The Rundown - May 6, 2022
The latest news and notes from the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.
The Rundown - Community Hero Edition
It was nine years ago, Charles Ramsey was, in his words was, “Just eating my McDonald’s” when his world, and the worlds of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were about to drastically change.
Ramsey was outside when Amanda Berry, who had been kidnapped and held hostage for 11 years in a non-descript house in Cleveland, Ohio was yelling for help. Ramsey helped Berry break free when her captor left the house; Ramsey found himself at the right place at the right time and called 9-1-1 to report that he found Amanda Berry alive and that there other girls being held against her will.
Ramsey immediately became a viral hit with his plain-spoken style in this video interview he gave to Channel 5 in Cleveland. You can watch the video here:
The moral of the story?
Heroes are made everyday, often when the world (and even themselves) least expect it. Are you hearing the call to serve others? Are you answering that call? Charles Ramsey did…..though Ramsey would be the first to not call himself a hero.
But, when the camera and lights go away, what happens next? This video is a heart-warming story of the first time Charles Ramsey and Amanda Berry met for the first time after the rescue.
I often talk to folks in the nonprofit world about the difference between outputs and outcomes. In this case, the chaotic rescue, the three girls saved, the lights, the camera….that is the output. The affection, the love, the care showed between Berry and Ramsey five years late….that is the outcome. Which one do you believe is more powerful? Which one do you think has more long-term impact?
As the kids say, “I am not crying….you’re crying”
Mental Health Struggles Creates A Philanthropist
If the name David Baszucki doesn’t mean anything to you, don’t feel alone. If you have never heard of Roblox, you are probably not alone. Roblox is an social, online game that is a hit with kids of a certain age. The aforementioned Baszucki is the creator of the platform, which has allowed him to become a newly-minted billionaire.
This article in Forbes talks about how the mental health struggles Baszucki’s family is currently going through is causing him to become a philanthropist for mental health issues here in the United States. As Baszucki saw the philanthropic response for mental health, he was surprised. According to his research, only 1% of philanthropic dollars go to mental health; he is seeing this field as a “philanthropic greenfield” - a place ripe with opportunity.
Legislation Redux
Last week, we talked about a recent piece of legislation that talked about a new federal response to create stronger bonds between the federal government and nonprofit organizations. In a recent editorial in The Hill, Howard Husock of the American Enterprise Institute argues:
Serving as an arm of government — what has been called “government by contract” — fundamentally compromises the independence of the nonprofit sector. The proposed legislation would formalize the idea of “nonprofits for hire” as the norm, not the exception. In doing so, much is lost.
There is a lot of truth to the editorial; nonprofit organizations should have the ability to have certain levels of independence when it comes to the work they are doing. Yes, they are meeting public goods and public goals, but nonprofits are uniquely positioned to do certain things well. Unlike government, which feels pressures to deliver a diverse array of services at a high level at all times.
Government (just like philanthropy) can be a necessary and strong partners for nonprofits. Nonprofits should not only just seek the funding these institutions provide, but also listen to guidance these groups provide on community issues that need solved. However, those are just part of the full array of voices nonprofits need to hear; nonprofits must balance the needs of their constituents, their communities, their clients along with the desires of funders.
Strong partnerships are built by autonomous groups working together in trust and complimenting each other’s strengths. Partnerships are not simply one group becoming subservient to the desires of another group. In other words, nonprofits can not, nor should they be, expected to simply be agents for the government. Each have different needs and different desires. Both need to be respected.
Is This Event On Your Calendar?
The Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference, hosted by the Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership and the Edison State Center for Leadership Development is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 18th at Edison State Community College in Piqua, Ohio. This is a wonderful one-day conference that will feature Dr. Karen Townsend of KTownsend Consulting and multiple breakout sessions.
Check out more at this link!
What Can We Work on Together?
Did you know that Pinnacle Strategies works individually with nonprofit and public sector leaders to help them solve problems, achieve goals and gain confidence in their roles?
Why?
Because, this work is hard and it’s often a lonely road. Our nonprofit and public sector leaders need people that they can talk to to get solid advice and encouragement to do the work that is in front of them. If you feel that this can be of value to you, or a member of your team, please reach out to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk.
A Quick Note of Thanks!
Thank you all for subscribing to this newsletter. The subscription numbers continue to grow and from what I am learning, this side job seems like it has “sticking power”; seven months in and this is still going strong. Each day brings a new subscriber, a new phone call, a new experience; all of this built on my desire to help nonprofit and philanthropic leaders like you feel less lonely and more empowered to do the best work they can! This is only possible through your support - thank you!
I know many of you have shared this with your friends and colleagues and I am very grateful. Thank you! If you haven’t share it yet…..well, here is your chance….
Ready to Learn Something New?
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Indianapolis and it opens a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and meet new professionals in the field. I would encourage you to look at some of the offerings of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis. The professional development school has great programming both on-line and in-person both in Indianapolis and at other sites across the country. Take a look at their course offerings here!
Other Ways to Connect
Our coaching practice has openings starting here in 2022. If you are interested in working with me to get your nonprofit organization on a track to achieve the big missions you have for your organization, please reach out to me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
Here are some other ways you can keep in contact with Pinnacle Strategies!
Check us out on our LinkedIn Page
Check us out on the Celebrating Leadership Facebook Page.