Photo by Beth Kanter
In a previous life, I spent a lot of time thinking about and studying modes of moral discourse under the influence of Ralph Potter, a unique and wonderful social ethicist. Although he's more famous for developing the Potter Boxes, I've always been most deeply impressed by the work he did in separating out expressive, regular, authoritative, and consequential moral reasoning. His model was later elaborated (brilliantly) by the sociologist Steven Tipton.
One consequence of my studies with these two gentlemen is that I'm always suspicious of any attempt to recruit me as a volunteer or a donor that uses expressive moral reasoning. Feeling happy and actualizing myself are good solid reasons for many of the things that I do, but I'm very keenly aware that it's possible to be perfectly miserable as a result of doing something that is not only virtuous but extremely useful. Feeling fulfilled is no guarantee that mission-critical outcomes have been achieved.
Why am I bringing this up? Because I had a great time at this year's NTEN Day of Service, and I want to urge as many people as possible to participate next year, on the grounds that it is so much fun. Even though it feels rather self-indulgent to advance this shamelessly expressive argument, I will not refrain from urging it upon my colleagues: if you participate, you will feel great.
In past years, I have spent my Day of Service on site with an organization in the city that is hosting the Nonprofit Technology Conference. This year, a new option was introduced, and instead of going out into the field, I reported to a ballroom at the conference hotel to offer free strategic consultations to any nonprofits that needed my help. In this way, I was able to assist representatives from two different nonprofit agencies: Hannah Moore of AHC Inc, and Priscilla Francis of the United Planning Organization. Neither Hannah nor Priscilla was in need of any highly technical advice or hands-on assistance. Each needed to make the connection between her strategic needs (outreach, fundraising, advocacy) and the technology resources that are available. In each case, I had an opportunity to learn about a fascinating organization and its mission, and to brainstorm some options.
I can't say for sure whether my strategic advice will make either AHC or UPO more effective in fulfilling their missions over the long run - that would be a consequentialist argument, and is the one with which I am most comfortable as a professional. However, I can assure you that many or most of us were swept up in the feeling of euphoria that comes from doing the right thing and sharing with the community. If this opportunity comes to you, don't deny yourself the pleasure of experiencing it!
In the photo above, Hannah Moore and I are discussing online strategies for AHC. It just so happens that you can also see my buddy Peter Miller of the CTC VISTA program in the background.
