The Significance of the Sector
One of the great things about professional development organizations, activities, and events is that you can connect with lots of different folks and exchange conversations about all sorts of topics. Sometimes those folks are in your field, other times they aren’t. This year, I had the wonderful experience of wrapping up a year-long series of classes that were part of one leadership-building program. Those in my class came from a diverse array of fields: real estate, banking, health administration, and on and on.
With only one other person from the nonprofit world in the bunch, it was challenging to talk with others about our fields– partly because they weren’t concerned about the same types of numbers, targeted clientele, or projected sales.
I observed that, among this league of leaders, there didn’t seem to be the same excitement, interest, or concern about issues in the nonprofit sector. It didn’t dawn on me until later, however, that when the average Joe hears the term “nonprofit,” he automatically relates that to a youth center, an outreach facility, an arts organization, or some other valid charitable cause. What he fails to realize, however, is that nonprofits don’t exist solely on the outskirts of society; nor should their importance be considered only around tax time.An industry truth that I abide by and will continue to profess is that nonprofit work isn’t just a fundraising event for the local health agency, or buying cookies to support the childcare center down the street - it is an entire sector, the growth and health of which is essential for the continuity of our society. The largest institutions, universities, research facilities, and hospitals were founded out of the thought to create 3 sectors of society: government, business (private), and nonprofit (public). This, also known as the Third Sector, is truly a relevant system in society, and I encourage us all to promote, support, and talk about it in that way.
Best!
allyson