As a small (but mighty) team, we rely on the contributions of paid interns to accomplish our work. This week, we’re excited to welcome our new Council intern, Kennon!
Kennon is a student completing her final year at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities studying Political Science and Technical Writing and Communication with the sub-plan legal discourse and public policy. She is currently a research assistant at the Shen Neurolaw Lab. Prior to working at the Council, Kennon had internships at local nonprofits Tubman and Find Your Power. After graduation, she hopes to continue to law school and is interested in focusing on privacy and First Amendment issues. As a Nonprofit Services Intern at Charities Review Council, Kennon will serve as a partner to donors and nonprofits, helping donors make smart and informed giving decisions to strong and accountable nonprofits. Read on to learn more about Kennon, her connection to the Council’s work, favorite nonprofit causes, and more!
What excites you about interning at Charities Review Council?
I’m excited to learn more about The Accountability Standards® and see the way donors and nonprofits implement them. Accountability is vital to building strong relationships between donors and nonprofits, and it’s very exciting to have the opportunity to help foster these trusting relationships. I’m especially interested in learning more about The Accountability Standards® that deal with legal and regulatory standards, as I’m currently applying to law school and hope to eventually work in the legal field.
What are you most looking forward to in this new role?
Working with all the great people at Charities Review Council! There is a very friendly, open, and welcoming environment and I can’t wait to work alongside everyone here to help provide support to our donor and nonprofit partners. I’m really looking forward to growing professionally and gaining further experience working with nonprofits.
Do you have a favorite nonprofit or cause?
It’s difficult to choose just one, but my favorite Meets Standards® nonprofit is probably Tubman. I enjoyed my time interning there and developed a strong passion regarding issues of domestic violence and gender inequality. The systemic problems the legal system has when dealing with cases of domestic violence and sexual assault are something I’ve found myself to be very interested in and passionate about.
How have you seen nonprofits play a role or show up in community?
I feel the best nonprofits are a part of their community. I’ve seen this demonstrated during my time both and Tubman and Find Your Power. Find Your Power has done a lot of work identifying women-owned business and building a community there. There has also been a lot of outreach to community partners as they work on identifying what resources are needed and working on providing those.
When you’re not connecting with donors and nonprofits at Charities Review Council, what do you like to do for fun?
When I’m not studying for school or working, I love to read books, watch movies or stand-up comedy, and try to solve crossword puzzles (I’m great at the New York Times mini-crossword puzzle but that’s about it!).
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals by Jane Mayer. It’s absolutely terrifying but great journalism!
We’re thrilled to have Kennon with us this fall/winter! Join us in welcoming Kennon to the Council team by sending a quick note to kennon@smartgivers.org.
