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Friday Jan 19, 2007
"Consumer Philanthropy" - are we nearly there yet?
Some days it's so easy to feel enthused, excited and hugely passionate about the developments that are taking place in the world of social networking, philanthropy and non-profits.
Every now and then, however, I do sometimes wonder if we're all getting carried away with all things 2.0 – maybe it's not all it's cracked up to be. For charities in particular, there are obvious concerns about how much to invest in technologies that aren't completely bedded in and part of the furniture (and Steve Bridger's nfp 2.0 blog gives some pointers on how to work round them). Will the trailblazing non-profits reap the rewards and usher in a new utopian world, where individuals across the globe are engaged, informed and inspired to take action? Or will these new technologies stay within the corporate sector, things that only companies with balls and money can use to good effect? (OK I know in all likelihood it won't be either of these extremes, but bear with me I'm trying to be dramatic).
On days like today when I feel a tad sceptical, articles like this one by Tom Watson for OnPhilanthropy help me regain my enthusiasm. As it points out, there are some real signs that we may be at a tipping point in terms of "consumer philanthropy" as they call it.
"...if you look beyond the headlines, there are signs. And there are two trendlines heading for a collision - on one hand, people are ever more conscious of philanthropy and its role in commerce and society; on the other, these people are talking to each other more so than ever before."
I think this is also tied in with the rise of the "ethical consumer". As big business cottons onto the fact that the voluntary sector doesn't have exclusive rights to "doing good", and consumers become more enlightened about society's inequalities and needs, the links between business, society and philanthropy are strengthening all the time.
Great news for the non-profits that can fit with this model, pretty scary for those that don't have a strong, sexy brand I guess.
Posted by Sam Thomas ( 2:21 PM ) Link to this post Comments[3]