one of the things I have learned from working in the grant world is that money moves their mission. I have been told by various non-profit directors "with no money there is no mission" (wild statement!!) the true statement would be, without money there would be no jobs for us here.
one of the things I have learned in community spaces is that the people progress the mission, with or without funds. It is very noble. I also have my qualms with this and will speak to a proposed solution towards the end of this article.
as a bridger of worlds i am always seeking to expand the best parts of everything I encounter, regardless of how it is differs from my way of living. I ask: "what can I adopt, learn from, and innovate from this way of existing, to create a cuter existence for myself (and hopefully– extend to others)?
one big observation, from working in non-profit structures, is helping me construct an answer :
those who invest, decide priorities
In grant world, those receiving the money (non profits) are accountable to whoever gives them money (funders), NOT the community served.
This has less to do with personal intent, and more to do with the fact that non-profits are business structures. They will function as they must to continue running. Sometimes there is overlap between community needs and funder priorities. However, the problem lies in that resources become tied to who is running the show, so its a pretty dangerous investment for our hope.
Why? Have you ever seen an organization's mission statement that aims to cease operating after solving a problem? I have not.
Non-profits assume (lowkey bet on) the problem persisting, so they get cozy with it. Lots of the budget goes towards staffing, operational costs, buildings (alot!) insurance, and big salaries. Aka job creation/sustaining the symptom– not root issue solving. Imagine a non-profit being funded to facilitate reparations or giving land back to indigenous people who have common sense?? Imagine the government funding self-sufficient community structures?! In the words of the great audre lorde:
“For the master’s tool will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change. And this fact is only threatening to those who still define the master’s house as their only source of support.”
If you have every worked in a non-profit, you may have at one point thought, "why aren't they listening to my very important observations and concerns" or had the general issue with the higher ups having their own "agenda"...
Maybe you have experienced the way priorities shift suddenly, or perhaps noticed they are not aligned with what the community actually needs. For example, earlier this year the federal government cut funding for mental health programs and many people who relied on rehabilitation/mental health resources were set to be left without support. Luckily, it was reversed.
However, it brings up an important need to begin to build our own systems so we can start to exit this abusive relationship with the government. Regardless of the administration, this country only functions by dangling our survival needs as a threat for compliance– and I do not appreciate that manipulative and abusive dynamic. So, how do we create systems that we are actively invested in...so we have a real say?
I thinks maybe we invest in each other. Investing in the people and spaces who are actually doing the work to create another way of existing. This can be by investing our time, energy, finances, resources into what we wish to see expand. Community work is often held up by a few, and I am advocating for more active participation. I love a good note of appreciation but I also would like tangible help. Como decia mi abuelita
gracias ni que nada, !ayudame!
Investment can look like paying people, but is moreso an understanding that we all have an ability to contribute. It should not and does not fall on any ONE person.
What does this look like?
- If you are already a part of a community-led initiative, it means offering to support in their efforts. Offering your resources: time, energy, artistic ability, financially, knowledge, family/community tree
- If you have an idea of what could exist, innovating it! Forget perfection. Start small. Take it slow and steady. Long term sustainability over quick fixes.
- Get clear on how others can support you and this initiative.
Going back to my initial observation...
those who are invested, have a say.
Those co-creating something are collectively building what they wish to see. On their terms. You get to experiment with new ways! old ways! of creating organized solutions<3
An important note: There is nothing more counterproductive than receiving criticism from people who are not helping build solutions. I love a good critique, but this is not the time to judge community people's efforts as your contribution to the cause– specifically when not actively involved in the process. There are so many ways to offer feedback when you care, but the first: build a relationship. If ya don't want to do that, build something else with your resources and people.
Anyway! I am getting ready to share a very exciting way to put this into action. Specifically, a community structure that will support local changemakers wellbeing. That is my smol thread in the large fabric– mental healthy things.
If you are on this newsletter, I value your feedback and support. I appreciate your investment in my work– as it has allowed me to continue to grow towards what I believe is possible. Know that you are always welcome to leave a comment under this article or reply to the email with your thoughts. I would love that actually! I am hoping to make this a more intimately engaged space than the socials can offer.
