Posted on: Sunday, January 4, 2004
HAWAI'I NONPROFITS
Faith, focus guiding goals for many in 2004
By Kelvin H. Taketa
The start of the year is a time when many of us reflect on the past and make resolutions for the things that we want to change —spending more time with family, getting fit, and even learning something new.
In keeping with the spirit of this tradition, we asked some nonprofit leaders the following question: "Reflecting on the lessons that you learned in 2003, what are you going to do differently in 2004 to help your organization achieve its goals?"
Here are some of the responses that we received:
• Georgianna Lagoria, The Contemporary Museum I resolve to remain focused on the mission and goals of The Contemporary Museum, and to let this focus guide my decision-making.
In 2004, I will let the onset of a new year freshen my perspective.
I resolve to seek good counsel and wisdom from all levels of my organization — a good leader never leads alone.
I resolve to make time for deepening our understanding of and relationships with our donors and all "shareholders" in our present and future development.
I resolve to stay connected with the heart and soul of my organization — contemporary art and artists, who challenge us to see the world with new eyes.
Be more strategic and focused on specific activities and initiatives and not try to be all things to all people.
• Geri Marullo, Child and Family Service In order for nonprofits to survive in a competitive, business-like mode, I have learned that it is the leadership team at the top that must be most accountable, creative and responsive to the outcomes our constituencies want. Settling for even slightly less, insidiously weakens the entire organization over time and does not do justice to the clients we serve, our funders, and the front line staff working with complex families.
I was born in the Chinese Year of the Hare, but I need to remember the wisdom of the turtle. ... patience and perseverance. The combination has resulted in some nice successes at Diamond Head Theatre in 2003. For 2004, I need to remind myself of that!
• Bill Brown, Bishop Museum In 2004, I plan to focus even more on excellence within the Museum and on connections beyond Hawai'i.
• Walt Dulaney and George Kon, Alliance for Drama Education The honchos of the Alliance for Drama Education are terrible trumpet players. It's time to pass on the publicity reins to our chomping-at-the-bit young adults who want their A.D.E. story told with timely impact.
On Kaua'i, demand for emergency foods increased 120 percent this year. At the same time, state funding was reduced by 81 percent. In 2004, I'm getting Lasik eye surgery performed — maybe then I can see the logic in this.
Our vision is to end hunger on Kaua'i. With my clearer long-range vision, I'm going to think longer term and work towards the development of a permanent, disaster-resistant facility to better serve our people in times of need.
• Claire Asam, Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center Sometimes we think too much with our heads, remember to also think with your heart. This will often guide you to doing the pono, or right thing.
• Deborah F. Dunn, The Friends of 'Iolani Palace One person can't carry the weight of an entire nonprofit. Goals will be achieved by good planning and engaging others to want to help your organization.
• Hardy Spoehr, Papa Ola Lokahi I would hope that we in Hawai'i continue to develop our own socio-economic course in life apart from continental "glitter" and "chatter." The Kingdom of Bhutan has a policy of measuring public policy in terms of Gross National Happiness in lieu of Gross National Product ... my hope is that we learn to do the same.
• Nancy Partika, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawai'i
Take each day in stride and make each day count! Celebrate our successes, however small they seem sometimes.
• Bettye Williams, Maui Family Support Services Inc. Like many nonprofits, MFSS competes with corporate and retail businesses for good employees. We have hired candidates who were not a good fit with the job position. Therefore, my resolution to help MFSS achieve its goals in the New Year is: No desperation hiring allowed! Pay more and hire candidates where there is a good match between their skills and the job.
In 2003 I have really learned Einstein's statement — Chance favors the prepared mind. Work incredibly hard and be ready for what comes along. I will continue to learn how to spend less than I bring in while never straying from the vision to bring theatre and drama education to all the children of Hawai'i.
(A postscript from Louise after HTY received an unplanned, anonymous $500,000 gift recently:) "After Monday's gift, I want to say — believe in miracles. They happen every day! I've REALLY learned to trust my intuition, and will do so even more fiercely than before. What I dreamed came true on the day that I most needed it to.")
This new year promises to be another challenging one for Hawai'i's nonprofit organizations. While it appears that the economy is improving, the money-raising picture remains tight. At the same time, there are increasing needs and demands for services. It is the resolve of leaders like these, along with the thousands of other staff and volunteers of nonprofit, community and faith-based organizations, to build on past successes and strengthen their organizations that give us hope for a better Hawai'i.
Kelvin H. Taketa is president and chief executive of the Hawai'i Community Foundation. Reach him at kelvin@hcf-hawaii.org.
• Mike McCartney, PBS Hawai'i
• Deena Dray, Diamond Head Theatre
• Judith Lenthall, Kaua'i Food Bank
• Louise Lanzilotti, Honolulu Theatre for Youth
