go shopping but Revolution Leadership changed my mindset about money. I learned that whether it’s scholarship money or grants, it’s important that I put money aside to continue funding my college education.â€
Alison Jones, 18, attended the retreat in 2011 and says Revolution Leadership taught her how to take her business to the next level and get into the school of her choice. Jones launched her business, Adelaide, in 2010. A clothing and accessory line, the business helps cover her school supplies, which cost about $900 a year at Daytona State College. “Since attending I have gotten business cards, commissioned my merchandise in stores, and even started an online store.â€
Starting a business in college is something Chisholm highly recommends and something from which she personally benefited. She started her apparel company, AKH Apparel L.L.C., while in law school at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and it allowed her to graduate debt free [The estimated tuition and
fees for FAMU Law is $75,000 for a full-time student.] Starting off as just a collegiate apparel line in 2005, it grossed $11,000 its first year. With continued growth, the company has expanded into a national custom apparel business.(Continued on next page)
College junior Shardy Camargo didn’t start her own business but says that the retreats taught her how to scour for scholarships as a means of graduating debt free. The estimated 2011-12 tuition for an in-state student at the University of Central Florida is $14,700. Camargo says she hasn’t paid a dime. “I didn’t think I would be able to go to college because of my financial situation, but the retreat taught me about all the scholarship websites and how to present myself in the best way.†She has been awarded numerous grants and scholarships, both academic and merit based, through websites such as Fastweb.com and including a private scholarship from Coca-Cola for $20,000 over four years; The Prudential Spirit of Community Scholarship, a one-time scholarship in the amount of $5,000 for school and $5,000 to the charity of her choice; the UCF Minority Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 over four years. Additionally, she was selected for the KFC Colonel’s Scholar Program, and an internship with Bank of America’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative as a student leader where she earned $10 an hour and used the money for books and other supplies. She has translated her lessons on leadership to her campus by continuing her advocacy work for the homeless as a campus homeless and hunger volunteer coordinator, organizing volunteer opportunities at food banks and shelters. She also mentors homeless youth.
Revolution Leadership Inc. is no stranger to receiving accolades. It was awarded a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by the United States House of Representatives for its work in the community in 2009 and the Orlando Magic Maker Award, which recognizes people in the community who strive to make a difference in the lives of others, in 2010.
“This is certainly my life’s mission. Regardless of where I am in life or what I am doing, I am committed to giving back and making a difference in the lives of students. I believe it is my calling in life.â€
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How She Did It
- Get registered as a 501(3)(c). “Make sure you’re legally compliant,†says Chisholm. “A lot of people don’t realize how that one credential allows you to compete with the best organizations in the nation. It shows that you are legitimate and meet IRS standards.†You can start by visiting www.irs.gov and downloading Form 1023. Chisholm recommends finding an attorney who will work pro-bono to make sure you fill out the fundraising and solicitation licenses and proper addendums to prevent being denied. It can take several months just for the IRS to review your form, so you want to make sure you get it right the first time, she says. Filing fees start at $400.
- Recruit a good team. Find others who believe in your vision and can provide valuable services. Chisholm says that her volunteers offer professional services valued at more than $100,000 a year. “We have graphic designers, Web designers, photographers, and folks with all types of professional and financial skills that donate their professional service to help us accomplish our goals,†she says. Step outside of your circle and share your story with anyone you know to create a diverse team. Do your due diligence by creating a volunteer entry inquiry form, interview applicants, and run a background check, especially if you’re working with youth.
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- Find mentors or groups with a similar purpose. Before starting Revolution Leadership, Chisholm sat on the board of a nonprofit and made valuable contacts, such as the former president of the New York Stock Exchange, and was able to take those skills and experiences and implement them in her organization. “I was able to say, ‘This is how we can best serve our demographic and really make an impact.’†It will give you ideas on how to structure your nonprofit and give you access to other professionals who can assist you when you hit a road bump.
- Bounce back from failure: “People starting out for the first time don’t think failure’s involved,†says Chisholm. “When I first started the retreat I heard so many no’s. Everybody that I went to and asked for money said no. You have a choice. Are you going to say this wasn’t meant to be and just leave it alone, or are you going to continue pushing to find another way? You have to be willing to push through it. You’re going to encounter resistance but you have to be willing to not abandon it. We need those ideas and we need more quality nonprofits that will reach the community, but the only way you can get there is when you push through.â€