Whom can we trust?

Whom can we trust? The cynicism and suspicion of the American public has grown to the point that this question is being asked. As terrible as this might be today, it has even harsher long-term implications for our children’s futures. Whom can they trust as they become leaders? How does this lack of trust affect their relationships with neighbors, elected officials, teachers, coaches, minister – or their local volunteer center? What does distrust do to their concern for others? The long-term implications of living in a world of mistrust and fear are not difficult to imagine.

 

The nonprofit sector has not been immune to growing public cynicism. Media coverage of egregious examples of poor decisions and even downright illegal actions by some in our sector has fostered distrust, cynicism, and pressure on the nonprofit sector for greater accountability and transparency, reexamination of enforcement processes and policies, and reduced contributions. These stories support a general impression that nonprofits are more concerned about organizational advancement than their causes and missions.

 

For the most part, our reactions have been well-intentioned but shortsighted. We hear calls for being more accountable, improving our financial processes, making our finances public and signing codes of ethics – promissory notes to the public and ourselves that we will do better and even hold each other accountable. These actions are important, but are they enough? Are we addressing the core issues through value-driven behavior and taking the risks that often come from a place of values? Are we filling the leadership void and speaking authentically and honestly out of compassion and concern for others?

 

Time and again, through action or inaction, trusted institutions have demonstrated their lack of concern. Most troubling, some of our most respected and admired institutions, which have long enjoyed a halo of belief and confidence, have let us down.

 

This is a challenging moment for the charitable sector and we hope for signs of a turnaround. The nonprofit sector’s mission and purpose are built on concern for others, faith in the goodness of humankind, courage to tackle tough issues, and service for the public good.

 

The Dalai Lama, speaking on “The Power of Compassion,” defined compassion as respect for others, not pity. To be compassionate is to develop and demonstrate concern for others. This timeless message is based not only on faith but also on our inherent appreciation of other humans – not because of family connections, what they do, how much they have in the bank, or anything like that, but because we are connected by dignity.

 

It is time for the nonprofit sector to take its place again among those that place others’ needs before their own, who are genuinely and authentically compassionate and concerned about the injustice, indignity, and imbalance of power and value in our society.

 

*Note: this entry was originally posted on 4/17/08 and is now reposted with edits.