Attracting Resources for Poverty Alleviation Work
Imagine you had a tool that would draw in all the needed resources of money and people. What if you had a veritable resource magnet? What if you had multiple means to attract resources of time, money, and networks to effectively lead a poverty alleviation movement? Would the effectiveness and sustainability of the efforts be strengthened?The primary magnet is Vision. It becomes the lodestone that draws both time and money. The draw grows stronger as persons understand the goal is transformation of individuals and not sustaining an organization or underwriting a process. Like individual iron filings, the magnet of a vision is a pull that aligns hearts and minds, then calendars and checkbooks.The visualization of the desired outcome must be clear and communicable in both the language of the mind and heart. The vision must be right sized and inspiring. Dallas Mackey, a beloved mentor, oft quoted Daniel Burnham: "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work." Daniel Hudson Burnham (1846-1912) Scarcity in scope or hope does not sell.It is crucial that the Vision be authentic and true. The most powerful force is the testimony of changed lives both of individual champions arising out of poverty and allies. Like the magnet it works most effectively with those to which it is closest and to those who encounter it up close and personal.For those whose organization’s foundational value is faith based, it is the Light that shines as the North Star. It guides the way as the compass of love of God and love of mankind, that love is the magnet; it is the orienting pole.Vision aligns the organization and networks like a magnet. Vision is the lodestone that attracts individuals and funds. As it is embodied and communicated by the champions of change, allies, staff and board, that vision multiplied is the resource magnetby Dr. Alan Rice to learn more about Alan's work please visit www.rfdcdc.org