In my work with SCORE I meet face to face with people who
have ideas for new businesses, or already have small businesses in need of some
help to succeed and prosper. These people come with a dizzying array of ideas
that all contain hope for a better tomorrow – for they or others – and these
ideas are not all aimed at customers or needy markets. Some are product ideas;
others are for services. Most are for-profit, but many are for non-profit
entities, too.
I have a long former career in non-profits. Actually, I am one
of the few non-profit mentors in SCORE
Fox Valley
Non-profits focus mainly on mission. There is a value
orientation to their operation that helps people in need, or serves to support
public programs that will improve society. A lot of these groups wish to serve
educational and cultural needs of targeted markets. People who will benefit
from the education or cultural programming are held high in the minds of those
organizing these groups.
This should be lesson enough that our society pitches in and
helps where needed. All such support is not done by government programs alone.
Or by churches and their sprawling organizations throughout the globe. No; the
needs of a healthy community or society extends broadly throughout the world.
Rich county or poor, needs are ever present. And a group of caring people are
ready and willing to help alleviate the suffering of others.
And improvement. So many groups want to improve living
conditions throughout the world. Here in America groups are focused on this
mission. Why? Because the need exists. In the midst of wealth and plenty
millions of Americans are poor, culturally starved, and poorly educated to
fully care for themselves and families. Helping hands organize to feed them,
house them, educate and medicate them.
The presence of these groups tells us that needs exist in so
many ways and in so many places. Government is not and cannot be everywhere;
nor should it be. However, we need to be mindful of the need. When large enough
it is likely that only a national government can make a dent in some of these
problems. Then that government ought to step in and help address the problem.
Meanwhile private citizens and institutions are doing just that already.
Recently a beautiful young woman came to me with news of a
new organization that will help ease incivility in highly diverse cultures. In
her case the target was the metropolitan area of Lima , Peru
She and her organization is incorporated here in Illinois and eventually a sister organization will be
incorporated in Peru .
Both will raise funds needed to build youth and family camp programs offered
throughout the year. The campers will be representatives from throughout the Lima social circles and
castes. The purpose is to help each camper discover their own individual
identity, the identity of those different from themselves, and then develop understanding
and collegiality among the groups. The hoped for outcome is growing civility
and stronger, sustainable communities.
Such is needed here in America , too! If her program
succeeds, it will grow throughout the Lima metro
area, then to other parts of Peru
and South America . Again, if successful this
program could be a beacon of hope and civility throughout the globe, including America .
This program comes from individual citizens. This program
will be supported by individual citizens and institutions. It is not a
government program, nor need it be.
People helping people. People being fully human. People
being humble and generous.
Now isn’t that a refreshing message in a time of incivility
and ugly public rhetoric here in the US ?
Just thought I’d share this with my readers. All is not
lost. All is not government. In America
as in the rest of the world, society does best when it realizes it is of the
people, for the people, and by the people.
Let’s all dig in and lend a hand.
June 23, 2017
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