This Halloween is one of the scariest Halloweens many of us have lived through. Unfortunately, the reason has nothing to do with Halloween and everything to do with real life terror.
Pipe bombs sent to more than a dozen high profile critics of the president, followed up just a few days later by another mass shooting — this one at a synagogue. There’s no doubt about it… we live in scary times. And the nonprofit sector has a particular role to play, as well as a particular set of challenges.
Generosity and Kindness Matter in Fundraising
One of the hot topics in fundraising today is the role generosity plays in identifying donors. If you can identify “generosity” in people, they are more likely to be good prospective donors, more specifically, major gift donors.
In fact, generosity is such an important factor in determining who your best donors could be, Bloomerang recently incorporated a “Generosity Score” as part of their fundraising software.
One definition of generosity is “the quality of being kind”. To be generous, you need to care about others. Without generosity and kindness, we’d all have less donors, less volunteers, and less money raised. After all, if you don’t care about the plight of others, why would you give?
Yet, Another Mass Shooting…
Which brings me to the most recent mass shooting in our country, which occurred this past Saturday. You may be wondering what a shooting at a synagogue far away from where you live has to do with you. In fact, it has everything to do with you.
- If part of your nonprofit’s mission is making the world a better place, it has to do with you.
- If you believe you should treat others as you wish to be treated, it has to do with you.
- If you want to live in a free and just society, it has to do with you.
The good news is, there’s something you can do about it.
Our Nation’s Dark History
Our country has been on a long and bumpy road towards creating a fair and just society for all. Throughout history, bigotry and intolerance have been the laws of the land. However, until recently, we had been making good progress… with the ending of slavery, giving women the right to vote, legalization of gay marriage, and so much more.
Unfortunately, hatred disguised by nationalism has reared its ugly head once again.
The leader of this country demonstrates unkindness on a regular basis. That leads to less generosity… less caring… and ultimately, less giving. That affects all of us.
Over the last two years, the President of our country has emboldened hatred to rise up. He has encouraged and participated in making fun of the weak, discriminating against the vulnerable, and to victimizing the victims.
A tone of hatred and animosity coming directly from the White House is the opposite of kindness and the opposite of generosity.
Now, it’s up to you.
The nonprofit sector can be a force for good, if we all work together. And there’s one thing every single one of us can do this week. That’s vote.
As a fundraiser, a nonprofit advocate, and a believer in the power of people to do good things, we need come together in the face of tragedy and stand up together.
If you believe in freedom of religion, that people should be free to pray without the fear of being gunned down in their house of worship, vote.
If you believe this country was founded by immigrants, for immigrants, vote.
If you believe that people have the right to marry whomever they love, vote.
If you believe survivors and in the #MeToo movement, vote.
If you do not think life should be back to normal the week after another mass shooting, vote.
This week, there is something you can do.
Why am I Writing about Voting instead of Fundraising?
You may believe that voting and politics are off limits to me… that I should stick to what I know best. However, the policies and the politics of this country impact the causes I work for every day.
They affect women, children, immigrants, minorities, and so many others.
In the words of Martin Niemoller…
You are likely familiar with the famous quote by Martin Niemoller:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.
So if I don’t speak out, who will?
Here’s the thing… the way we treat others — the marginalized and the poor — reflects on who we are as a society. Do we lock children in cages and keep out the needy, or do we welcome them with open arms?
I believe the vast majority of us working in the nonprofit sector are working to keep others safe, protect the vulnerable, and feed the hungry.
If you feel the same, there’s something you can do: VOTE.
A Light at the End of a Long Dark Tunnel – Back to Fundraising
Some good news has come out of this tragedy. Donations to HIAS surged this week. I increased my own monthly donation, and many others have done the same.
The mission of HIAS is to “welcome the stranger and protect the refugee.” It’s a Jewish organization, which was the main target of the synagogue’s shooter’s wrath.
That gives me hope — hope that goodness, kindness and generosity will prevail.
Call me… I want to talk to you.
If you’re not sure who to vote for, or you’re not sure you’re going to vote, call me. I’d love to talk about why voting is important and why every single vote matters.
