Let’s Stop Calling Them Not-for-Profit Organizations
The term “not-for-profit” suggests financial gain is the only worthwhile value. I much prefer to describe our important community groups as “social-profit organizations.” I believe these vital groups provide our path to changing the world. Think about the many social profit organizations that help our communities each day: The Red Cross, the YMCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, United Way, and so many others. Our communities profit from their activities in countless ways. Without them, where would we be?
One example close to home is Joplin, Missouri, which in May 2011 was hit by an EF5 tornado, one of the worst our country has ever seen. More than 8,000 homes were destroyed and 158 people lost their lives. We will be working for many years to help the community of Joplin recover. Men, women and children do not have homes and many have lost everything. Even their jobs blew away in that horrific storm. Volunteers heard the call to action and tens of thousands have traveled to Joplin to help. More come each day.
This proves that many of us truly understand how our communities can profit when we hear the call to action and serve as volunteers. Connecting with others strengthens all of us. Social profit results when we all come together to help those who need us whatever the circumstances may be. All of us can help. All of us can serve. All of us benefit when we support our social profit organizations.
Bless your big hearts and I thank you for all you do to make the world a better place to live. We are all connected and we are in this together…thank goodness!
~ Dr. Nancy