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There are three sectors
in an economy. The first is the Public Sector.
The second is the Private Sector. And the
third is the Non-Profit Sector. The Non-Profit
Sector is very important to the Irish economy,
employing 8.8 percent of the workforce, along
with another 2.3 percent on a voluntary basis.
It accounts for 8.4 percent of G.D.P.
2into3 combines
the skills and experiences of the Private and Non-Profit Sectors in
Management Consulting and Recruitment.
This publication
will offer quarterly insights into the Non-Profit Sector,
fundraising,
management consulting, philanthropic trends, and developments at
2into3 itself. The newsletter is intended to inform, educate, and
promote thought and discussion, so please peruse the selected
articles and give us your feedback. We hope you find the items
interesting and useful, and we look forward to hearing from you.
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THE FUTURE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN IRELAND
Civil
society in Ireland and Britain will unquestionably
be altered by changing social, political
and economic trends - and the non-profit
sector must 'disturb the present' to influence
its future and ensure sustainability,
a recent report states.
The
findings stem from a think tank initiative
involving hundreds of non-profit leaders
who discussed their concerns and predictions
- looking forward to civil society in
2025 - in conferences and interviews across
the UK and Ireland. Their
debate centred around a three-tiered definition
of civil society: as a 'good society,'
or goal for which to aim; as an 'associational
life,' or a space of organised activity
not undertaken by government or for-private-profit
business; and as 'arenas of public deliberation,'
or a space in which societal differences,
social problems, public policy, government
action and matters of community and cultural
identity are developed and debated.
The
inquiry employed futures thinking to examine
influential drivers and prepare for multiple
outcomes in a changing future.
'In
the past, civil society has often been
ahead of other sectors in warning of new
threats - like those from climate change
- as well as embracing new opportunities
- like those from a wider understanding
of human rights,' said Geoff Mulgan, Inquiry
Commission chair. 'Our aim with the report,
and with the work in the later stages
of the inquiry, is to stay ahead of the
game and to help civil society shape the
future rather than simply responding to
events as they come.'
Among
the main threats to civil society as a
'good society,' the report identified
the increasing importance of a well-being
agenda, widening inequality and rising
individualism - which 'can lead to social
atomization, declining trust in institutions,
fragmenting values and the declining sense
of community.'
Similar
breakdowns were cited as driving factors
in the change of civil society's identity
as 'associational life.' The report pointed
to growing migration and diversity, with
a fear that 'increased cultural and religious
diversity is likely to lead to increased
fragmentation of civil society,' with
ethnic- or faith-based groups catering
to their own narrow bases or possibly
working against each other. 'Associational
life' will also be influenced by the use
of new media and the growing regulation
and professionalisation of third sector
organisations.
Such
isolation is also bound to impact civil
society as 'arenas for public deliberation,'
compounded by an increase in corporate
power, a dwindling of actual, physical
public spaces, and a shifting activism
and disengagement from formal politics.
The report pointed to the fact that the
past three Irish elections have also marked
the lowest voter turnouts in Ireland.
'Some participants have spoken to us about
the "double deficit" in terms
of democracy, with weak political organisations
talking to weak civil society associations,'
the report states. 'They argue that both
have to be rebuilt; a strong civil society
on its own is not enough. Others have
argued that more effective civil society
associations would create sufficient dynamic
to re-energise political processes.'
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As
the inquiry continues this year, specifically focusing on how policy
and practice might help civil society define - or re-define -
itself in the runup to 2025, the report did offer several
undeniable conclusions. The key to sustaining civil society, it found,
is cohesion - amidst sectors, formal and informal politics, communities
and civil society itself.
'There
are two key challenges to civil society,' the report states 'The first
relates to creating public "spaces" where difference can be
explored. While difference may not always be reconciled, enlarged
empathies may have positive results . . . The second challenge is
to strengthen links between different civil society associations,
between different sectors and indeed between those with less and more
power.'
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THE IMPORTANCE OF RECRUITMENT SERVICES
Careful
recruitment on all levels is crucial for Irish non-profit organisations
as the sector evolves, said John Kelly, 2into3 Director with specific
responsibility for recruitment services.
John,
who joined 2into3 after eight years of executive search work with Merc
Partners, said he enthusiastically seized 'the opportunity to bring my
experience to support organisations that are working toward the
creation of a civil society . . . Plus, I suppose, the non-profit area
is an exciting and growing area here. It's at the cusp of very
significant development.'
And
the landmark advancement makes it all the more important to place
appropriate individuals in every aspect of non-profit work - from
people on the ground to board members, he said.
'There's
a huge emphasis on people and having the right people in place at all
levels of the organisation,' he said. Recruitment services and
practices have been expanded accordingly at 2into3 to answer demands
and stay aligned with trends.
