Cassandra of Troy warned her city’s people of the Trojan horse, and so now do I: Beware of the awards given to your politicians; they are not what you think.
Nonprofits are becoming an extension of big government; it shows through their aggressive, but comfortable lobbying, and in how they bestow awards on politicians who pass their legislation. This self-centered, self-promoting act must be challenged in order to preserve the integrity of our elected office, and the credibility of our nonprofit sector in the public’s view. Many grassroots nonprofits live by the valued creed of doing important hands-on volunteer work; however, there are also the politically driven ones, the government arms that work to keep their growing grants and insure certain political power in office. As an educated public, we must point out the difference between the two missions. So, let’s start with those groups that are obsessed with handing out “timely” and very “creative” awards to our politicians.
As an active volunteer and educator who has been associated with many so called “nonpartisan” nonprofits and national organizations for the past two decades, I‘ve sadly witnessed the grab for unfair government funding and political power. Whether it is a poorly ran regional nonprofit who fails to compete in the market for donations or doesn’t reach its intended group, or a national organization that was born straight out of a government department: the greed and agenda is clear. These grassroots groups move increasingly away from their time honored missions of service, or they exist as a government arm that becomes a lobbying power often and ironically so, at the expense of those they serve or their own membership.
They start to overvalue the partisan “political relationships” they build in hopes of securing one-dimensional policymaking, stifling the healthy democratic process we need. Worse yet, organizations become dependent on their government counterparts if it’s a homegrown nonprofit, or it continues down the path of misleading the good hearted public as those do which are born out of federal departments. Moreover, truly deserving, effective and impactful nonprofits are marginalized-victims of not being in sync with political maneuvering. Are those served by the successful organizations who follow pure missions less worthy of help? Don’t these volunteers and their supporters deserve a fair playing field? Or, should they too start a phony trophy case honoring politicians?
Of course, reasonable short term grants and the fostering of cooperation between government entities and community groups are essential to an extent, but that relationship should be nonpartisan in nature and not at the expense of individual freedoms or vital competition. As I say on the multiple nonprofit and government boards I serve, we have our limitations and if we don’t stay on mission we risk losing the faith of our community and constituents. So, I wince every time an award is bestowed on politicians prematurely or out of partisan favoritism. Even though the titles are almost comical, (one recent award had a 7 word title), the comic relief is brief for volunteers like me, and others, who truly value honest community service, transparent missions, and fairness. Because those organizations without the fancy statistical analysis skewed by government guidance are usually those who reach the common good through fair competition, realistic services and community support; they don’t just seek a local face to represent them, but are actually a part of the community itself.
My plea, please research these groups handing out accolades. Ask for their list of past honorees; don’t be surprised if you see a disturbing pattern. You will find many of these associations are created by our government. One recent award was given by an association closely defined, if not created, by the Department of Education. Unfortunately, it’s the shadow government that insures party favoritism and is self perpetuating. I dare say they may not have our best interest in mind, nor that of the common good, or of our children, seniors, and families: you name it. They just want a bigger government check and more power or protectionism. Look at recent awards and research the political strings attached. You will become very disappointed, just as I was when I read about government funding for “paid volunteers”: what an oxymoron! Let the politicians and the organizations know we are not that gullible. And finally, let’s usher back the time when honors are bestowed on politicians after lifelong service-after they are out of office! Critics will cry that such practice wouldn’t benefit the group or politician now –EXACTLY. Let’s stop the shenanigans. Let’s tell organizations to hold their applause until the curtain has fallen on one’s service, or else, we will become suspect of their cause.
