4.22.2008

Recommended Reading

Just finished an easy, very good read by Robert Egger called Begging for Change. He is a true visionary in the industry.
The book starts with a informative history of philanthropy, highlighting the good, the bad and ugly of Carnegie, Rockefeller and others along the way. He weaves in vignettes about his own experiences founding and managing D.C. Central Kitchen (www.dccentralkitchen.org) and picking up the pieces as Interim Director of a flailing D.C. area United Way.
Though a bit preachy at times, his ideas and stories are thought provoking. I found my mind racing the whole time with how I could apply myself differently in the various organizations I work for by simply thinking more creatively.
The book is a call to ask more of our nonprofit businesses. It reminds nonprofits that we are all part of the same system that offers finite resources of funding and support; that we exist to serve clients before ourselves or our donors; and that if we cannot be efficient and resilient in our services, it may be best to step aside and let the resources go elsewhere.
-Janet

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