Course Syllabus

Fall 2026 V221 Priest 26890 online-1.docx

Welcome to V221, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Class:

Melanie Priest, Adjunct Instructor
mhpriest@iupui.edu
Sending a message through Canvas is better please
(317) 294-7624
Office hours: By appointment (zoom, phone)

More about this course and me:

I have taught this class in-person and as a hybrid since 2015. This is my 13th semester of teaching an online version of the class. I work as a nonprofit consultant for HedgesLinks to an external site. a company here in Indianapolis and have worked in nonprofit organizations (besides 10 months at Indiana Medicaid) since 1991. I also hold a Bachelor's from Indiana University Bloomington and a Masters of Public Affairs, Nonprofit Management from Indiana University Indianapolis. Personally, I am married with four kids and like yoga and spinning, swimming, traveling, and reading as well as all kinds of tv shows, and music!

Course Introduction
The theory, size, scope, and functions of the nonprofit and voluntary sector are covered from multiple disciplinary perspectives including historical, political, economic, and social.  There is a special emphasis placed on the current state of the sector and a clear application of theory to real world practice. While this class is asynchronous (i.e. we will not "meet" at a specific time), the format is modular. Each module is contained within a 1- or 2-week pattern running Wednesday - Tuesday, with set due dates for learning activities and assessments. Plan to login and navigate the course page multiple times per week. 

This course will introduce you to the key roles that voluntary, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations play in American society. Our approach will be multi-disciplinary, providing a blend of the academic and the practitioner points of views in a variety of key areas.  We will examine the history, structure and theoretical (economic, political, philosophical and social) underpinnings of the American nonprofit and voluntary sector. Our readings will come from a variety of disciplinary perspectives and will provide you with a rich view of this complicated sector from a variety of vantage points.  

Because this course is designed as a survey, you should not expect to develop great depth of knowledge in any single approach.  Rather, this course will serve as a gateway to further exploration of the field that will take place in subsequent courses.  Occasionally, you may be frustrated by the limited attention that we can pay to any subject.  In these cases, please let me know and I am happy to provide you with additional resources for your personal pursuit.  This is a knowledge class and not a methods or skills course.  Throughout the class, you will be challenged to explore and engage in the constructive critique of the work and ideas of others. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of our work together, you will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes:

1. Comprehension of the importance of the nonprofit sector in the US
2. Comprehension of the importance of the volunteer sector in the US
3. Practical knowledge about the operation and structure of a nonprofit organization.
4. Data analysis and skills to examine the state, current trends, and issues surrounding the nonprofit sector, philanthropy, and volunteerism.
5. Creative thinking by discussing current events, local nonprofits, and philanthropy in the US.
6. Participation in breakout sessions, interaction with guest speakers, volunteer or site visit of a nonprofit and illustration of a nonprofit organization as a case study (group presentation).

Readings
All readings will be posted on Canvas with the exception of the final project book which is a book of your choice focusing on a social issue of interest. I will post a list of suggestions though you are not required to choose from that list.

About this Class
This section of SPEA-V 221 is taught entirely online. It is a survey class designed to introduce you to key topics in the field of nonprofit management. You will progress through weekly modules (Wednesday - Tuesday). Each module will consist of my overview and summary of the week's readings and at least one activity or group discussion. Over the course of the semester,  a midterm exam and a final project as outlined in the syllabus.

I am committed to creating a learning environment based on open communication, mutual respect, and belonging. The O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs embraces a notion of classroom community enriched and enhanced by collaboration and critical thinking to foster personal growth.  Additional information can be found at this O’Neill School website.

We understand that a number of factors outside the classroom may interfere with your ability as a student. At this Division of Student Affairs, Health and Wellness website, you can find links to a variety of resources to help you address academic, health and wellness, legal, and financial challenges. This site also contains information about campus resources, including food and clothing pantries, and mental health and counseling support. 

I look forward to having you in class in this semester!

Melanie