Mission Impossible?

The clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve. For a lot of people it is a time of celebration; it is a time for champagne, confetti and Dick Clark. However, there is another reality to the beginning of the new year. It is a tough time for many nonprofit and faith-based organizations trying to raise money and to regroup. It is a time of anxiousness and feelings of fear and distress with so many unanswered questions about the coming year. What do we do? Where do we go to raise money? How can we fulfill or mission? How can we keep our doors open and pay our staff? Where do we start?

Yes, January 1, 2009, did represent the start of a new year which also means the fund-raising budget has been rolled back to zero. It is now a clean slate with all new goals and expectations. The anxiety we feel is understandable. We have just come off the worst financial year in our lifetime. The Dow Jones average was down 36% and NASDAQ 40% and both indicators are down from that number so far this year. People by the hundreds of thousands have lost their jobs, lost their homes, lost savings and lost retirement income. We have borrowed our way into a financial quagmire and each and every one of us is affected by it - either personally or professionally.

It is pretty easy to feel hopelessness. It is pretty easy to feel uneasy and it is pretty clear that 2009 is going to be more than difficult, thus the topic and title of this blog: Mission Impossible. These two words should really have a question mark behind it as the two words really need to ask the question, “Mission Impossible?” This can have more than one meaning. Is carrying out our mission impossible under the current economic conditions? Or is the mission to raise the necessary funds to sustain our organization through tough times impossible? Both are important and both are difficult questions to answer.

In my opinion, it depends. It depends on a lot of factors. It depends on a certain amount of luck and it depends on a whole lot of creativity, ingenuity and sweat equity on the part of nonprofits. It is also the time for self evaluation and organization evaluation. You must ask yourselves some tough questions; what happens if my organization goes away today or tomorrow? Nobody wants to consider these questions, but we must.

First let’s think about it another way. Don’t you think that now is the time to call in all your favors? Now is the time to have a plan that is different than previous plans and techniques. Now is the time to take a different path and strategy than ever taken before. You may think that this is all well and good, but what exactly does that mean? I’ll tell you what it means to me in the form of a question: “What if?”

What if?
What if philanthropy ramped up full force and advocated for federal assistance for our nonprofit organizations as part of the economic stimulus package currently being considered? It seems likely; every group has been considered (financial institutions, small businesses, the automotive industry, and manufacturing). Why don’t we really push for the nonprofit sector? What if we pull out all the stops to contact every member of congress, the new presidential team and anyone else that can help? I believe the time is now to include nonprofit organizations in the stimulus package. We have unprecedented volume of requests for assistance during these times.

The Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009 is broad and is intended to jumpstart the economy. We must also insure that in addition to helping with emergency food and shelter, community services and community development, we make finds available for nonprofits to get emergency bridge loans to stay afloat or to deal with severe cash flow problems. We just spent $350 billion on the financial sector and we are not sure where it went. Now, let’s spend $15 billion on the nonprofit sector and save services that need to continue now more than ever and save those important nonprofit jobs. Action is now needed.

What if?
What if you reached every person who has ever given to your organization since its inception and asked then to give again this year and give a little more?

What if?
What if we were able to mobilize a new group of givers who have never been asked but can give some funds at some level?

What if? What if community service becomes the hallmark of this country and this state, and we are able to energize a whole new cadre of volunteers to give time, talent and even money to your cause?

What if?
What if each board member gave two or three of four times more than they have given before and 100% of your board members gave something and they ask 10 of their friends to give something?

What if?
What if somebody who has been touched by your organization knows somebody of wealth and they are enthralled by the passion and enthusiasm of this person that they chose to give a large gift knowing the circumstances your organization faces at this point in time?

What if?
What if somebody who knows your organization organizes a golf tournament, bowling event, gala, town’s largest garage sale or something else to benefit your organization?

