Great article! What if the challenge is more the reverse? A little “big” town that has always been philanthropic, has high levels of volunteerism, but the same people have always been on all the boards and change ranks highest on the scale of most frightening things to do?
That’s a fantastic question…and it took me a little while to think of the right answer. I think it does come down to engagement and “leveling the playing field” of participation. On a very micro scale, many arts organizations struggle with an aging audience, subscriber and donor base…it’s always the usual suspects. The way to combat that is to meet the needs of a new and changing audience and population. I’d argue the lessons apply to a whole community. I think it is critical to find easy entry points where anyone and everyone can step. And example of that is Junior/Youth Boards…although this starts off as an investment and often a cost to an organization, these are the individuals that will lead the charge and will eventually become the next wave of donors and leaders. Just my thoughts…hope that helps. Please keep asking questions!
I agree, Anna. Of course, that’s where the real work begins! Youth involvement always takes more time and planning but, in the long run, I think the ROI is much higher!
Beyond philanthropy there is Social Entrepreneurship.
Social Entrepreneurship is indeed the way forward!
For a thorough presentation of Social Entrepreneurship and the impact it will have on the future of humanity,
I strongly recommend a recent book, Social Entrepreneurship, The Secret to Starting a Business Worth Living For.
COMMENTS
BY Melissa
ON September 24, 2014 07:30 AM
Great article! What if the challenge is more the reverse? A little “big” town that has always been philanthropic, has high levels of volunteerism, but the same people have always been on all the boards and change ranks highest on the scale of most frightening things to do?
BY Phyllis
ON September 24, 2014 01:11 PM
Melissa asks a great question that I need answered too.
BY Anna Auerbach
ON October 9, 2014 02:07 PM
That’s a fantastic question…and it took me a little while to think of the right answer. I think it does come down to engagement and “leveling the playing field” of participation. On a very micro scale, many arts organizations struggle with an aging audience, subscriber and donor base…it’s always the usual suspects. The way to combat that is to meet the needs of a new and changing audience and population. I’d argue the lessons apply to a whole community. I think it is critical to find easy entry points where anyone and everyone can step. And example of that is Junior/Youth Boards…although this starts off as an investment and often a cost to an organization, these are the individuals that will lead the charge and will eventually become the next wave of donors and leaders. Just my thoughts…hope that helps. Please keep asking questions!
BY Melissa Hill Dees
ON October 9, 2014 02:22 PM
I agree, Anna. Of course, that’s where the real work begins! Youth involvement always takes more time and planning but, in the long run, I think the ROI is much higher!
BY Alain Kongo
ON October 12, 2014 11:27 AM
Beautiful post!
Beyond philanthropy there is Social Entrepreneurship.
Social Entrepreneurship is indeed the way forward!
For a thorough presentation of Social Entrepreneurship and the impact it will have on the future of humanity,
I strongly recommend a recent book, Social Entrepreneurship, The Secret to Starting a Business Worth Living For.
A good review of the book can be found Here.