GTZP | A Non-Profit Podcast about Volunteering and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Joseph Smalzer

Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP) is 501(c)(3) non-profit on a mission to find people and organizations that are changing the world and sharing their stories. We have weekly episodes highlighting a new non-profit and monthly episodes talking to for-profit leaders about giving back and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We believe that however big or small of a positive impact you have, every bit counts. As long as you are adding greater than zero percent, the momentum you build is already changing the world. read less
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Episodes

E167: The Impact of Culinary Training on Refugees and Survivors of Human Trafficking
5d ago
E167: The Impact of Culinary Training on Refugees and Survivors of Human Trafficking
In this episode, Joseph interviews Kerry Brodie, the Founder and Executive Director of Emma's Torch. Emma's Torch is an organization that empowers refugees and survivors of human trafficking through culinary training and workforce development. Kerry explains that she founded the organization after realizing that she had the passion and idea to create a culinary training program for refugees and survivors of human trafficking. She was inspired by the question, "Why not me?" and decided to take on the challenge herself. Kerry highlights the mission of Emma's Torch, which is to empower refugees and survivors of human trafficking by providing culinary training and opportunities for workforce development. She explains that empowerment is important because these individuals have often been told that they are different, other, and not the same. Emma's Torch aims to change that narrative by recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all humans and providing them with opportunities to pursue their goals and dreams. When asked about the origin of including survivors of human trafficking in the mission statement, Kerry explains that they work with a wide range of individuals who have been forced to flee or migrate for various reasons. They focus on tailoring their support to the needs of these individuals and have developed a range of training modules to address English language skills, conflict resolution, and employability. Joseph asks Kerry about the name "Emmas Torch" and she explains that it is a tribute to Emma Lazarus, a Jewish woman who advocated for refugee resettlement and wrote the poem that is now inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty. The poem, titled "The New Colossus," speaks to the idea that welcoming refugees is what makes the United States strong and unique. Kerry shares the initial activities of Emmas Torch, which started with a minimum viable product approach. They provided three weeks of culinary training to three students and raised funds through a catering event. They then opened their doors in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and expanded their training to include employability and empowerment modules. In terms of data and impact, Kerry mentions that Emmas Torch has worked with approximately 350 students since its inception. They have seen significant wage growth among their students, with an average earning increase of six times within the first year after graduation. Their students also have a high job retention rate of around 85%. Overall, Emmas Torch has created over $7 million in increased wages. Kerry discusses the future of Emma's Torch, which involves expanding their presence in New York and Washington, DC. They are also exploring opportunities for replication in other cities and states with high refugee populations and a need for social services. In terms of engagement, Kerry encourages people to visit their restaurant, support their catering services, and follow them on social media. She also welcomes partnerships with employment partners, nonprofit organizations, and anyone who wants to collaborate in supporting their mission. Overall, Kerry is grateful for the opportunity to share the work of Emmas Torch and is inspired by the positive impact they are making in the lives of refugees and survivors of human trafficking. She hopes to continue growing and providing opportunities for individuals to build a new life and pursue their dreams. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://emmastorch.org/donate Phone: (718) 243-1222 Email: Info@emmastorch.org Website: https://emmastorch.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmasTorchFood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmastorchfood/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emma's-torch
E166: Reimagining Community Service: The Movement Street's Impactful Approach
Mar 7 2024
E166: Reimagining Community Service: The Movement Street's Impactful Approach
Lyric Amodia, Founder and Executive Director of The Movement Street, joins Joseph in this episode. The Movement Street is a nonprofit organization that redefines community service through impact and style. Lyric was inspired to start the organization after witnessing the effects of the Flint water crisis and wanting to make a difference. The organization aims to make community service more attractive and engaging for the community, with a focus on sustainability. Lyric shares that The Movement Street initially focused on charitable giving and community give-back events, such as a back-to-school supplies giveaway and water distribution drives in Flint, Michigan. They have since expanded their activities to include educational workshops, health and wellness events, community yoga classes, and financial literacy workshops. They also host an annual gala event called the Creative Classic, which showcases black art in various locations. When asked about the secret sauce of the Movement Street's success, Lyric emphasizes the importance of creativity, style, and personal connections. They aim to create a fun and engaging experience for volunteers and community members, making them feel like they are part of something bigger and inspiring them to continue giving back. They also prioritize treating everyone like family and fostering transparent communication. Lyric shares stories of the impact The Movement Street has had on volunteers and community members. People have been inspired to start their own nonprofits, collaborate on initiatives, and think creatively about making a difference in their communities. The personal connections and collaborations formed through the Movement Street have left a lasting impact on individuals and businesses. Looking to the future, Lyric envisions expanding The Movement Street's reach nationally and internationally. They hope to open community centers and hubs where programming can take place and foster connections. Lyric is also pursuing a master's in business administration to further develop their skills and run the organization full-time. To get engaged with The Movement Street, individuals can visit their website and sign up to volunteer or collaborate. They can also follow the organization on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on events and initiatives. The Movement Street welcomes anyone willing to serve and contribute to their mission. Overall, Lyric emphasizes the power of creativity, socialization, and social action in creating positive and long-lasting change. They believe that together, communities can unite and make a difference through the power of creativity.