What if?
What if the Civitans, Rotarians, Kiwanis, Masons, Elks, Lions, Moose, Optimist Clubs, church youth groups, senior groups and every other organization considered helping your organization in some small way?

What if? What if the local bank, insurance company, doctor, lawyer, local business or business person gave something, anything during these times?

What if?
What if the local printer donated one order or the office supply company donated one box of paper and the other vendors each of us work with gave something?

What if? What if somebody’s grandmother or another person passes away after a long and fruitful life and left just a portion of their estate to your organization?

What if?
What if you partnered with an organization you have previously viewed as your competitor and your partnership saves money and delivers services in a more efficient manner?

What if?
What if the only way your services can continue at all is to merge with another organization with a like mission and similar purpose?

What if?
And what if the ultimate answer is, we just can’t make it?

I am saying try everything you can now and don’t give up. But you must do things differently and think differently. Tighten your belt. Yes, prepare for difficult times. Yes, do more with less. And yes, be willing to make more sacrifices than you care to think about.

There are hundreds of opportunities and thousands of ways to involve people who can give, get, work or support. It is the fundamental principle we have always operated under during good times and bad times in the nonprofit sector. It is the same principle we must operate under today only with more passion, perseverance, gusto and every other emotion we can muster. There are nearly 335 days left in 2009. Don’t waste one of them. Don’t waste an hour and don’t waste a minute.

Make a plan. Be creative. Be willing to take a different approach. Don’t be afraid to ask people you have never asked before to help. Don’t be afraid to go back to those who have helped in the past and ask for more help. And do it with every singe ounce of passion and God-given ability you have.

You see, the mission is not impossible at all. The opportunities are there. You just have to make what seems impossible – possible. In his book “The Soul of Politics,” Jim Wallace writes, “Hope unbelieved is considered nonsense. But hope believed is history in the process of being changed.”

Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Lessons Learned from Dad

It has been one year since my dad passed away. He was ill for a long time and, in many ways, his passing was a blessing. I have had a lot of time to think about him over the last year. The time has been filled with both happy and sad reflections. My dad taught me a lot and he often taught me things without actually trying to teach me. It was his actions that provided the lessons. As I reflect back, I want to share a few his saying and lessons. Some you may have heard before and some may be new.

1. “Hard work never hurt anybody.”
Interpretation: Get out of bed and do what it takes to get the job done each day

2. “If you could buy him for what he is worth and sell him for what he thinks he’s worth, you would make a fortune.”
Interpretation: The guy has a pretty big ego.

3. “That house is a fooler.”
Interpretation: The house looks a lot bigger than it really is and don’t be fooled by its façade. It can also apply to other situations in life.

4. “Religion doesn’t only occur on Sundays.”
Interpretation: Live your lives every day just like you do on Sundays.

5. “It doesn’t cost a single penny to be kind to somebody.”
Interpretation: Be nice to everyone and do it every chance you get.

6. “He’s a slow thinker.”
Interpretation: Observation of a driver in front of him who can’t decide where to go.

7. “If it’s not broken, then don’t fix it.”
Interpretation: Leave it alone if it is working well.

8. “His word is his bond.”
Interpretation: You don’t need a fancy contract to have an agreement. If you trust someone, what they say to you is all you need.

9. “Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill.”
Interpretation: don’t over react to things. Don’t make a small issue into a big issue by how you deal with it.

10. “I want to be able to sleep at night.”
Interpretation: The decisions we make in life are ones we should make honestly and sincerely and not have to worry about later.

11. “That is about as strong as a wet paper bag.”
Interpretation: Whatever you are doing, don’t count on it being successful for long.

12. “Fight until the bitter end.”
Interpretation: Never give up. No matter how difficult or how many times you get knocked down, get back up and try again.

Dad was true to his word. He never gave up. He lived an honest and hard working life. He practiced what he preached and his word was his bond. He was a great role model.

