How disadvantaged youth can benefit from nonprofit public relations: the FIT camp apprenticeship

Social disorganization theory aids in the understanding that youth living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are faced with multiple stressors that can have detrimental effects on their mental and behavioral health. These include increased risk for engaging in violent behaviors, substance abuse, as well as experiencing depression and anxiety. Disadvantaged neighborhoods may benefit from an organization such as FIT Camp that could offer an intervention program to help these youth prosper despite their hardships. However, nonprofit public relations strategies are necessary for organizations that rely on private donations to succeed. An electronic newsletter, such as the one I created for FIT Camp during my apprenticeship, is one method for communicating to the public while building and maintaining relationships with donors. Communication strategies that incorporate reporting, reciprocity, relationship nurturing, and responsibility have been found to help nonprofits maintain donor stewardship