For another important post on this week’s shooting, check out Vu Le’s post:
The Tree of Life Shooting and How we as a Sector Must Respond »
Agree with me? Disagree with me? Think I should keep my nose out of politics? Or do you think I should speak out even more?
Whatever you think, I want to hear from you. Please comment below (but do be respectful).
Your comments are topical and relevant in every way, especially for those of us in the nonprofit sector. Thank you for your concise and unbiased treatment of a sometimes highly charged topic.
Thank you Amy. Your words are right-on. Humanity is not politics. Doing good is why we are in nonprofits. Whether it is personally or through our organizations, we need to look deep inside and ask “why”. Why do we want to make the world a better place? Why we want to end hunger, sickness, loneliness, homelessness, etc. etc. etc.. That is caring about humanity. Thank you for opening the discussion.
Thank you Amy! Thank you for offering a space to have this discussion. As a nonprofit and fundraising professional I too believe that the politics and policies of our country’s leaders effect the work we do every day. The angry, hate-filled rhetoric and constant conspiracy theories have made us scared. Scared of each other, scared of speaking up and and getting involved, and scared for our country.
After the Parkland shooting in Florida, I shared with my teen son a favorite quote that once again feels timely and relevant-
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel
Please accept my thanks for not keeping quite!
Being unkind is an equal opportunity situation in this country. All are equally to blame for what is happening. One needs to be sure to hear all the news, not just the news that they agree, with to get that picture. We unfortunately do not have a Walter Cronkite or Chet Huntley and David Brinkley anymore. (showing my age here) Blaming someone else for the actions of another is allowing people to not take responsibility for their own actions.
There is and will always be evil everywhere. Media has made it possible for us to see it in action up close and personal.
However, as Luke Bryan sings “I believe that this world isn’t half as bad as it looks and I believe most people are good!”
It’s a broken world, No doubt, but I am thankful to be surrounded by wonderfully generous people every day. It’s why I choose the fundraising profession. We get to be surrounded by the most kind and generous people. I can choose to focus on the good that we are working together to do in the world because it’s something I can control. I also vote and encourage others to do so according to their beliefs and conscience. We probably don’t agree with everything politically, Amy, but I respect your stance and appreciate you sharing. I think we shy away from controversial topics for fear of hurting donor relationships. I am glad you chose to have the hard conversations.
I, too, am increasingly frustrated by the polarization caused, or at least aided by, “entertainment” news. Objectivity in the media seemed to have disappeared with advent of 24 news cycles, and I think we are all in a more difficult world because of it. Loving people is always messy. Spewing hatred is easier than hearing both sides and allowing people to decide how it makes them feel. Being told what to think is easier than thinking critically about how said topic aligns with your beliefs, and it’s certainly easier than understanding the other side is not inherently evil and 100% wrong. Get to know people that believe differently than you. Let the love of that person change you and make you more grace-filled! We don’t have to agree to get along and be productive! In addition to voting, I believe we do our part to change this country when we stop subscribing to polarizing entertainment sources that masquerade as news. When we stop “buying a ticket,” they’ll listen! I believe we take personal responsibility for kindness by opening our minds and expanding our perspectives. We can stop the cycle. If it is to be… it’s up to us.
This is beautifully written. Thank you using your position as a nonprofit leader to help bring about unity, peace, and tolerance.
Amy, Susan says it all. When I heard about the shooting I thought of you. So very sorry. What a terrible reminder that we need to make a change, be tolerant and mostly, be kind. Human Kind – be both.
Thank you for this post. I think it is imperative that our sector not ignore that which impacts our causes and those we serve (as well as our staff and volunteers). That means we cannot ignore anti-semitism, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. We cannot ignore the impact on our community of the increased violence and hate crimes.
Obviously, we must adhere to the rules that govern 501c3 organizations in the US, which many of us work for, in regards to partisan politics. But many of us are so afraid of breaking those rules we don’t allow ourselves to do the advocacy that is allowed, or to acknowledge realities that related to politics but transcend politics. And we all have a life and a voice outside of our workplace, as well.
I’ll be sharing this post on my social media pages because I believe in the message you’re sending!
