We recently connected with Khalid Sanchez-muhammad and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Khalid, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
Starting Good Deeds was a journey rooted in both personal passion and community need. The idea took seed during a community meeting in Newark, where I was struck by the challenges faced by underserved inner-city neighborhoods. I had been actively involved in various community efforts, but it was clear that a more coordinated, structured approach was necessary to make a lasting impact.
The initial idea came to me while attending a youth mentorship program. I saw firsthand how lack of resources and opportunities hindered many young individuals from reaching their full potential. That evening, I sat down with a notebook and jotted down all the services I believed could help: educational programs, food security initiatives, recreational activities, and support services. The goal was to create a holistic organization that addressed various facets of community upliftment.
The next day, I shared my vision with a few trusted friends and community leaders. Their enthusiasm and support were overwhelming. With their encouragement, I spent the following weeks researching similar organizations, understanding their structures, funding mechanisms, and community impact. This research phase was crucial in refining the vision and identifying potential challenges and opportunities.
The first major step was to establish Good Deeds as a formal entity. I registered it as a nonprofit organization, which involved drafting bylaws, filing paperwork, and navigating the legal requirements. Concurrently, I began networking with local stakeholders, potential partners, and volunteers who could help bring this vision to life.
The initial months were a whirlwind of activity. We organized community meetings to gather input and ensure our programs would meet actual needs. This feedback was invaluable in shaping our initiatives. We started small, launching a few pilot programs to test the waters. Our first major event was a community clean-up and food drive, which was a resounding success and bolstered our confidence.
One of the biggest challenges was securing funding. We applied for grants, organized fundraisers, and reached out to local businesses for sponsorships. Each success and setback taught us valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. Building a strong, dedicated team was another critical component. We invested in training and development to ensure our volunteers and staff were well-equipped to serve the community.
As we gained momentum, we expanded our programs to include educational workshops, after-school tutoring, health and wellness initiatives, and more. Partnerships with other organizations, such as the Unified Eid Committee and local schools, played a significant role in broadening our reach and impact.
Looking back, the journey from idea to execution was marked by determination, collaboration, and a deep-seated belief in the potential of our community. Each step, from brainstorming to launching and growing, was driven by the desire to make a tangible difference. Today, Good Deeds stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose and a community comes together to uplift its own.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Khalid Sanchez-Muhammad, and afro-latino Muslim, and I am deeply committed to community service and empowerment. I have been actively involved in various capacities that have allowed me to understand and address the unique challenges faced by underserved communities. My journey has been shaped by roles such as Youth Imam at Masjid Muhammad in Newark, Youth Event Coordinator for the Unified Eid Committee of New Jersey, and Founder of Good Deeds, a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in inner-city neighborhoods.
My path into community service and advocacy was sparked by my experiences growing up in Newark, New Jersey. I witnessed firsthand the struggles of my community and felt a strong calling to make a difference. My academic background in Political Science from Rutgers University further equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and address systemic issues. Over the years, my involvement in various organizations and initiatives has deepened my commitment to this work.
Good Deeds is a grassroots organization that aims to uplift underserved inner-city communities through a range of services. We focus on educational programs, recreational activities, food security initiatives, and support services. Our mission is rooted in compassion and social justice, striving to create a future where every individual has access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
Services We Provide:
– Educational Programs: After-school tutoring, workshops, and literacy programs aimed at empowering youth and adults.
– Recreational Activities: Organizing sports leagues, arts and crafts sessions, and community events to foster a sense of belonging and community spirit.
– Food Security Initiatives: Food drives, community gardens, and partnerships with local food banks to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
– Support Services: Counseling, mentorship, and assistance with accessing social services and resources.
Our programs are designed to address various challenges faced by our community members. For example, our educational programs help bridge the gap for students who may not have access to quality education and resources. Our food security initiatives ensure that families do not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Through our support services, we provide guidance and assistance to those navigating difficult life situations.
What distinguishes Good Deeds from other organizations is our holistic approach and deep-rooted connection to the community. We don’t just offer services; we build relationships and foster a sense of belonging. Our initiatives are designed with community input, ensuring that we are meeting actual needs and making a meaningful impact. Our team is composed of individuals who are not only passionate but also have lived experiences that resonate with those we serve.
One of our most proud moments was the success of our first major event, a community clean-up and food drive. The turnout and support we received were overwhelming and reaffirmed our mission. Additionally, our collaborations with the Unified Eid Committee and local schools have allowed us to broaden our reach and make a greater impact. Each successful initiative, from food drives to educational workshops, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and volunteers.
