I just noticed that Monday was “National Nonprofit Day”, and I wouldn’t have known it unless I saw a few social media posts flash across my screen. You’d think that someone with 20 years in nonprofit leadership would have this day marked on his calendar, but I didn’t. In fact, I am not sure who gets to decide what day or month gets set aside to celebrate specific causes. I’ve never been asked for my opinion, nor filled out a survey to share my thoughts. But here we are, celebrating National Nonprofit Day.
It makes me wonder what that means. Are we using the word “nonprofit” to describe 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations (some say NGOs)? OK. Red Door Community checks that box. Are we celebrating the staff members who have committed their careers to working on solving problems for others? That feels nice too. Are we including the many people who donate their time and money and who are the engines behind almost all nonprofit work? I hope so, because without donors, volunteers and board members (who are often both of those things), the rest of it doesn’t matter. And how about our members, who came to Red Door Community looking for support, and ended up being a part of a community of people who GIVE support as much as they receive it? Their presence is what makes a difference in people’s lives.
I don’t mean to sound snarky, but after 20 years, I’ve seen my share of social media campaigns celebrating the good that is being done in the world. Lots of likes and reposts, but I’m not sure how many of them truly recognize what a nonprofit, NGO, or 501(c)(3) is all about. All I can say is that Red Door Community an organization that was inspired by a husband’s love for his late wife, and the dedicated effort of like-minded individuals to ensure that nobody has to face cancer alone. Many people, many reasons, all pulling in the same direction.
If that is what National Nonprofit Day is all about, then cheers to that. I can’t wait until next year!
Dan Latore
CEO, Red Door Community