E164: The Transformative Role Of Ballet In Cancer Treatment
Feb 22 2024
E164: The Transformative Role Of Ballet In Cancer Treatment
In this episode we interview Anna Wassman, Founder and Executive Director at Onco-Ballet Foundation. Onco-Ballet Foundation’s mission is to provide free Onco-Ballet classes to anyone facing cancer.  The Onco-Ballet Foundation was created to share ballet movement tailored and modified for the cancer community to help them get back in touch with their body. Our Founder and Executive Director, Anna Wassman, was a former professional ballet dancer and 2x young breast cancer survivor who found that ballet was helpful for her along her healing journey. She created the Onco-Ballet™ class to help her fellow cancer community find movement, creative expression and healing through ballet. We offer events throughout the year and partner with local hospitals across the US to offer workshop style classes and 6 week into sessions to share ballet with the cancer community. The Onco-Ballet foundation believes that ballet can be healing and we are here to offer these classes for free to anyone facing cancer.  Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://oncoballet.com/donate Phone: 714-904-2466 Email: oncoballet@gmail.com Website: https://www.oncoballet.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552790495760 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncoballet/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onco-ballet-foundation Guest Information Guest Name: Anna Wassman-Cox Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncoballet/ Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annawassman/
E163: How The Jewish National Fund Transformed Israel
Feb 15 2024
E163: How The Jewish National Fund Transformed Israel
In this podcast conversation, Joseph interviews Russell Robinson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish National Fund USA. They discuss the mission of the organization, which was originally established 127 years ago to repurchase land in Israel but now focuses on building partnerships and developing the land for various projects. Russell explains that what keeps him in his role is the opportunity to bring people along and involve them in philanthropy. He shares the story of how they were able to address a water catastrophe in Israel and turn it around, making Israel the number one country in the world in water reuse. Russell emphasizes the importance of having a business mindset in a nonprofit organization and the ability to take risks with a solid business plan. He also talks about the history of the Jewish National Fund, including the planting of 260 million trees as a way to hold onto the land they purchased. When asked about the current programming of the Jewish National Fund, Russell mentions their work in Israel's "envelope" region, where people have been evacuated due to ongoing conflict. They are providing support and assistance to those affected, including food, water, and after-school activities. They are also working on rebuilding and developing the area, such as building a culinary institute to change the narrative and attract tourism. Russell highlights the importance of agriculture education and how they are teaching farming and agricultural technologies to countries in need, such as Kenya, using the knowledge and experience gained from developing the Negev Desert in Israel. They discuss the polarization and negative news surrounding Israel and how the Jewish National Fund focuses on sharing positive stories and bringing people together. Russell encourages people to follow their stories on social media and see the good work they are doing. He also emphasizes the importance of getting involved and being a participant in making the world a better place. In terms of the future, Russell mentions the growing involvement of young people in the organization and the need to adapt to their world and values. He believes that the future of the Jewish National Fund lies in constantly thinking about how to engage and involve the younger generation. Russell ends the conversation by encouraging listeners to visit the Jewish National Fund website, jnf.org, and to reach out if they are interested in ordering a tree or getting involved in their work. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: www.jnf.org/donate Phone: 800.563.0099 Email: JewishNationalFund@jnf.org Website: www.jnf.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jewishnationalfund Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnfusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jewish-national-fund YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jewishnationalfund Twitter: https://twitter.com/jnfusa
E162: Empowering Youth Through Servant Leadership
Feb 8 2024
E162: Empowering Youth Through Servant Leadership