We want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that Good Deeds is more than an organization; it is a movement. We are dedicated to creating sustainable change and uplifting our community. Our work is driven by empathy, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. We believe in the power of collective action and invite everyone to join us in making a positive difference. Whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in our programs, every contribution helps us move closer to our vision of a thriving, empowered community.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Good Deeds and our mission. We look forward to your support and collaboration as we continue to serve and uplift our community.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the early stages of my career, my focus was firmly on grassroots organizing. As the founder of Good Deeds, a community-based initiative in Newark, New Jersey, I was deeply engaged in local efforts to uplift and support underserved neighborhoods. Our work was hands-on, directly addressing immediate needs through educational programs, food security initiatives, and community events. This work was incredibly fulfilling, but it also exposed me to the broader, systemic challenges that required more substantial resources and strategic approaches.
As Good Deeds grew, so did the complexities of the issues we were addressing. I began to realize that to create sustainable change, we needed to operate on a larger scale and with greater organizational infrastructure. The grassroots model was effective in many ways, but it also had limitations in terms of funding, reach, and long-term impact. This realization was the catalyst for a significant pivot in my career.
The opportunity to join the Unified Vailsburg Services Organization (UVSO) came at a crucial time. UVSO, with its established presence and resources, offered a platform to expand the impact of my community work. Taking on the role of Communications and Development Manager, I was able to leverage UVSO’s infrastructure to scale up initiatives that I had started at Good Deeds.
This transition was not without its challenges. Moving from a grassroots organization to a larger non-profit required a shift in mindset and skills. I had to learn to navigate the complexities of a more structured organization, engage with a broader network of stakeholders, and manage larger-scale projects. However, it also provided incredible opportunities to make a more significant impact.
At UVSO, I was able to integrate community feedback into larger programs, secure substantial funding for projects, and develop comprehensive strategies that addressed systemic issues more effectively. The support and collaboration within UVSO allowed me to amplify the work I was passionate about, reaching more individuals and creating sustainable programs that aligned with our mission of community empowerment.
Looking back, the pivot from grassroots organizing to a leadership role within an NGO was a pivotal moment in my career. It taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of leveraging larger platforms to achieve greater impact. This journey reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the necessity of evolving our approaches to meet the changing needs of our communities.
Today, as I continue to lead and innovate within UVSO, I remain committed to the core values that guided me at Good Deeds. The lessons learned from grassroots organizing have been invaluable, providing a strong foundation for the work we do at UVSO. This pivot has not only expanded my capacity to serve but also deepened my resolve to create lasting, positive change in our community.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The first step was identifying our target audience. We wanted to reach not only the people we aimed to serve but also potential volunteers, donors, and partners. With this in mind, we started by creating a comprehensive social media strategy. This included defining our goals, selecting the right platforms (we chose Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), and crafting a content calendar. One of the key elements of our strategy was creating compelling and consistent content. We shared informative posts about the issues facing our community, the importance of our initiatives, and how people could get involved. This included articles, infographics, and short videos. We wanted our audience to connect with us on a personal level, so we posted behind-the-scenes content showing our team at work, preparation for events, and stories of the people we were helping. Also, to foster a sense of community, we regularly posted questions, polls, and prompts encouraging our followers to share their thoughts and experiences.
Engagement was crucial. We didn’t just post content; we actively interacted with our audience. Responding to comments, thanking our supporters, and participating in relevant conversations helped build a loyal and engaged community. We also reached out to local influencers and community leaders, collaborating with them to amplify our message. Visual content played a huge role in our growth. We invested in good photography and videography to capture the essence of our work. Posts featuring powerful images or short, impactful videos consistently received higher engagement. We also made use of Instagram Stories and Facebook Live to provide real-time updates and engage our audience in a more personal way.
One of the most effective ways we connected with our audience was through storytelling. We shared success stories, testimonials from community members, and highlights from our events. These stories not only showcased the impact of our work but also inspired others to get involved and support our cause. To further expand our reach, we invested in targeted ad campaigns. These ads were designed to attract volunteers, drive donations, and increase attendance at our events. By targeting specific demographics and interests, we were able to reach a wider audience who resonated with our mission. Throughout this process, we continuously analyzed our performance. We used analytics tools to track engagement, reach, and conversion rates. This data was invaluable in helping us understand what worked and what didn’t, allowing us to refine our strategy and improve our content.
Define Your Goals and Audience. Know who you want to reach and what you want to achieve. Tailor your content and strategy to meet these goals. Consistency is Key. Post regularly and maintain a consistent voice and style. This helps build recognition and trust. Engage Authentically. Interact with your followers genuinely. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and make your audience feel valued. Tell Stories. Share real stories that highlight the impact of your work. People connect with emotions and personal experiences. Utilize Visuals. High-quality images and videos can significantly boost engagement. Invest time in creating visually appealing content. Leverage Analytics. Use analytics to track your progress and understand what resonates with your audience. Adjust your strategy based on these insights. Collaborate. Partner with influencers, local leaders, and other organizations to expand your reach and credibility. By following these steps and staying true to our mission, we were able to build a strong and engaged social media audience that continues to support and amplify our work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uvso.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerseytaughtme/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Judebooms
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-sanchez-muhammad-8a6a365a/
Image Credits
Khalid Sanchez-Muhammad