So here we are, still stuck in quarantine (or some version of social distancing). At least in the US, it’s been about a month since many of us were “sent home”. We don’t know when we can go back to our “previous life” — or at least a life outside of quarantine.
It’s interesting to see how people are reacting now. The immediate shock is behind us, and most of us have adjusted to this new reality. The adjustment, though, has been wide-ranging.
Some have just gotten angry. I’m seeing a great deal of conspiracy theories, blaming of anyone and everyone, talks of rebellion, and plain viciousness.
Others are sad, lonely, worried, scared — and many are paralyzed with those feelings.
Still others have reached into their hearts and minds and decided to make a difference. Some of these people have donated, and some have volunteered. Others have created apps or research tools. Some have, often overnight, recreated their companies to save their businesses and employees. Restaurants all over have become resources for meals for front-line medical staff or sales outlets for fresh foods. Some have completely retooled and invented better, faster, cheaper ways of making and distributing PPE, like this company in Los Angeles.
There’s a great old saying by former LA Laker Robert Horry that I love that goes “Pressure can break pipes or make diamonds”. (I’ve even used it as a preface to my upcoming book, Philanthropy Revolution.) The pressure that’s being placed on all of us — ourselves, our families, our health system, our economy, etc. — is probably intense enough to break pipes. But as in previous times of crisis, diamonds are being made, too.
In the nonprofit world, organizations are, in most cases, in a desperate state. People are rolling up their sleeves, though, to help — in many unusual ways. Nonprofits were included alongside small businesses in the CARES act, which, although fraught, provided at least the basis of a lifeline for many organizations. The CARES Act 2.0 will hopefully provide a more concrete and accessible support vehicle for many of the nation’s nonprofits (and here’s how you can support it.) Foundations have become much more flexible — and expedient — than ever before, and many of them have created relief funds or made immediate substantive grants to help our nation’s nonprofits. These grants are not just for the expected food, health care and housing. Many of the grants are for (gulp!) overhead costs for all kinds of organizations, including health, education, arts and humanities, and others.
And beyond that, some are taking it a step further. A friend of mine heard a story recently about a nonprofit (non food-related) that donated funds to the local food bank. Yes — a nonprofit looking at another nonprofit’s needs as being more important than their own.
Diamonds indeed. Many folks are asking us to think about how we’ll see this time when we look back. Did we rise to the challenge? Did we help each other? Did we create new ways — better ways — of doing things going forward? It sure looks like it.
Take care, and keep thinking differently, creatively and innovatively.
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- Lisa