The very core of every non-profit, whether they realize it or not, is to unite people, to bring them together. That is also the key to countering the messages of division, hatred, and the demeaning of those who are perceived to be “different”. Thank you for stepping forward and reminding us all of the large picture.
Whilst I am a UK citizen and cannot vote in your mid-term elections, nor speak for American citizens, I just wanted to applaud you for what you have said here. Charities and non profits of all kinds and those advocating the good causes should be striving for a fairer, better and more equitable world. If this can be achieved through the voting process, you have every reason to speak out and to encourage others to take action. It may not be palatable for all boards or CEOs to be seen as taking a political side, but surely as decent human beings we should allow ourselves to speak out in the face of hateful, polarized and bigoted thinking.
Thank you! Keep speaking out! I never comment but you touched a nerve today. You have a platform to reach to so many people and I am happy to see how you are using it., Thank you.
Thank you for this. Politics and voting should never be “off limits” to anyone. It is reassuring and inspiring to see people stand up and speak forcfully that the actions of the current administration are not acceptable. Thank you for having the courage to speak out!
Amy,
You called out the President for what you think he is doing to promote hatred in our society. I personally disagree with your comments because this is how the media portrays him. But, to be fair, much hatred has come from the other side of the political spectrum, when conservative congressmen and women are threatened, their personal phone numbers and addresses are given out, they are spat upon because they approved a highly qualified Supreme Court Justice, and people are encouraged by the other party’s politicians to make them “uncomfortable” wherever they go. So, everyone, not just the party in power, needs to promote good, not evil, and love, not hate. I live in Pittsburgh, and I am extremely saddened by what happened to the good people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill. My heart breaks for the victims’ families and for everyone who witnessed this senseless tragedy.
Thank you for not being silent on this. Voting is a way to feel proud to be an American in the face of all that is negative and against our values as a nation.
I appreciate what you’ve said. There’s a fine line with politics and nonprofit fundraising. I’m not a big fan of anything related to politics, but I’m definitely voting! I’ve been a volunteer for a long time and I’ve seen how different political policies can make or break a strategy and/or even a story in reference to fundraising and event planning. In many years past, the more fear for safety and financial challenges people are experiencing, the less willingness of the people to help improve the lives of others. Yet, this year the groups and nonprofits I help with have seen radical interest and influence because of so many people actually speaking up about their concerns. I’m a be kind and love one another person so there’s much I don’t understand about our current political climate nor do I comprehend our president and I positively am baffled by the extreme hatred of others in America. I live in small agricultural city in a very politically divided area of California so I’m all for dialogue in a respectful manner! I hope on a daily basis for thoughtful compromise and compassion, and especially for our local city council members to listen and do the right thing. I haven’t been this vocal since high school which a bazillion years ago. I wouldn’t consider myself an activist, but lately I feel more compelled than ever to speak for those that don’t have a voice! And I think we should talk openly about politics, fundraising and social issues without fear of our opinions and actions being hated. I’m not asking anyone to agree with me or even be on my side or have my type of faith, but I believe everyone needs to speak up for themselves and help others… just do it with kindness!
Thank you, Amy, for this post, your passionate and generous heart, and ongoing encouragement. I appreciate that, in the midst of all this, you took the time to talk with me about my Board Meeting presentation last night, celebrating the little victory that it went well! I’m grateful for you! – Bonnie K.
Thank you Amy. I often think of that Niemoller quote. It’s easy to think “this isn’t my job.” As you note, you’re a fundraising consultant, not a politician. But all of us are many things. First and foremost, we are humans. When things become overwhelming and, especially, seem beyond our control, it’s tempting to stay quiet/do nothing. And we know where that leads. The job of civil society, and philanthropy facilitators, is to lead others towards “love of humanity” — which is literally what philanthropy means (from the Greek). As overwhelming as things may seem, it doesn’t mean we can’t do something. Just one thing. Voting is a great start. I’m reminded of one of the most cited of Jewish texts, “Ethics of Our Fathers”: “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
Very insightful. Very honest. And, even very brave. I appreciate what you have written on many levels. Thank you!
Amy, you have taken something horrible and made beauty. Kindness.
Thank you for writing this. It’s perfect and so important!