March 14, 2007 | Read Time: 1 minute
The Nonprofiteer takes issue with a recent opinion article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy that encourages nonprofit leaders to speak out against the war.
The article, by Mark Rosenman, a public-service professor at Union Institute & University, says charity leaders need to speak out against the war because it is diverting government aid away from nonprofit organizations.
“The war has little popular support and massive opposition — and a very broad swath of Americans has been affected by its financial and human costs,” Mr. Rosenman wrote.” Perhaps it would be wise if nonprofit groups that see themselves as leaders in their communities and in society listened to their followers and caught up with their views.”
The Nonprofiteer, which is written anonymously, takes exception to that premise.
Instead, the writer says charities need to stick to their missions. If they have a mission to oppose war, they should feel obligated to speak out. If they have a mission to help the homeless or provide meals to the needy, they should focus on those missions.
Otherwise, the writer says, nonprofit groups are not using their resources wisely.
“We ask the donors to trust us enough to join in our mission; if we change that mission without warning, we’ve abused that trust,” The Nonprofiteer writes.
“If you’re the American Friends Service Committee, knock yourself out; if you’re the American Red Cross, butt out,” the posting continues.
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