Tom Keith is the President of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

New Year’s Wishes For 2009

It is the dawn of a new year and 2009 will be a whole lot different in many ways. Our country is filled with mixed emotions. There is a lot of pessimism about the economy and there is significant optimism about a change in leadership. There are many New Year’s wishes to be offered. Here are a few that I would like to share with you. I wish for:

• Jobs and opportunity for every person who wants one.

• A steadily improving economy that will bring people out of the panic mode.

• A country full of people who are more willing than ever to give back to their fellow man. After all, I believe we are a society of humanitarians.

• The realization that we buy far more than we need and if we could re-direct some of that self indulgence to help others less fortunate, we would be better served (my self included).

• Living for and enjoying today and not worrying so much about tomorrow or what we did or did not do yesterday.

• Exercise and breathe fresh air. It makes you feel better.

• Do something you have never done before in your life. Encounter a new experience this year.

• Make someone feel better by renewing an old friendship, calling someone when they are sick or just saying something kind to somebody. It does not cost a thing.

• Have a positive attitude every day.

• Do something fun every day and laugh.

• Give freely of your time, talent and resources. Your extra change can make a difference you would not believe.

• Take a road you have never taken before. It might provide you with a different perspective on things.

It is my hope that each and every one of you has a magnificent and prosperous 2009. So don’t follow the old adage of wait until next year because next year is this year and the time is now to make the most of it.

Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Ten Years of Fatherhood

It is hard to believe that it has been ten years since the beginning of the Fatherhood Initiative by the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. Back in December of 1998, little was being done around this issue, but the need was great.

The plight of low-income fathers in South Carolina has been an overwhelming problem in many different ways. It is pervasive throughout the state in both rural and urban areas. From the onset, one of the biggest challenges was earning the trust of fathers. Their sense of hopelessness and despair and the magnitude of their problems were almost too big to handle. However, one by one, thousands of fathers have come forward and participated in a fatherhood program. They have learned how to deal with anger management issues, how to find a job, how to deal with legal problems and how to be more responsible fathers and contributing members of society.

While there hasn’t been a 100% success rate, there have been a huge number of accomplishments. It has not only contributed in a positive fashion to our economy, but has also reduced the traffic in our courts and jails. These programs are far from perfect and some fathers just can’t get things turned around, but many of them do, and these fathers make the Initiative worthwhile.

The exciting and rewarding part of all of this is that thousands of children now have an active father in their lives. Dads are there for their kids at school events, sporting events, church activities and, of course, birthdays. Living in poverty is bad enough but living in poverty without your father or without your children is much worse. So, congratulations to everyone involved in ten years of success with the Fatherhood Initiative in South Carolina. The journey has been complex but the rewards have been great.

Tom Keith is the executive director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Reflections from Last Month's Election

The recent Presidential election was a transformational moment for me. Regardless of who you voted for, it is, without question, an amazing time in American History. I was really struck by the energy, enthusiasm and passion of the electorate across the nation. It was representative of who we have become as a nation. This country represents a diverse group of individuals of all ages, races and persuasions that care deeply about our country – the good and the bad.

I found the engagement of young people in the election process quite refreshing. The many first- time voters of all ethnicities that stood in line, many waiting four or five hours to participate in the process, impressive.

There is no easy solution to the problems this country faces no matter who is occupying the White House or Congress. As was said by many different people over the last few months, government cannot and should not solve or try to solve all of our problems. Each of us has a responsibility to become engaged in community and non-profit service, to support others in need, whenever possible, and to do our part to be fiscally disciplined. But, I must admit that I feel a sense of hope in these weeks after the election. I feel that things can get better, and that we can lift ourselves out of the depths of despair, even if we personally did not contribute to the problem.

My father lived through the Great Depression. He never wanted to throw anything away for fear that it might serve some use or purpose at a later time. He saved money and worked hard everyday. He took care of his family and saw that his children received a college education. My dad died 11 months ago. I can tell you that he would have been proud of America today. He would have felt the same hope and optimism many of us feels right now.

