VIEWPOINT
Pots and
Kettles
 When
associations and other non-profits criticize
governments, is it a case of the pot calling the kettle black?
Let's
think about some of the criticisms of government, and
see how associations and other non-profits stack up:
-
Governments
treat taxpayer's money as their own, and waste it.
While many
associations are very conscientious regarding members'
funds, there are certainly many examples of waste.
-
There is too
much duplication and overlap, and governments aren't
overly cooperative with each other.
Where do I
begin....Organizations with very similar missions can't
get together. Many association groups still have
one entity per province, plus a national
organization...at great expense and with minimal
justification.
On the flip side,
I would be remiss if I did not recognize the many
associations that have collaborated with other
associations, government, etc. on specific programs.
-
Governments
have an insatiable appetite for more resources.
It is easy to
criticize members/donors for keeping a tight financial
leash on associations and charities, however many
taxpayers wish they had similar control over government
taxation and spending.
Plus, associations
and charities easily beat out government in what they
accomplish with the funds they do have.
-
Governments
are accused of losing touch with citizens, and with
specific regions of the country.
Most associations
seem to struggle with the regional issues, and some do
lose touch with members.
Fortunately, many
associations do seek out the pulse, needs and views of
their members for value and mission reasons. Governments
are seen by cynics as polling for less noble reasons,
such as holding on to power.
-
Governments do
not want to change their structures and processes to
improve governance performance. They will seek
changes, however, for political reasons.
The good news is
that most associations and other non-profits are seeking
ways to improve governance.
-
News stories
inundate us with examples of personal benefit,
questionable actions, and seemingly absent ethics in
the behaviour of government officials and
politicians.
There are examples
in associations and other non-profits of these, but
nothing on the scale that takes place in the private
sector or government.
-
Governments
spend money on questionable and unneeded programs,
and then don't have resources for more productive or
applicable activities and roles.
Guilty...but not
to the extent that it happens in government. But
most organizations are committing resources to areas
that are not delivering value or mission-related
results. I
could go on, but won't. Rather, I want to close
this column by encouraging those in associations and
other non-profits to continue to be an example for
governments and the private sector. That is to be:
-
mission-focused,
-
member-centred,
and
-
ethically-driven.
Till next issue...
Wayne
Amundson, president of Association Xpertise Inc. can be
reached at (403) 374-1822 (or admin@axi.ca).
Wayne is a Certified Management Accountant and a
Certified Association Executive.
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