Upcoming Panel at Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal:
People devote their lives with great pride to professions such as medicine, law, science, education, and even firefighting. These professionals are compensated by society with money and respect for doing work that has clear social value, and they are honored as heroes for their accomplishments and sacrifices. Why can’t the same be said of the professional staff of foundations?
Pre-meeting reading material: Laura Horn and Howard Gardner, "Grantmaking the Lonely Profession," from Damon and Verducci ed., Taking Philanthropy Seriously: Beyond Noble Intentions to Responsible Giving (Indiana University Press, 2007). I can hear the moderator, William Schambra murmuring just under his breath, "You think you grantmakers get no respect, what about me? Why doesn't anyone take think tank thinkers seriously? I am tired of being the poster child for all the ills of the Think Tank Industry. I didn't create a Plutocracy; I just serve it. It is hard enough to live with myself without everyone rubbing it in. I am just about ready to go into college teaching and do somthing worthwile for America." Well, he probably isn't muttering that. He maybe found his calling.
Respect or no respect... how does one get one of these jobs where they pay you to give away money? Surely, this seems a better way to spend time than beggin for it all day.
Posted by: Jeremy Gregg | July 11, 2007 at 08:51 PM
Ask Albert at White Courtesy Telephone. Maybe he will trade.
Posted by: Phil | July 11, 2007 at 08:54 PM