I’ve been working with nonprofit organizations on technology issues (strategy, implementation) for about 15 years now. I remember the heady days, when most nonprofits didn’t even have networks, and some of them still didn’t have internet access. In those days, most nonprofit techies were progressive, and we were sure that what we were doing was going to change the world for the better.
Now, 15 years later, I’m pretty sure I’m not changing the world. You’re still more likely to find a progressive nonprofit techie than a conservative one, but there are plenty of conservative ones now. Conservative causes of all sorts have discovered the power of the kinds of technologies I’ve been helping nonprofits with, and are au courant. Plenty of conservative organizations use Drupal, Salesforce, online fundraising, Facebook and Twitter – using those technologies to push for ends that I am far from interested in seeing come to reality. You can bet that the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections will not be a repeat of the 2008 election with such a massive differential in use of technology and social networks.
I remember also, from those heady days, the idea that we could help nonprofits be more effective by encouraging them to be more proactive around replacing their hardware. Come to find out not so much later, that the massive production (and disposal) of computer hardware fuels deadly conflicts, and causes serious environmental damage.
And then there is the fundamental – what is all this technology really for, anyway? I was reminded of this when listening to Marketplace on radio a while ago. It’s worth remembering that one of the two motive forces around all of this technology change is that business (and nonprofits, too) can squeeze more work out of fewer people. That would be fine if we had a great safety net where people who were unemployed could be supported, and perhaps get free education so they could create art, music, or new and interesting things, but that’s not how the system works, is it? The second motive force is simply to empty your wallet so you can get shiny.
I still think I’m doing good. I still think that working with nonprofits to help them grapple with communications and data is good work, helps people, and is right livelihood. But I’m pretty sure I’m not changing the world by doing it.
I’m reminded, of course, by the famous Audre Lorde quote: “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.”
There may be other ways I’m helping to change the world, though, but you’ll have to read my other blog for that.
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Hi Michelle –
Great article – I see/explore the same conflicts in my work.
The article by Mark Morford is a great one too.
Here’s to living a self reflective life.
“Roger”
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for this reflection. I didn’t realize you had written it so recently. It’s neat hearing your perspective just as I’m starting to work in the field. (I wish there were more outlets for dissent and thoughtful self-criticism within the field.)
The Audre Lorde quote is an interesting one and strikes me as true. The master’s tools serve the master’s purposes. Nevertheless, it’s hard for me to envision power in the hands of organizations working for the social good without technology. Like it or not, technology is vital to our communication and our life support systems. Can the revolution be neither funded nor digitized? If so, what in the world is it going to look like? Those are earnest questions, not sarcastic ones. If such a revolution is possible, I’d like to know.
Hmm…
Mejin
Technology, and in particular the Internet, are making more and more nonprofits obsolete. For example, why give your $25 to some bloated 501(c)(3) when you can make a microloan and find out in a short period of time the direct impact of your contribution? The change over the next decade will be radical with many nonprofits going out of business. Of course, most nonprofit managers haven’t figured this out yet . . .
@Cathy I’m not sure I agree that microloans are going to mean the end of nonprofits – even nonprofits that do direct service to people who need resources. People need more than just money – they need training, support of various kinds, systems for finding and delivering assistance are all an important part of the picture.
I agree that the nonprofit sector is likely to undergo radical change, and many orgs will (and already have) closed shop, but I don’t think that technology tools will make nonprofits obsolete – there is too much on-the-ground help that is needed.
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