Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Everyone is entitled to my opinion . . .

September 13^th, 2009

Okay maybe not! That actually was a saying on a desk plate that I received as a gift a couple of decades ago so you can see that my expression of opinion isn't a new phenomena! Recently I saw a Facebook entry and a tweet on Twitter posted by friend and amazing photographer/artist Brian Kelly that read: "Is it too much to ask to just have everyone share my perspective on everything?" I laughed knowing Brian's wonderful sense of humor but I've been thinking about that question ever since.

So if the world was perfect according to me I would like to see the following:

* That the leadership of the state Department of Human Services would value prevention services and not view them as a luxury. And yes I am more than aware that the state budget - whenever it is passed - is severely limited due to the economy and ever dwindling revenue.

* That the not-so-savory references that identify that we in Kent County are "privateers" relating to the manner in which child welfare services have been delivered for the past 30+ years through our nonprofit organizations be more enlightened and that children and families were seen by the policy makers as the critical focus.

* That there will be effective collaboration around the stimulus funds known as funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The County is organizing a meeting to stimulate this collaboration and coordination.

* That the private sources of funding coordinate effectively with our public partners and consider strategic and smart ways to funnel these scarce funds. While philanthropy can never match governmental funding, it is the leveraging that makes all the difference.

As I have written a number of times in past blog entries, leading a foundation is not just about raising resources, making grant decisions, attending community events and the like. It is taking hold of real issues and making things happen in a positive fashion in our great community. It is digging deep and actually THINKING! This isn't the time to operate in a surface/veneer fashion.