We cannot be saved from change, nor should we want to be

 



What?

The market and American government are not much different than one another. Both seek establish a narrative of those who will benefit and those who won't, albeit financial, social or political gains on the table. In working in a not-for-profit organization, a continuous challenge being faced is utilizing the market, funding opportunities, and balancing ensuring opportunities for those who do not have the means to afford them on their own. The financial models that persevere often only serve a specific subsection of the community; Like the education system in Pakistan, so often a system will in need of repair, but those who need it the most are unable to move towards that progress alone (Novogratz, 2020). Like many things, this problem is institutionally two-fold: you need funding to make progress, but you need affordable options to serve the communities in full. But how do you convince people to invest in an idea that doesn’t directly benefit them? I think of this like the leadership issues faced in The United States: the hesitation of following a leader that is promoting equity or equality stems from the fear that this will take away our own liberties and opportunities (Green & Getz, 2018).

So What?

It is a self-concerned part of human nature that has motivated many Americans to continue and hold self-serving aspirations (Green & Getz, 2018). In 2008, when the market crashed, it somewhat dismantled the idea of the American dream and the financial security and freedom that comes with it (Green & Getz, 2018); for some, particularly in younger generations, it brought capitalism into question, analyzing its inequality and the way it draws divides amongst communities (Novogratz, 2020). There is a “desperation” to fight for what we feel is our power and privilege at risk (Green & Getz, 2018). It is these fears, both in the financial market and national politics, which cause us to rely on messianic leadership discourse. Relying on these leaders can often make us feel like we are following security, yet it can often only benefit those who are already reaping benefits and leave those with more diverse needs on hold, waiting for the of the future. I think of my 4-H camping program: a weeklong camp is one of our delivery modes that allows the most direct impact from 4-H program to the youth; however, it is one program that is very difficult to make low or no cost to the youth attending. Like followers in the United States or the schools in Pakistan, it is often the youth that need such opportunities that are unable to receive the opportunity to attend.



Now What?

              As written in Novogratz’s manifesto, there needs to be a way to bridge the gap between those who can afford such opportunities and those who need the same. How do we find ways to find funding for our programs to make them successful and make sure we are saving space for more than just the same, consistent demographics? We do this by finding stakeholders who share the same vision and principles we are trying to institute. Maybe it is to create scholarship opportunities that are based in the needs of the individuals, maybe it’s finding donors that can make camp prices lower for anyone who is interested in going, or maybe it’s finding organizations that are already supporting the same or similar missions. Reflecting on the readings for this unit, there is a hidden option within the reality of today. How I said earlier, fear of losing one’s privilege and power can be cause by following a messianic leader, no matter how wrong they are for the masses. To combat that, we use courage: courage to use our privilege and power, even in the wake of fear, to lose it. As non-profit, we rely on government funding, fundraising and donations to offer our programs to as many youths in our localities as possible. With camp having such a finite number of space available each year, I must balance covering the cost associated with hosting such program and being able to afford the opportunity to others. If individuals are looking for a leader who will save them, or keep them in their comfortable bubble, it is not me or my organization. Our organization supports a closer to therapist discourse, supporting people and using a more humanistic approach to moving through challenges. Every program may not be for every child, but 4-H is open to everyone, and this is not to shift power or privilege, but to balance opportunity. If people find this uncomfortable, let them.




References

Green, Z, & Getz, C. (2018). United states of America: mourning in America: leadership in the divided states of America. In United States of America (pp. 170-178). SAGE Publications Ltd,
https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529714845

Novogratz, J. (2020). Manifesto for a moral revolution: practices to build a better world (First edition.). Henry Holt and Company.

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