The Forming of Activists

What motivates someone to work in community groups or nonprofit organizations? Is it because they grew up surrounded by activism? Are they determined to advocate and make programs for those facing similar obstacles? Or are they just looking for a sense of community and support? The reasons for becoming active in nonprofits are about as diverse as the organizations themselves.

But what struck me about this week’s readings is just how many people get involved because of the humanitarian emphasis in their religions. It's evident that churches are adamant about promoting charity work; for doing selfless philanthropic acts is said to not just to help others but to aid your own development as a religious person. However the fact that Americans contribute more of their time and money to religious organizations than any other group in the third sector, was new to me. Though religious associations have a hugely positive impact on America, what interests me is why so many people are becoming active through religious groups instead of other nonprofits—and also, what affect religion has on their decisions. I feel like this large volunteer base stems from the religious services themselves. If roughly “seventy percent [of Americans] claim membership in a religious congregation,” the majority of citizens are regularly benefiting from having a source of community and the inspiration to become active. They connect philanthropy with a greater religious purpose and therefore are more compelled to promote it. According to O’Neill, Americans support religious non-profits more than secular ones because they trust religious institutions, having been involved and familiar with their mission for years. However, because so much of humanitarian work is being done by religiously affiliated groups, it is dictated by beliefs that do not apply to everyone those groups aim to help. As a result, religion begins to dictate the agenda of organizations involved with children’s education, women’s and human rights, mental health, and homelessness, indirectly affecting the policies surrounding them.

As much as I may be opposed to the Protestant stance on certain social issues, I am impressed by the ability of religious associations to create so many active individuals who want to get behind their cause. Recently, I was introduced to a conversation that has been sparking debate at blog sites and lunch tables of many third sector workers. It is the idea that the nonprofits who remain financially dependent on the government and/or foundations have a harder time accomplishing their goals and holding onto that independent spirit that activism used to thrive on. This idea is highlighted in the book The Revolution Will Not Be Funded, in which 21 nonprofit activists discuss how having to report back to the government and attract foundations has created a shift in how nonprofits must think of themselves. While they once focused on engaging citizens and making connections to start a movement, they are now having to think more like businesses, advertising their work in a way that will appeal to money-holding foundations and government—all of whom have their own agendas (statistics they want produced, quotas they want fulfilled). This quest for funds creates a competitive environment amongst organizations advocating for similar causes. When we were talking about the qualifications to become a 501(c) 3 (or any recognized nonprofit) in class, I assumed that it was these government funded organizations that could have the most success in reaching their goals. However, ideas brought up by activists who want to distance themselves from this type of funding have made me reconsider. In the end, it comes down to who can make the most progress and what progress means to that individual organization. Does it mean working hard to create a movement of activists and engaged citizens to slowly change the lives of individuals? Or does it mean gaining the financial support to become a nationally recognized nonprofit that can hopefully create widespread change sooner than later?

How can we create a combination of the two?

I have a feeling this will be an ongoing discussion.

Thanks for reading!

- Sarah

Take a look at this article to hear more about the ideas brought up by The Revolution Will Not Be Funded:

http://www.utne.com/Politics/Revolution-Will-not-be-Funded-Nonprofit-Industrial-Complex.aspx

And here for an organization in Portland that has decided to proceed without government funding:

http://www.pearmentor.org/home.html