Andrea Norman

posted by Andrea L. Norman, MBA Director of Research and Health Services Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS

So many people are searching for meaning and happiness. They want soul-soaking peace that grounds them, the deep satisfaction of knowing they made a difference and, oh by the way, a way to support their family would be nice! That search combined with the tremendous shifts and losses of money, possessions, and position that has occurred during the Great Recession makes it no surprise that many people are considering switching careers into a nonprofit environment.

Before you make the big leap, there are small steps you can take that will make an impact and determine whether or not the nonprofit world is for you. You can find depth and meaning by focusing on learning, compassion and contribution to expand your impact in the world, experience the nonprofit sector and make yourself happier along the way.

posted by Andrea L. Norman, MBA, Director of Research, Behavioral Health and Wellness, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS

Like many people, every year as I file my taxes I have an itchy feeling when I consider I might be audited by the Internal Revenue Service. I have always been squeaky clean honest in my filings, but the idea of being scrutinized by people portrayed as whimsical and unreasonable is nerve-wracking.

Imagine my surprise when in my new position as Director of Research, Behavioral Health and Wellness, I was subjected to audits by not one or two regulatory bodies, but by four: the Food and Drug Administration, the State, the County, and the Regional Behavioral Health Authority. While none of them are the IRS, my fear has greatly subsided after experiencing FOUR audits in the last six months.

I have learned several things that may help you: