About

About Trying Not To Be Negative

We all face questions everyday. BNeg helps people determine how they will handle situations in their lives such as their treatment of others, volunteering in community, raising their children, or finding their faith, by sharing personal experiences, reflecting on everyday situations, and analyzing current research.

My Background

I have almost a decade of experience successfully working in all areas that are important to non-profit organizations from fundraising to communicating. My organizational skills are enhanced by my dedication to everything I do, which always improves each organization and its mission. This professional background makes me uniquely qualified in many areas.

My experience includes successes at a large variety of community groups and non-profit organizations planning and organizing special events, such as conferences, coffee houses, international festivals, golf tournaments, galas, breakfasts, and dinners.

Currently I provide part-time assistance to the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, coordinating all their special events, such as annual dinners, shelter walks, and conferences.

Nonprofit Writing:

• annual reports
• newsletters
• public relations information pieces
• foundation grant proposals
• annual appeal and acknowledgement letters
• website content for promotional purposes

Communications with Social Media:

I use social media and research current trends. I love teaching others all about Twitter, Facebook, Friendfeed, YouTube, and MySpace. Starting yourself, your business, or your nonprofit organization in social media requires three things and I can help with them all:

• Commitment from all appropriate players
• An understanding of your message and story
• A day-to-day procedure based on your reality

An Understanding of Blogging from Experience:

I blog, so I know how. I can help you create a community space.

As Editor, I write and help make all the decisions for a local community blog, Rockville Central.
I generate and write articles about volunteer opportunities, public issues, and community events for this growing community endeavor, which is now the second most popular local blog in Maryland.

Since a strong need to promote local nonprofits exists in our community, I’ve designed a new type of blog as a sharing place called Rockville Nonprofits.

I Co-host Rockville Central Radio on BlogTalkRadio
Schedule and interview guests for this innovative call-in, internet radio show on a variety of topics, talents and events.

I Chair a City of Rockville Commission
Together we advise the mayor and council on human service issues to ensure that all residents of Rockville have the opportunity to live to their full potential.

I immerse myself in Outreach and Special Events at Our Elementary School
Through personal contact with parents, I expanded International Night, transforming the event from a dinner to a full festival with interactive displays from parents representing over 20 countries, and dinner and live entertainment for over 500 people. Worked with teachers, parents, and staff to find ways to welcome all parents at our school, resulting in the formation of African American and Hispanic Parent Networks.

I wear a Chairman Uniform for My Cub Scout Pack
I’m the “leader of the leaders” and plan all activities for this thriving Pack. Due to our successful recruitment efforts, a 35% increase in membership required the complete re-evaluation of all policies and programming. Devised and implemented a new adult volunteer program to meet the needs of our Pack by recruiting volunteers to coordinate all activities and training them to be successful. Completely plan and orchestrate campouts for 110 people and dinners for 200.

I Created a Coffee House for a Cause
I envisioned, planned, and ran a Coffee House attracting more than 100 people and raising over $2,000 for a South African community living in poverty. The fun was speaking with all musicians and handling the publicity for this event which I hope becomes a regular series.

Some Wonderful Organizations I’ve helped make successful:

An AmeriCorps program called Community Year which was a cool opportunity for 17-to-23 year olds to spend a year helping in Montgomery County, MD, so I planned, recruited, and organized to make it possible.

Montgomery Housing Partnership, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing, that I joined back in the beginning to handle all the non-profit responsibilities, but I also raised money with special events, wrote public relations materials, and managed a housing program.

The Wilderness Society, which watches over our public lands, so I helped with development and foundation/corporate fundraising.

Formal Education on Top of Life’s Lessons

After becoming completely enthralled by a Philosophy class during my first year at Gettysburg College, I fell in love with and majored in the discipline. Since I couldn’t deny my fascination with group behavior, I also minored in Sociology.

For fun you’ll find me kickboxing, running, practicing yoga, painting, and riding a motorcycle.

Contact me: Cindy@CynthiaCotteGriffiths.com