If people no longer commit with time or money, the sector of our society that works for the common good without regard to money will come to a standstill. The non-profit sector is not some behemoth of fat cats getting paid out the ass, most of us are in it because we feel we can do something. Yes, there are some fat cats, but most non-profit leaders are not making six and seven figure salaries. Hell, some of us don’t even have retirement plans and we are inching closer to retirement age. Please don’t erase us in this narrative of an unfeeling machine that isn’t quite reality.
Shay, this is powerful and important. Thank you for examining details to discover the answer to, “How on earth could Portland Pride fail to have an interpreter?!” I also see the cultural shift that undermines nonprofits, community work and churches. (Full disclosure, I am a pastor and watch the shift you describe hollowing out churches as well.) At this point in many conversations, I have to say, “ Not that kind of ‘Christian’!” COVID is not solely to blame because we were sliding off into oblivion before that, but the sense of disconnection it fostered has put our brokenness on steroids.
Reading your post, I am forced to note that I too have stopped serving on community boards. It may be time to re-up and work harder to bring the next generation with me… it IS a tough slog.
Shay, this is powerful and important. Thank you for examining details to discover the answer to, “How on earth could Portland Pride fail to have an interpreter?!” I also see the cultural shift that undermines nonprofits, community work and churches. (Full disclosure, I am a pastor and watch the shift you describe hollowing out churches as well.) At this point in many conversations, I have to say, “ Not that kind of ‘Christian’!” COVID is not solely to blame because we were sliding off into oblivion before that, but the sense of disconnection it fostered has put our brokenness on steroids.
Reading your post, I am forced to note that I too have stopped serving on community boards. It may be time to re-up and work harder to bring the next generation with me… it IS a tough slog.