Non-Profits and why I don't like them

As it turns out, I’m an extremely liberal, idealistic person. Thankfully this schema hasn’t crashed and burned against pragmatism yet. I like to think it’s due to my realization of my idealism, but regardless, this mindset makes me opinionated to say the least.

So when I hear “Non-profits,” the first thing that jumps to mind is no salary, and agendas. Not evil agendas, but still…

(Have I mentioned that I’m also a cynic?)

So it may be no large surprise that up until recently I’ve shunned non-profits. I will donate money to carefully vetted organizations, but I have few desires to work for a non-profit. In regards to my own opinion, I personally am not a fan of The Salvation Army. I feel as if there is a forced religious aspect that taints what they are trying to do. It’s simply something I’m not willing to support. Because I staunchly hold on to my beliefs, I have realized it would be best for me to work in a neutral environment, generally away from politics and religion.

However, thanks Anita Foster from the American Red Cross, I have a new respect for the organization. A completely neutral organization that formed because, “you don’t leave the wounded on a battlefield.” Those “wounded” are no longer confined to wars, but appear in any form of a crisis.

These crises bring with them a desire to not only help the needy, but to extend that help where ever it is needed, regardless of situation. It calls for an ability to stay calm in the face of tragedy.

What fascinates me is the ability to apply a generic set of “crisis communications” rules to varying situations all to garner the same outcome. Every day is different, every crisis is different and yet the approach to each day/situation is generally the same.

What seems more impressive is the thought that Anita didn’t view an earthquake as a crisis, rather she viewed the human interactions with that natural disaster the “crisis.” It’s really not what’s thrown at us that is the issue, but rather how we, and others, respond to said problem.

With that in mind, I still won’t donate to the sweet old people ringing bells this holiday season. Not every non-profit can appeal to all people. I am, however, excited to find one not-for-profit organization that strives for something I can deem admirable. Although, with a 94 percent volunteer base, my chances of being paid by the Red Cross is alarmingly weak.

Guess I was right on some of my assumptions about non-profits.