Comments on: I’m not changing the world

By: Why Zen?

Why Zen? — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:05:04 +0000

[...] was designed to make me keep that in mind when I wrote about technology. As you know, I’ve given up hope that by helping nonprofit organizations with technology that I’m changing the world. But I do [...]

By: admin

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:54:17 +0000

@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.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:54:05 +0000

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 . . .

By: Mejin

Mejin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:38:29 +0000

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

By: Roger

Roger — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:31:11 +0000

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”