There was a diversity in non-profit (NGO) agencies visited during the past week. LA CAN advocated at a grassroots level with a very limited budget. Peace Over Violence was housed in a beautiful building with even more beautiful employees. Why the disparity? Trendy causes attract the superstars that light up our TVs and movie screens, but scare away anyone who wants to avoid conflict. A Butterfly Ball means that designer gowns must be worn, but what does one wear when traversing the human waste of Skid Row?
Funding a mission statement requires a strong Board of Directors with connections to the deep pockets itching for the next big thing. Tax incentives encourage one to donate assets or cash to agencies with glossy Annual Reports and outreach personnel with short skirts. But… what if the cause is relevant to human rights, but housed in a dirty warehouse with a dirtier executive director? Do I donate? Do I listen? Do I hear?
If I empower the homeless of Skid Row and give them a voice, yet I opt to leave them unwashed and baked in the California sunshine, can they tell the donors a story that opens a wallet? If the woman without teeth and talking to the wall shows up at the red carpet event, will she be welcomed with open arms or avoidance? What makes Alzheimer’s attractive to your finances while schizo-affective disorder scares you?
