CHOOSING EFFECTIVENESS: Our children only have one childhood, and it is now.

About 10 years ago, a kindly reverend, who also happened to be a 2 time Mayor of Philadelphia, visited a prison in Pennsylvania, and in that prison he met a grandfather.  He also met that grandfather's son and grandson – incarcerated in that prison.  Not only were all three IN prison, but they had all MET there.  And the grandson had a young baby boy—born on the outside.  The grandson appealed to the reverend, he said – “I am afraid – so afraid that I will meet MY son – in here.  Is there anything that can be done to make this stop?”  So that reverend started the Amachi mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents.  He began this program to stop the devastating, destructive, hopeless and generational cycle of incarceration that an overwhelming majority of youth in our country are facing, especially minority youth.  This program came to Texas in 2006, funded out of the Governors office and administered by Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Since 2006, the Amachi program has served thousands of children of prisoners across Texas – MANY here in Bexar county.  Since 2006, 99% of these vulnerable youth have stayed OUT of the juvenile justice system.  In the current Texas state budget this program is completely eliminated. 

I understand that we have to make cuts.  I understand that we have to balance our budget. I understand that we must be fiscally responsible.  But I don’t understand cutting programs that are so effective, so necessary, and so economically beneficial.  I don’t understand making cuts so arbitrary and capricious in the sense that they do not appear to take program performance and outcomes into account in any way.  99% of youth who were statistically on their way to going into the family business are making different decisions in THIS program. They are making these decisions because their mentors are showing them that they have other options. 

Now there’s a word.  Options.  We too have options. Texas has options other than totally eliminating the highly effective programs and services that are so critical to the continued growth and development and success of our youth.   Programs like Amachi that without a doubt keep kids out of trouble and in school. 

These are turbulent times and we also need to carefully make the right decisions.  How we act now will affect the future of Texas significantly.  Our children are on a precipice; they only have one childhood, and its now.  At Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentors help kids facing challenges see their way to making the choices that have the best chance for success in the long run. In Texas, we need to make choices that have the best chance for success in the long run. And we certainly cannot choose to abandon youth who are already so deprived of positive adult support.  We cannot send them yet another message that they don’t matter.   Making the right choices is not easy.  But choosing effectiveness is always right. 

What the Wealthy are Thinking about Philanthropy in the “New Normal”

Last week at the Association of Fund Raising Professional’s (AFP) annual Conference in San Antonio, Bank of America's Kenny Wilson spoke at the Friday breakfast.  He began by telling us that he is “not a speaker.” I have to insist that this simply isn’t true.  He was not only witty and articulate but eloquent and genuine as he shared his and others' thoughts about the “New Normal” in philanthropy.   Kenny described how he contacted some of the most generous philanthropists in San Antonio to get their perspectives on how the current economic environment will affect giving.  His research is illuminating.  

Nonprofits across the state and nation are facing catastrophic government revenue budget cuts.  Foundations are strapped.  Event revenues are down.  Kenny asked some of the wealthiest individuals to speak with candor about how their giving will change as a result of current circumstances.  Some of their comments included:  

 “Before giving, I will want a plan; with specifics and careful measuring.”  “My money is more precious than before.”  “I am more averse to risk.”  “I do not expect the growth of the past.”  “I will study the causes to which I will give.”   “I will focus on the top tier organizations.” “I will treat giving like an investment.” “I will expect a multiplying effect from my gift.”  “I will expect accountability.”  “There will be less giving to a friend’s cause because he/she gave to mine.”   “I will ask ‘Can someone do this better,’ or ‘Can we stop doing this and avoid duplication.’”  “I will expect more mergers and alliances for greater efficiencies.”  “I will give where my heart is, but also where the problems are; I want to help solve problems.”  “I want to be hands on; not detached.”  

In light of these insights from individuals who are positioned to invest in our non- profit infrastructure, I think it is both timely and relevant that this Thursday, a local group of funders is conducting a panel discussion on how funding is allocated.  They will ponder what “transformative social impact” could look like in our community.  Discussion points have been culled from the book “Billions of Drops in Millions of Buckets:  Why Philanthropy Doesn’t’ Advance Social Progress.” In this book, author Steven Goldberg postulates that by reducing funding fragmentation we can increase social impact.  This fragmentation is the result of billions of philanthropic dollars being “haphazardly” allocated across as many as 2 million non profits, which significantly dilutes the impact of those dollars.   The answer might be to invest greater amounts of revenue in fewer, highly effective organizations over longer periods of time while rigorously measuring progress.  (Piece of cake, right!?)  The panel was formed by Amy Phipps of the Zachry Foundation and will be moderated by Linda McDavitt from the Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation.  Non-Profits leaders and funders will both participate in the panel discussion.