In this episode, Joseph interviews Jacque Stefanik, the Executive Director and Co-founder of Serving People with a Mission (SPM). SPM is a leadership development program that focuses on providing young people, particularly teenagers and those in their twenties, with the tools and resources to become servant leaders in their communities. Jacque explains that the mission of SPM is to seek and provide people from all walks of life with the knowledge and resources they need to make a positive impact in their communities. Jacque shares the story of how SPM was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a college student at Loyola University of Chicago at the time, Jacque felt the need to continue giving back to his community even when student organizations were unable to operate. Along with two friends, he co-founded SPM with the goal of empowering young people to become servant leaders. The core program of SPM is called the Hand in Hand Leadership Program, which focuses on mentorship, teaching the principles of servant leadership, and providing exposure to different community-based nonprofits. The program includes workshops, field trips to organizations like Loyola University of Chicago and Grant Thornton, and a philanthropy project where students are given a budget to make decisions for the greater good of their community. Jacque emphasizes the importance of teaching students fiscal responsibility and the skills needed to become successful professionals. SPM partners with various schools and organizations, including Loyola University of Chicago, Noble Schools, and Chicago Public Schools, to deliver their programs. They also have partnerships with environmental justice organizations like Plant Chicago and Grow Greater Englewood. Jacque mentions that SPM is grateful for the support of funding partners such as The Chicago Community Trust and Grace Lutheran Church and School. In terms of measuring impact, Jacque states that SPM has seen around 55 students graduate from their programs so far, with a goal of expanding their alumni network and running simultaneous programs at different schools. They also collect data through testimonials from students and parents, highlighting improvements in confidence, professionalism, and college readiness. Looking ahead, Jacque envisions SPM growing to have more staff and support to make it a full-time job for their leaders. They aim to expand their programs and partnerships, reach more schools and colleges, and continue making a positive impact in the community. To engage with SPM, Jacque invites people to visit their website, follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletter, and consider donating financially or donating clothes. He also encourages potential partners to reach out to collaborate on promoting servant leadership and making a difference in the community. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://www.servingpeoplewithamission.org/donate Phone: 17737932810 Email: jacque@servingpeoplewithamission.org Website: https://www.servingpeoplewithamission.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPMLeads?mibextid=ZbWKwL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spm_leads?igsh=YXJsM2ZlYW5rcTBs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spmleads/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@servingpeoplewithamission6554?si=y1ULUkMNsgs3BIb5 Guest Information Guest Name: Jacque Stefanic Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waryjt?mibextid=ZbWKwL Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spm_leads?igsh=YXJsM2ZlYW5rcTBs Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquestefanic
E157: James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
Dec 21 2023
E157: James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
In this episode we interview Patrick Keenan-Devlin, Executive Director & Youth Defense Attorney and Kristen Kennard, Deputy Director and Director of Social Work at James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy. James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy provides community-based restorative services for youth and families. Our approach is holistic, healing-centered, client-driven. Our work advances the vision of a more just, racially equitable, and restorative society at the local, regional, and state level. The James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy champions justice and restores hope with a lifeline of innovative, holistic legal and social work programs because ALL kids deserve justice in the courtroom, access to the classroom, and restoration in the community. Our goal is to provide Evanston youth and their families with the support to successfully emerge from a challenging legal situation, tools to make positive life choices, and the ability to thrive in the Evanston community. We meet critical community needs through programs and services including: - Youth and Emerging Adult Criminal Defense Practice: Advocates for children and young adults caught in the criminal (in)justice system. - Education Advocacy Program: Represents diverse learners to obtain the services they need to make progress in school. - School-Based Civil Legal Clinic: Stabilizes low-income families challenged by civil legal problems so that children can stay on track in school.  - Criminal Record Relief Program: Supports expungement and sealing of eligible criminal records. - Mental Health Services: Provides wrap-around case management, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed therapy to foster legal clients’ emotional health and resilience. - Roger Pascal Restorative Justice Initiative: Advocates for restorative practices and principles throughout Evanston. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://morancenter.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/morancenter/donation.jsp Phone: (847) 492-1410 Email: contact@moran-center.org Website: https://moran-center.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morancenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morancenter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/morancenter YouTube: https://youtube.com/@morancenter144 Twitter: https://twitter.com/morancenter
