The greatest contribution we make to our organizations of social good may well be this: our vantage point.
When we stand outside the organizations we care most about, we have a special point of reference. We stand for society. From this place, we can give those inside the organization a gift of greater value than our money or talent.
We can give them a special kind of confidence and belief in their capacity to truly make a difference.
That’s because we’re in a better position to see, and draw their attention to, the assets and capabilities they typically overlook or undervalue — that is, the ones they already have.
It may be up to us to turn the world’s attention toward strengths and possibilities. Yep, us.
That’s because of this paradox: Precisely because we give to these organizations, they can continue to see and present themselves as “needy.” If we contribute to this dynamic, we may end up furthering their sense of deficiency and dependency.
Even more, when they’ve become permanent beneficiaries of our philanthropy, these organizations may even begin to take on a permanent victim mentality.
Our influence is embedded in our contributions.
That is, if we choose to send a message.
We have the power to point organizations toward what they have, rather than what they lack … toward their resources and capacities, rather than their needs and deficits. In this way, we can encourage them to rise to new levels of worth and accomplishment.
“What is possible?” is the question on which all else rests.
What can happen when the confidence and energy of human systems is lifted up — by seeing all that we have going for us?
What can happen when we interrupt the common discourse of deficiency and despair — and use our messages and even better, conversations of consequence to draw attention to life and hope, especially when others are seeing only daunting circumstances?
We admit that we have yet to know what can be. And it make take those of us who stand in society to reframe the view.
After all, one person can interrupt the status quo and influence others to see anew.
So what’s the message you could have sent with the last contribution you made, however great or seemingly small?
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