Call to action: stop turning a blind eye when we see efforts appearing good but are ineffective (“dancing on top of problems”)
Seeing people dance is joyful. Depending on your persuasion, you might join in. The field of changemaking has a problem, though, when people are dancing on top a problem. These dancers bring themselves in proximity to a societal issue but instead of getting to the deeper work of changemaking, they end up creating an attractively good image. Some might think any well-intentioned good is ok, but I think it’s too costly. It’s time we say, “Excuse me? May I cut in?”
Dancing on Top of the Problem Can Take Multiple Forms
People and organizations can put up a façade where they appear to be solving problems, doing good, or making change. It might be a whole organization or it might be an individual person. Importantly, I’m not referring to criminal fraud. Here’s some examples.
The mission statement sounds like they’re fighting the good fight – “ending heart disease for women!” However, only 5% of funds are allocated to research and there’s no sign of women consistently joining their programs. Or, the company hires someone as Head of Diversity Equity and Inclusion but has assigned the role no decision-making power or resources. Or, flashy and popular fundraising events masking complete lack of connection to the community. Was there a moment in time when attending the Met gala was positioned as supporting arts and culture? It would be hard to argue that the majority of that six-figure ticket being tax deductible is actually addressing the deeper societal challenges around valuing arts and culture in the United States.
Events that have crossed my path over the years are nowhere near the scale of the Met gala. Finding myself at an event where I question the effectiveness, in all honesty I have held myself back. I’ve seen the Debbie Downer skits on SNL! No one’s got her email queued up for future evites. And yet, it was on the tip of tongue to start talking about root causes. Better examples. How we’re all having drinks and snacks in the midst of the demise of modern society. Buzzkill alert! I need a like-minded soul to lean over a cocktail table and quietly commiserate or finish my beer and “find the restroom” (sneak to the coat check). So… this call to action is also to myself.
Calling Upon Those With Social Impact Expertise
People who have been in the business of change for a long time can sniff out true goodness or real change pretty quickly. When something isn’t, we just keep it moving. I know I’m guilty of turning the other way and rolling along. For a long time, I felt that those dancing on the top of problems is a “live and let live” situation. A stay in my lane situation.
Lately, I’ve come to the conclusion that bad-good comes at too high a price. We shouldn’t ignore organizations or activities not getting down to the business of change. Silence on this results in too much misallocated time and money. Because the good intention is there, we have a chance to shift the resources to more effective efforts. What resources? Read on.
All of That TIME: Well-intentioned Average Changemakers Misguiding Their Efforts
While so many of us work in the business of change, many more do not. Their purpose-driven outlet is their personal volunteering or activism. Dancing on the top of problems (less-effective but sounds-good) activities are too easy to find. And who has time to keep looking! They sign up for a seemingly changemaking endeavor because “it’s better than nothing.” IBTN. A new acronym! Does the world need it? TBD.
The net effect of IBTN (ahem) has gone too far when we envision all. those. hours. well-intentioned individuals are spending. Those hours and energy could be in service of true change. In my case, I remember spending hours block walking years ago. We spoke to 3ish people, all of whom were already supporters. My block walking buddy and I shared some IBTN banter… But was it? That time could have been spent on a new, potentially more effective changemaking activity. Block walking is safe and has a track record – in comfort, we continue. It will take courage to take a risk and use well-intentioned time in new ways.
All of That MONEY and POWER: Well-intentioned Leaders Disengaged After They’ve Checked the Good Box
Changemaking happens slowly and takes an unnatural amount of effort and resources. That means its critical to consolidate and concentrate every effort. The influence and funds of those in positions of power is an especially crucial contributor not to be squandered.
Powerful people often engage in a cause because of relationships or referrals. It’s not usually the case the person making the referral has social impact expertise. The powerful have a high likelihood of stumbling on an ineffective “good cause” effort. Maybe you’re powerful or know someone who is. Summon your bravery to ask about effectiveness if you don’t know, or if you do know speak up when someone’s latched on to an ineffective organization. The false impression of good lulls future potential action into passivity. Powerful people may not take any other action after checking the did-some-good box AND they will influence the decisions and actions of those around them.
Dancing with myself, ah, oh (oh-oh)
Billy Idol’s song Dancing with Myself is an anthem! (that sub-head is a lyric). When I’m inspired by a call to action, I try to apply it to my own journey as an agent of change. How good of a changemaker am I if I keep expertise-informed opinions to my inner circle? I have to be more courageous to point out ineffectiveness each and every time I encounter it. I hope other changemakers will join me in shaking up the status of what’s in our lane. Sharing what we know can concentrate attention and resources to support the most good and the most change. The marketplace of social good would be so much more effective at getting time and money where it needs to go when we speak up and concentrate resources on the real-deal efforts for changemaking.