'2into3
was established over 18 months ago, initially focusing on recruiting fundraisers
for the sector at a time when, at that point, there wasn't a culture in
the sector of using intermediaries such as ourselves,' John said. The
company has since placed more than 25 fundraisers.
'Laterly,
then, we have been broadening our recruitment and we're now
establishing a similar position as a leading recruiter of senior
executive talent for the sector, from board level down to senior
executive teams.'
He
said 2into3 has noted significant interest from corporate professionals
who wish to cross into the third sector and pursue work with 'a
different kind of motivation.'
'They're
looking for a different level of engagement with their work, with their
career, with their organisation, and bringing their skills to support
mission-based organisations such as cause-based charities,' he
said.
The
addition of individuals with private-sector experience will undeniably
benefit non-profits, particularly as an emphasis on professionalism
grows within the third sector.
'We are looking at transferring skills from the commercial sector into
the non-profit sector,' he said. 'The pool of talent in the sector
needs to be broadened.'
But
meticulous recruitment practices should be implemented across the board
at non-profit organisations, especially in regard to care staff and
individuals who are actively engaged with the beneficiaries of services
on a regular basis.
Non-profits
are 'delivering care-based services; whether they're a homeless agency
or child welfare agency or a disability agency, that's what they
deliver - and so the vast majority of the human resource needs are in
that area,' John said. 'These are mission-critical kind of roles for
organisations.'
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HOSPITAL FUNDRAISING: UNIQUE TACTICS AND CHALLENGES
The
past decade has seen a consistent increase in the expansion and
sophistication of fundraising methods by Irish hospitals, which
ambitiously - along with the majority of the non-profit sector - leapt
upon opportunities afforded by Ireland's newfound wealth surplus.
But
hospital fundraising is unique amongst other non-profit campaigns,
attracting traditionally older philanthropists and necessitating
different strategic tacks, experts say. Combinations of events, annual
funds and capital campaigns must be carefully tailored to approach
specific groups - but, like most other efforts, it all comes down to
relationship building, said Michael O'Connell, Vice President of
Planning and Marketing at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
'It's
connecting with an individual - how their dollars are going to make a
difference in someone's life, in the community's life,' Mr O'Connell
said.
Mount
Auburn, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, recently surpassed a
$21million capital campaign, completed a new state-of-the-art building
and received several landmark donations. Mr O'Connell has spent 26
years contributing to the hospital's development and possesses a rare
collection of insights after holding myriad positions throughout the
hospital's administration.
The
involvement of all community members - from socialites to the elderly
to doctors themselves - is invaluable in ensuring fundraising success,
Mr O'Connell said. Mount Auburn features groups such as the Auxiliary,
comprise of mostly female members who organise tree lightings, galas
and other social events, and the Physicians' Leadership Circle, which
recognizes members of the medical staff who have donated $1,000 or more
annually to the hospital. Since the Circle's establishment in 2000, it has
grown from 32 charter members to 194.
All
stakeholders and community members must be shown how hospitals are
relevant to them - and how they can actively make a difference,
Mr O'Connell said.
'Most
of your individuals who are going to be donating money [to hospitals]
are elderly,' he said. 'Young individuals who are philanthropic tend to
be giving to their children's schools, maybe faith organisations, maybe
civic, because they don't think they need hospitals,' he said.
The
challenge, then, is 'how to get the young philanthropists to think of
healthcare or hospitals as a place for their philanthropic dollars,' he
said.
Medical
centres, which can boast specialties of excellence, and children's
hospitals often find fundraising easier because they attract certain
groups and sympathies, Mr O'Connell said. Community or general
hospitals are the institutions for which the emphasis of community ties
is most crucial, he said - but they are also the most easily linked to
regular people or possible donors.
'People
come have their babies here; they may even come and die here,' he said.
'There is a connection that's visible in the community.'
Grassroots,
citizen groups such as the Auxiliary can also be invaluable in
attracting philanthropic interest, he said - as members hold community
events, share the work of the hospital with their neighbours and spread
word-of-mouth publicity about fundraising efforts through
'friendraisers'.
But
another way to attract younger philanthropists and community donors is
diversification of giving methods, Mr O'Connell said. In addition to
the Physicians' Leadership Circle and Auxiliary, he pointed to other
'buckets' - the annual fund, capital campaign, legacy gifts, tax exempt
donations, golf tournaments, galas and other events.
And
most importantly, Mr O'Connell stressed the incomparable value of
careful money management and images of success.
'Across
the board, people want to get on a positive or a winning start,' he
said. 'If you're in financial trouble, or if you are perceived as not
good quality, the money doesn't come. And when you need the money the
most, it's not coming.'
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IRELAND TO HOST LANDMARK SCHOOLS CONFERENCE
Ireland
will next month host the first CASE Europe Schools Conference to be
held outside of the UK, reflecting the exponential growth and
sophistication of the Irish education sector.