So, no matter how you voted, or what gender you are or what race you are or what age you are or what ideology you support: feel proud. Feel proud to be an American, proud that the process of democracy works and proud that we have the energy and involvement of a lot of people we had never before engaged.

Yes, it is a transformational time for me and one for the history books. I am just thankful that I have experienced it live and in person. It is great to be an American, just like the rest of you. Remember, through thick and thin, we are in this together. Isn’t that just the way it should be?

Tom Keith is the executive director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Women Religious Are a Gift to All of Us

I recently attended a three-day conference with a group of women religious (nuns) who minister in South Carolina. The theme for the meeting was “story telling.” It seems simple enough, but it’s not so simple for these women. They have dedicated their lives to religious life and follow a very humble and unselfish doctrine which is an integral part of their Catholic upbringing.

While many of their stories may go untold, they have plenty of stories to share. Most of them have lived very meager lives with very few possessions, all while dedicating their energy and time to God. If you think about it, these women have made significant sacrifices that most of us can’t really imagine. These Sisters have done so much to make our world a better place. They have started hospitals and orphanages, fought for social justice and supported humanitarian efforts worldwide. They have taught in schools, become nurses, counselors, social workers, doctors, pharmacists, hospital administrators and much more. Although Sisters are ambitious, dedicated and want to accomplish a lot, these goals are always tempered with a spiritual peace and sincere compassion for others that makes for a perfect balance.

The unfortunate truth about the vocation of women religious is that it is rapidly declining. In its heyday in the 1960s there were more than 180,000 women religious in the United States, but today, in 2008, that number is under 60,000. What’s more, the average age of a nun in South Carolina is 68 and the national average is 70. A documentary “Crossroads” was released earlier this year and depicts the history of religious life and focuses on three ministries in South Carolina. It asks the difficult question, “What’s next for women religious?” The answer is unclear and complicated.

The first hope is that many young women will take to religious life and infuse new blood into this vocation. There are religious orders in other parts of the world such as Africa and India that are recruiting many young women into the religious life. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the United States. There are now more options for women, and many Catholic women today have chosen not to make the sacrifices embracing this vocation that many women religious have made in the past. The work of women religious and their ministries must be transitioned to lay leaders and others to carry on the work when there are no longer Sisters to lead these organizations. While the decline in Sisters in this country may not be an issue today, it will become a major dilemma in the next 10 to 20 years.

If you stop for a minute and think about Sisters and what they have sacrificed and what they have accomplished, it is mind boggling. Through the Sisters, God’s work has been done and will continue to be done in a humble and sincere way. These women are a wonderful example of Christian service by living their lives to care for others less fortunate. Thanks to who they are and what they have done; we have all benefited either directly or indirectly and it is a great thing to consider and appreciate.

Tom Keith is the executive director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

Servant Leadership Matters

What we do with our free time is up to us. Many people like to attend and play sports, travel or participate in family activities. These are wonderful things to do. Many people also focus on spending time to serve their community, often making it a priority. We have that investment by the members of the Board of Trustees at the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Many of our trustees donate hundreds of hours of their time each to attend meetings, participate in site visits and conferences, review grants and many other Foundation activities. The life blood of most non-profit organizations lie with its volunteers. While staff may be essential, volunteers offer a perspective and expertise key to a balanced and successful organization. There are certain core values that are inherit in all board members. These include belief in the mission, selflessness, leadership and believing in an inclusive team effort to accomplish a larger organizational goal.

Servant leadership has different meanings to different people. My interpretation of a servant leader is someone who commits to serving others through their own sacrifices or using their own gifts. This is evident on our Foundation Board each and every year. A board comprised of servant leaders who care about others and give of their time, energy and talents to make a difference in affecting the lives of the poor in South Carolina. They embody the Foundation’s core values of justice, collaboration, compassion, respect and courage. Without them, we would not be the organization we are today.

Tom Keith is the executive director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.