The Dialogues of Philanthropy and Civil Society

" Tell the truth but tell it slant/ Success in circuit lies " (Emily Dickinson).

Where best to hold the dialogues of philanthropy and civil society? The Happy Tutor, a rude untutored genius of the first rank, suggests as proper venue a Dumpster at the curb separating Wealth Bondage from the public thoroughfare. To hold such a conversation within, or sponsored by, a Think Tank, strikes him as like pollarding the trees in a Royal Garden, cramping the intellect to the mold of message discipline. What he wants to hear are not the thoughts thunk by think tank thinkers on Company Time, or convened and moderated by them for hire, but the wild thoughts they would only whisper from behind a mask, three sheets to the wind in a card board box in an alley out behind the Tank on K street, among the hookers, wealth-addicted public servants,  and lobbyists.  We have professionalized politics, philosophy, story telling, music, sexuality, and now giving.  The most lively conversation of giving will be in the blogs, as Bill Schambra has said. I wish he would join in. His contentious, rambunctious manner are perfect for it. He also has the pain tolerance. In a world of free-range intellectuals, operating on their own time, without kowtowing to funders, advertisers, political machines, foundation heads, or business models, the role of think tanks in driving the conversation of philanthropy will not pass without comment.  Now back to our decorous conversation about nothing in the received style of those who are as thick as thieves.

On another note, or the same note, the best and most irreverent of philanthropy bloggers, Phil Anthropoid, has shut it down, and deleted his old posts. "C'mon Gang! Let's keep it positive; there is just so gosh darn much good going on all over the world; and, rich and powerful people are at the center of it all, doing good things; be nice and be grateful!" as Chastity Powers says, reporting on Philanthropy and Civil Society for The Wealth Bondage Free Press. Mr. Phil Anthropoid will be much missed.

Comments

[Chris Corrigan]

Yes!

Two places: http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/2005/11/community-at-work.html and http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/2005/12/opening-space-with-youth.html

are recent examples of spaces on the edge of the curb in which tremendous change might be incubated.

We had some philanthropic endeavours at both of these events, but I wish we had more. One of the learnings from the first one, after a senior government person spent 1.5 hours talking to a kid who had fetal alcohol syndrome and who had been kicked around the system for ages, was that the government person found herself at a loss in the face of real complexity. To her credit she asked the question:

"What is the leadership we can show that will set a path for this kid?"

And that is why dialogue must happen in those containers. It brings the real complexity home. Suddenly it's not about markets and ideals and it's all about a kid who has very little hope, very little decorum and very little chance of making an impression with the funders meeting someone who may be actually up to the challenge.

We'll miss Phil too eh?

[Kyphoon]

I, too, miss Philanthropoid already. Now I guess I have to get my "Hail Carnegie..." tattoos removed.

But, word on the street says that you are one of the heirs, apparently.

I'll bank on your good humor and ability to prod and provoke as well as celebrate the good work in the field.

The field of philanthropy often suffocates in its own toxic and self-indulgent miasma and can sorely benefit from the fresh air that blogosphere provides.

Somebody open a window...

[Phil]

Phil Anthropoid is a real leader and will find ways to make his presence felt, I am sure, on line and off. He and I are friends. I can't in any way assume his mantle, but I appreciate the kind words. It is important that those of who have a "window of opportunity," just speak out as we can. There is no telling, for each of us, when that window will shut.

Good manner are required for admission to the right circles. Those who depart from good manner do so at their own risk.

Makes you wonder what would happen if we all just spoke out?