NIENJI YILPET | senior staff writer
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” This famous quote by Mahatama Gandhi has been used in speeches, on posters, in classrooms and in dialogue between friends. In some places, people grow up with this ideal. Yet, to what length do those who teach or believe this expect to go in order to make a change?
The Washington Post reported a recent study about young leaders in non-profi t organizations who are now faced with deciding if they will make personal sacrifi ces to “be the change they wish to see.” Some of these young and ambitious leaders are weighing the cost of the low salaries and smaller benefits packages that come with working for some non-profi t organizations. People become involved in nonprofi ts because they desire to be a part of “social change missions” and leave lasting imprints in communities throughout the nation.
Yet as some are discovering, “comfortable” living may not be an option if they choose this path. These young leaders are talented and driven and thus, in being dissatisfy ed with the long-term fi nancial sacrifi ces, they are branching out. Many fi nd they can work for private companies that work toward social change and be paid more while not having to worry about retirement money.
The work many non-profi t organizations done by involves long and hard hours. Yet, most people enter the fi eld knowing this will be required of them.
People need to ask themselves what comfort means to them, and then they need to decide if they are willing to live below that in order to fulfi ll their passions. In today’s society, is it realistic for people to expect to make a difference in non-profi ts while having a secure bank account? Especially, if the change is being made is in underprivileged environments? This is not to invalidate the concerns of young leaders who want to have families and be settled in a community, yet, people need to consider that the reward that comes from sacrifi ces may outweigh a cushioned- life.
Having grown up as part of a family that does mission work very similar to some non-profi t organizations, I have seen some of the sacrifi ces that come with choosing this path. It often does mean living below the “average” person and it does mean endlessly pouring out time and energy into programs and communities to insure change. Countless times, fi nances are tight and being in a family of six does not make it any easier. Yet, the changes my family has seen from building up pastors, teachers and children in third-world countries have been worth the cost. but does everyone feel this way?
What will determine a prospective employee’s future decision? It may at times come down to deciding what success means for a person. For some, success is measured in dollar signs. For others, it is based on program accomplishments, and for others it primarily includes being content doing what they love.
Young leaders need to weigh the cost. This is not to say they can not make a difference in a place where they will receive triple-digit paychecks, but the nature of many nonprofits means giving up some fi nancial hopes for the fulfi llment of bigger dreams.
Non-profi t organization administrators do need to mentor, encourage and build up these young leaders in these organizations in order to ensure that those who choose to give up the white picket fence, cute house, and mini-van life remain committed and satisfi ed in the impact they are making.
If a person is meant to be in a position as part of a non-profi t then, no matter what happens on the financial end the person will be able to make it through. The question is: are people willing, ready and able to stick it through the rough roads to make change? Coming from a Christian standpoint, if someone is called to a nonprofit organization then whether the pay is good or bad, God will provide. Lately, I have been juggling in my mind the cost of possibly being a part of non-profi t work, whether back in West Africa or in Chicago or anywhere, and the reassurance that I have found is that God was faithful and He will remain faithful. He never promised people a comfortable life, but He did promise to supply our daily needs. The Bible says the only two things that will last forever are the Word of God and the souls of men. So why should people store up wealth or comfort, when their heart really desires to be in a profession that does not give them the “comfortable” life.
Again, not everyone should forsake money and certain lifestyles. But those who truly want to be a part of non-profi t organizations should weigh the cost and they just may fi nd out it is worth the sacrifice.
