Students in this major “study human communication practices in a variety of contexts” and “focus on ways in which ever-changing technological advances are impacting communication practices,” as stated by our very own Bridgewater College. What this really means is that those who study communications develop stronger writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Oftentimes, students in this major choose careers in public relations, marketing, journalism, or business. Really (hopefully… please, God) though, communications majors have an array of options, as nearly every large business/corporation/organization has or needs a communications team. Okay, I feel like you get this already, so let’s move on. 

 

What is the nonprofit field and why is it important?

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Wow! Another great question! Many people fail to realize that the nonprofit field is actually somewhat in between the public/government sector and the private/market sector. Also known as a non-business entity, nonprofits have three main features or identifying characteristics, as per COMM349 Nonprofit Communication:

1. They do not coerce participation.

Nonprofits are not allowed to force people into doing anything, as you might expect. They usually draw on the good (and free) will of the population. This is seen through donors giving because they want to and volunteers helping because they want to. This is more like the market and less like the government. 

1. They operate without giving money to stakeholders.

Money that is made or received by the organization goes into the advancement of the mission, whether that be through the purchasing of needed materials or the funding of events, etc. This shows that the organization truly cares about their mission rather than profits, and is especially good for entities such as child or elderly care, as corners are less likely to be cut in an effort to save money. This is more like the government and less like the market.

1. They exist without simple or clear lines of ownership

With many sources of funding, there is no single owner of a nonprofit organization. Presidents or directors are often voted in and only in authoritative positions for a short period of time. This is unique to the nonprofit sector, unlike the market and the government.

 

With these characteristics, nonprofit organizations require a commitment to expression, engagement, entrepreneurship, and service. The nonprofit sector defends both private, individual aspirations and a public sphere shaped by common values and goals. “Examples range from groups centered on a pastime, such as a local choral group, to advocacy organizations centered on health, environmental, or other policy issues,” as stated by Britannica. Oftentimes, nonprofits provide community services that fill gaps left by government aid. Nonprofits vary in size, values, and strategies, but are commonly supported by the majority of the population due to their many benefits.

 

Now that we have refreshed ourselves on communications and nonprofit organizations, let’s move on to our first nonprofit!

 

Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance

For our very first nonprofit, we are going to talk about one very near and dear to my heart: Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance. They are a small nonprofit “dedicated to promoting understanding of the LGBTQ community through outreach and education,” as stated on their website. They have been active in the community for the last ten years, yet became a recognized organization in 2016. Their mission includes bringing awareness and acceptance to LGBTQ+ issues through presentations and outreach. They also host a Pride event each summer to unite the Shenandoah Valley community and promote inclusion. 

 

This year’s Shenandoah Valley Pride event happened Saturday, September 21, 2024. That day, I had the pleasure of speaking with and volunteering alongside President and Executive Director Russell Love. Russell has been a part of the organization since its early days, with this being his tenth and final year with Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance. Before Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance, Russell worked with several nonprofits in Florida, strengthening his skills in communication, organization, and time management. Russell joined as a volunteer board member of the organization in 2013, after moving to the area from Florida with his husband. At this time, he was “doing anything and everything” he could to help out. This meant Russell gained a working knowledge of every part of the organization. Despite the lack of titles, he quickly learned and took on the responsibilities of the secretary, treasury, and vice president. Once they gained their official title in 2016, Russell went through each role, this time with a title. Now, as president, his primary responsibility is “keeping the focus” of the group and ensuring that they accomplish each of their goals. With two main events each year, the Pride festival event in the summer and a pageant in the spring, Russell creates detailed timelines to guarantee efficiency and success. 

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Despite the weather raining on the pride parade (....haha), the event was very successful. One decade of Shenandoah Valley Pride brought the largest turnout the organization had seen. They had their maximum number of sponsors, over 22, with big names such as Sentara Health, T-Mobile, Sheetz, and more. Over 40 vendors participated in the event, ranging from community organizations like Friendly City Safe Space and the Rockingham County Democratic Committee to small boutiques like Amanda’s Designsss and Queer Threads. And, of course, there can’t be a Pride event without performances. Coco Montrese, known for her roles in hit TV show “Rupaul’s Drag Race” headlined the event, with Mr. & Mrs. Shenandoah Valley Pride Dezi Bennett & Teddi Baerbach, Miss Gay Harrisonburg Michelle Livigne, and Gay United States Icon Jessica Raye performing alongside her.​​