All things are possible, according to our new President Barack Obama. His historic election represents what is actually possible when individuals are mobilized around a common vision to do good. His election strategy was based on fundamental principles of community organizing: listen to people and understand their needs, fears, strengths and hopes; respond to what they want; and engage them in creating a future for themselves and others. Mobilizing millions of individuals through the power of social networking, President Obama was able to raise more money – largely through small donations— than any other presidential candidate.
Well in light of the economic challenges that we all face, we must learn from President Obama’s effective utilization of what I call “relational donating,” and apply this model to help support the thousands of non-profits that are struggling today. Our member agencies, which provide essential social services to more than 100,000 children, youth and families per year, are faced with the daunting task of helping more and more people in need while city, corporate and private money steadily decreases. Exacerbating the problem is the long delays from the city in paying non-profits for the work they do. Bridge loans and lines of credit were safety nets for our members during these lag times, but now these supports are few and far between. Without a safety net for our members, there will be no safety net for the more than 100,000 children, youth and families they collectively serve per year. More families will be faced with making painful choices such as feeding their children or heating their homes.
So we are asking you all to contribute and become part of movement that is mobilizing all people to act in the name of social justice. We have already witnessed through the election of Barack Obama that when each of us takes action, including giving, together we can achieve the improbable.
Read what the Greater Philadelphia Federation of Settlements had to say in The Philadelphia Inquirer about the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Visit …