Uncertainty Is Our Constant
At the start of this year, I was invited to speak at a philanthropy conference slated for late spring. I entitled my presentation, “Understanding the Philanthropic Zeitgeist.”
Of course, the original event was cancelled, replaced with a virtual conference last week. As I prepared my presentation, I gathered my thoughts on the elements of our current zeitgeist and those that particularly related to philanthropy, I was not short on relevant subject matter, including community, Zoom (and other virtual platforms), DEI, erosion of trust, and uncertainty. While Read more
No Apologies Necessary
Nonprofits, like so many of us, are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy—but not just in the ways you might think. Yes, many nonprofits suffered the same kinds of damages and losses that the very community members they served and helped during the crisis. Thus, like their friends, families, neighbors, and fellow residents, they are cleaning up and rebuilding. Nonprofits hit by Sandy, however, also have two unique problems that others in the community don’t have. And all nonprofits need to learn the Read more
Check Your Moral Compass
So, what are the challenges of being a leader in the first part of this century? I am sure that every article, presentation, talk, etc. written/presented in the first quarter of a new century that addresses “what it takes to be a leader” (and, no, I did not do a search) at some point says “these times are different: we have a different environment, different values, different needs, etc.” And I am saying the same thing: these are not your grandmothers’ times anymore—or for most Read more
