On being responsible

Every morning, my husband and I walk our dogs around the park where we live.  And most mornings, we end up picking up between 4-12 loads that other dogs have left behind.  Or rather, that their humans neglected? refused? to pick up.  We do this because our park is well used.  There are always people having a picnic, meeting up with friends, sports being played, mommy and me groups.  And because we are often walking our dogs in the dark and don’t want to step into something we didn’t see.  But, to be honest, it infuriates me that I have to do this.  I can’t help but feel that if you cannot clean up after your dog, then probably you shouldn’t have one.

I feel that way about a lot things, not just dogs.  Unsurprisingly, many of those things have to do with nonprofits.  Like:

People who serve on nonprofit boards, but aren’t willing to participate in fundraising.  People who run nonprofits but aren’t willing to take the time to find great board members….or to fundraise in a sustainable fashion.

Leaders at nonprofits who seem proud of the fact that their organization is the “best-kept secret” in their community.

I could go on, but you get the picture.

When you take on responsibility for something, you had best take the time to understand what that actually means.  What are the things you must do?  Walk the dog and pick up their…uh uh!  Well then, don’t get a dog.  Likewise, be part of the leadership—staff or board—with a nonprofit but refuse to ensure that there is enough money to sustain the organization?  Don’t get involved in that way.  There are other opportunities.

In short, before you say yes, first ask what:  What will I be required to do?  Make sure you understand your role and only when that feels right, agree.

And if you are the person involved with hiring staff or recruiting board members, do yourself, your organization, and the prospect a favor—be clear about expectations and make sure that what you are saying is being heard.

Only then can you be assured that you won’t have to depend on someone else to pick up the mess that you, your dog, your staff or board member made.