E149: Challenging Societal Expectations: Men's Journey to Authenticity and Love
Oct 19 2023
E149: Challenging Societal Expectations: Men's Journey to Authenticity and Love
In this episode, Joseph interviews Arnold Westphal, the Executive Director and Workshop Presenter at Breakthrough for Men, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men in leading more fulfilling lives. Arnold shares that Breakthrough for Men's mission is to help men uncover their aliveness and deepen their relationships by providing tools and practices for living with more authenticity and love. When asked why he chose to dedicate his time to this mission, Arnold explains that he personally felt a sense of disconnection and wanted to find more meaning in his life. Through his own experience with the Breakthrough community, he discovered a set of tools and practices that transformed his relationships and every aspect of his life. He became passionate about helping other men live more authentically and lovingly, and it became a calling for him. Arnold goes on to explain that Breakthrough for Men focuses on men because societal expectations and cultural conditioning often prevent men from expressing their emotions and being vulnerable. The workshop helps men challenge these expectations and create deeper connections with themselves and others. He emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and confidential environment where men can share their feelings and be met with acceptance and non-judgment. Joseph raises the point that societal views on masculinity have been changing, and it is now more acceptable for men to have open and vulnerable conversations. Arnold acknowledges this but also points out that there is still a level of vulnerability that many men are hesitant to embrace. He believes that men have been taught to medicate their feelings and have not been taught the deeper process of being truly intimate. The workshop helps men move beyond the surface level vulnerability and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions. Arnold shares some of the tools and topics covered in the workshop, including recognizing one's inherent worth and value, exploring childhood traumas and their impact on adult behavior, and learning the language to talk about emotions and needs. He mentions the "Five A's" of love in action: attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowing. These concepts are explored in depth during the workshop, and men are encouraged to practice giving themselves love first before extending it to others. In conclusion, Arnold emphasizes that Breakthrough for Men aims to empower men to live more deeply and authentically, which in turn positively impacts their relationships, families, and communities. He believes that by breaking free from societal expectations and embracing vulnerability, men can create a more compassionate and loving world. Arnold and Joseph discuss the impact of the Breakthrough Workshop on personal growth and relationships. Arnold shares how the workshop helps individuals show up better in their relationships with children, family members, and colleagues. He emphasizes the importance of seeing women as equals and creating a human-to-human world. The workshop takes 26 weeks to complete and focuses on self-exploration and building skills. Arnold also highlights the community aspect of the workshop, with check-ins and support from partners. He explains that the workshop is accessible to all, regardless of financial situation, and encourages donations to support their mission. Arnold expresses the desire to expand the reach of the workshop through online content and partnerships with other organizations. He invites engagement through applying for the workshop, making donations, sharing resources, and connecting with interested organizations. The conversation concludes with the importance of self-esteem in loving others and the transformative power of vulnerability.
E148: Art as a Path to Social Change
Oct 12 2023
E148: Art as a Path to Social Change
In this episode we interview Nicole Brandt Minyard, Founder and Executive Director at Daybreak Arts. Daybreak Arts’s mission is a social enterprise nonprofit that creates artistic and economic opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity by providing them access to the creative resources needed to achieve personal fulfillment and success. Our Artist Collective Program equips people impacted by homelessness with the artistic resources, training, and marketplace to gain financial independence and overcome barriers to employment by leveraging their creative talent to earn meaningful and legal income. Daybreak artists earn 70% commission on original artwork sales and 25% on reproductions (merchandise) with their designs. Daybreak artists also earn income through teaching artist stipends and intellectual property licenses. Daybreak Arts reinvests its portion of earned income back into the organization to continue to provide the space and resources at no-cost to our artists, establishing a sustainable social enterprise model. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://daybreakarts.org/donate Phone: +1 (615) 669-2236 Email: creative@daybreakarts.org Website: https://daybreakarts.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daybreakarts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daybreakarts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5228591/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbel4zAkW2r7IOAWgACIsA