Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in society, often dedicated to addressing various social issues and improving the lives of those they serve. While their missions are noble, it's important to examine a potential dilemma or shadow that can arise: the use of new patients, clients, or beneficiaries for their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives. While this approach can bolster an organization's mission, it may sometimes lack the depth and authenticity that only comes from individuals with longer, earned wisdom and experience. Additionally it can occult or hide from plain site what may be lacking within the organization while maintaining a disguise of the righteous task at hand. It's often normalized and it is a paradigm shifting worldview to become even more transparent. But this is the only true honorable way forward.
"In the courage to reveal what the world may not be ready for lies the power to transform hearts and minds, for it is often in the vulnerability of truth that the seeds of change are sown."
Harnessing the Energy of New Patients
Nonprofits often welcome new patients or clients with open arms, as their fresh perspectives and eagerness to engage with the organization's mission can inject new life and energy into the programs and initiatives.
Here's how this can be beneficial:
Renewed Enthusiasm: New patients can bring a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, which can be contagious and motivate existing staff and volunteers.
Fresh Ideas: They may offer fresh ideas and perspectives that those who have been involved for a long time may overlook, potentially leading to innovation.
Increased Awareness: New patients can help raise awareness of the organization's mission in their communities, expanding its reach and impact.
Diverse Voices: Encouraging diversity among beneficiaries ensures that the nonprofit's services are reaching a broader range of people, which aligns with the principles of inclusivity and equity.
The Pitfalls of Relying Solely on Newcomers
While harnessing the energy of new patients is valuable, it's equally important to recognize the limitations of this approach and the potential pitfalls:
Lack of Depth: New patients may not have the depth of understanding and experience that long-time beneficiaries possess. They might not fully grasp the complexities of the issues being addressed.
Short-Term Perspective: Newcomers might be focused on immediate needs and quick solutions, whereas those with longer experience often understand the importance of long-term strategies.
Sustainability: An organization that solely relies on new beneficiaries for energy and enthusiasm may struggle to maintain its mission and momentum when they move on or become less engaged.
Ignoring Wisdom of Elders: Relying solely on newcomers can inadvertently dismiss the wisdom and experience of long-time beneficiaries, who may have valuable insights and suggestions.
***See the spectrum between nescience --------willful ignorance. It is this very energy frame that takes the innocent and moves the purity of intention. It weaves webs of psychological and systemic loops of separation over integration while bolstering a side with resources the "true victim" cannot see. This initiates a complex journey many undergoing complex illness find difficult to take. Patients deserve better more honest guides.
Seeing the depths of bias can be beyond triggering, so read with an open heart and willingness to learn and be better.
Balancing New Energy with Earned Wisdom
To ensure that nonprofits achieve a balanced approach, it's crucial to integrate the energy and fresh perspectives of new patients while respecting and leveraging the earned wisdom of those with longer experiences: The comprehensive nature of illness is the ability for an organization to take radical responsibility is sharing the whole story. Often when a narrative or mission is this important we can leave out critical parts of our stories in Lew of “looking” good. This is not the new paradigm of CARE.
Mentorship Programs: Create mentorship programs where newcomers can learn from long-time beneficiaries, fostering a sense of continuity and mutual learning.
Feedback Loops: Encourage open feedback channels that allow both new and long-term beneficiaries to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.
Inclusive Decision-Making: Involve diverse voices in decision-making processes to ensure that the organization benefits from a wide range of perspectives.
Education and Training: Invest in education and training programs for all beneficiaries to enhance their understanding of the issues and the organization's mission.
Recognize and Celebrate Contributions: Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of both new and long-time beneficiaries, emphasizing that every perspective is valued.
Nonprofits have the potential to harness the energy and enthusiasm of new patients or clients to further their missions. However, it's crucial to see more fully and strike a balance by recognizing the value of earned wisdom and not hesitating to share the totality of experience from those with longer and more complex histories. By embracing both the freshness of newcomers and the depth of understanding and nuance from long-term beneficiaries, nonprofits can create a more holistic and sustainable approach to fulfilling their missions and positively impacting society. Time to get real to heal and expose ourselves fully because that is what fertilizes healthy environments that have the intrinsic and extrinsic power to heal.