September 16, 2008 — A new website has been launched that will enable nonprofits to find and recruit volunteer professionals that they otherwise may not be able to reach.

The website—www.zoosa.org—currently in beta mode, describes itself as “a new resource to connect working professionals and social enterprise organizations in the for-profit & nonprofit space.”

CEO Mike McGlade said, “Our broad definition of social enterprise to include for-profit & nonprofit businesses makes it easier for professionals to do well while doing good and gives all organizations increased access to professionals they wouldn’t otherwise reach. Additionally, our focus on volunteer postings which utilize a volunteer’s professional skills will help organizations maximize their social impact.”

Zoosa is broadening the definition of “social enterprise” organizations to include any position in the following industries: alternative/renewable energy, clean tech, biotechnology, education, environmental services, government, healthcare, international development, life sciences, medical devices, microfinance, non-profits, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable products.

Zoosa also includes corporate social responsibility positions within industries which are not listed above.

An organization’s tax-status does not determine its degree of social impact,” McGlade said. “By including all positions which have a positive social impact, Zoosa plans to attract the new talent to the social enterprise sector.”

Zoosa integrates working, volunteering, and getting elected into the same system with plans to add legislation in the future. These sections are all linked by an “issue of social responsibility” (ISR) with each posting mapped to up to 5 ISRs.

Brian Fleming, Zoosa’s CTO, explained: “A professional looking for a job may never visit a volunteer website and vice-versa. By including social enterprise jobs and high impact volunteer positions in the same location, professionals can quickly find opportunities which match their socially conscious area of interest, even if those opportunities were not part of their original plan (work vs. intern vs. volunteer & non-profit vs. for-profit).”

Social enterprise organizations will be able to post events, employment positions and volunteer opportunities which will utilize a volunteer’s professional skills. Professionals will also be able to submit ideas for future community events or fundraisers and seek information on running for a local elected office.

As the site develops, plans call for adding premium features for individuals and organizations, including the ability to contact existing personal & professional social networks and the option to connect with other Zoosa members.