CASE,
the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, is an
international association of professionals in alumni, development,
marketing and communications. Conference Chair Peter Spence said CASE
was 'delighted with the warm and fulsome welcome we have received from
our Irish colleagues, and share with them our pleasure that CASE
Europe is now truly international.'
A
number of Irish speakers will present at the conference, which will be
held March 2-4 in Dublin. Among them are Dennis O'Connor, founding
director of 2into3; Joe McKenna, founder of Galway-based
management consultancy firm Venture Advancement; and Jenni Barrett,
executive director of Clongowes Wood College Foundation.
But
the location of the eleventh CASE Europe Schools Conference is not the
only feature that distinguishes it from previous years; the event also
has been structured around a theme for the first time.
'We
feel that the growth in our numbers is matched by an equivalent growth
in the expectations of our profession,' Mr Spence said in an open
letter to professionals. 'To that end, this conference marks a step
forward in content and delivery . . . Our plans for the advancement of
our schools are no longer simply fundraising plans, but are actually
considered and comprehensive plans for the future, out of which evolve
fundraising components. We market our schools not simply to raise funds
or to recruit pupils, but in order to present a coherent and consistent
brand to the world.'
The
conference will also feature speakers from around the world - including
the United States, Canada, Belgium and France - with expertise in a
range of areas. The programme offers more than 30 sessions and also includes
a reception at The Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and a gala
dinner.
More information
can be found at http://www.case.org/conferences/euro_schools/default.cfm
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Non-Profit Issues Feature Prominently in New Year Media
Landscape
Ireland
entered 2008 with an evident focus on overseas volunteering and
charities, as the Taoiseach opened a new aid centre on O'Connell Street
and the Charities Bill was further discussed in the Dail.
Mr
Bertie Ahern officially opened the Irish Aid and Volunteering Centre on
January 22, stating that the state-of-the-art facility would help to
educate citizens and get them involved. The Centre features multimedia
exhibitions and interactive displays, along with workshops for students
and available staff to answer any questions about volunteering
opportunities.
'During
my visit to Tanzania and South Africa last week, I saw for myself the
positive impact that Ireland - the Government, and NGOs and
missionaries and our volunteers - is having in crucial areas such as
healthcare, housing, education and the fight against HIV and AIDS,' Mr
Ahern said. 'As our aid programme grows in the coming years, the Centre
will engage the public in this effort and on ways in which the
individual can become involved."
The
Centre, which is located at the corner of Cathal Brugha Street, will
also serve as a venue, and multiple events have been planned in
conjunction with Irish Aid partners - which include Goal, OXFAM Ireland
and Trocaire. Three events were scheduled just this week; Suas
Educational Development Global Issues-Human Rights on Tuesday;
Sustainable World Workshops on Wednesday; and a Volunteering
Information Evening on Thursday.
But
international volunteering work was not the only non-profit news item
in January, as the Charities Bill 2007 entered committee stage. The
second stage debate on the bill concluded in November, and it was
scheduled for detailed examination beginning January 22 by members of
the select committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht
Affairs. Michael Ring, Fine Gael spokesman for Community, Rural and
Gaeltacht Affairs, planned to lodge nine separate amendments from the
party to the bill prior to its examination, aimed at clamping down on
fake charity schemes. But the amendments were withdrawn at the last
moment 'only on the basis that the Department would try and incorporate
them in the legislation based on advice from the Attorney General,' Mr
Ring said.
The Bill next must be brought back before the Dail for the
Report and Final Stage.
The
legislation is expected to lead to the appointment of a Charity
Regulator and more streamlined non-profit guidelines. Mr Ring said he
generally welcomed the Bill and its provisions, which would add
much-needed safeguards to the sector while still allowing non-profit
entities to operate independently.
'We
want the Regulator to regulate and ensure that charities are above
board and whatever monies are raised are actually used for charitable
purposes,' he said. 'However, at the same time, we don't want the
Regulator interfering on a day-to-day basis with charities.'
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For
any additional information about 2into3, please contact Harvey Duthie
at harvey@2into3.com
or 01 6401824.
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EVENT NOTICE
STEP
VII SYMPOSIUM: PHILANTHROPY- GIVING WITHOUT BORDERS
16-17
APRIL 2008
LONDON
MARRIOT HOTEL, GROSVENOR SQUARE, LONDON
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STEP is working to promote the role of the intermediary in
philanthropy alongside promoting effective giving. STEP is also working
with policymakers to reduce international barriers to giving. This
symposium will see the leading figures in the international private
client, charity and political worlds gathering to discuss these issues
and to share best practice. To view the symposium brochure, visit this site
STEP members and employees of registered charities can
attend for a 650 pounds. The delegate fee for non-members is 750
pounds. To obtain further information and register to attend,
visit www.step.org/conferences
or contact Kerry Roffey on 00 44 (0) 20 7838 4863 or email kerri.roffey@step.org
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