The NonProfit Mafia Blog, Issue 1, Volume 1

[Michelle Gonzales]

Over the last two years, I have made strides to examine what is important in my life. I have consistently purged what I either clearly knew was toxic, or at least what I thought I might be making toxic by my presence. I have watched, listened, emulated like a budgie nodding his head in imitation. The result of this is to find myself on a perch of my own making; to be fully in charge a nonprofit organization at last.

Yet to be fully accountable for the shelf-life of an arts organization is not a beer after 5pm task. It's more like a sun-up to sundown task instead, with moon hours in between. Lately even dawn hours have started to creep in to escape a night of tossing concepts and conflicts against the east and west wall of my bedroom.

The compass of several lives are affected by my decisions. I must choose the higher, wiser road in all things; there is little room for error, and even less for negative judgement.

Can barely keep my eyes open so...goodnight.

You feel me fellow npm's? If you do - holla.

[Alan McGregor]

I try to remember that what we are ultimately about in nonprofit work is creating a humane world. I believe we need to include ourselves as beneficiaries of that work. But there are days when it seems very difficult. I feel you and understand the sense of responsibility you bear.

[Calvin]

You know I do.

There is always more to do, always another opportunity, always a need to be met. How do we make decisions about what is most important when the pressure and immediacy are everpresent? Its amazing to me how the auctioneer's voice starts as a whisper: "You better do that now or it will never get done," and then evolves into a screaming rhythm of "you're not doing enough," "you need to do more," or my favorite "everything will fall apart if THIS doesn't happen."

Is the auctioneer real or do we make her/him real? That's where I've been lately.

Boundaries are important, but clearly against the will of the auctioneer. She/he also isn't too fond of support from friends and colleagues, or asking for help.

Glad you're able to get past that voice :)