After 10 Years, Julian Bond Makes Way for "New Generation of NAACP Board Leadership"

Baltimore Sun reports that our boy Julian Bond is finally stepping down as Chairman of the NAACP's board after 10 years, although he will still remain on the Board. He has served in that lead role since 1998. Julian, who at 68 years old is a member of the Silent Generation, said the time is right to "let a new generation of leaders" take over the NAACP. Sho' ya right. Bond's latest contribution was to urge the Board to hire 35 year old Gen Xer Benjamin Jealous as the new President/CEO of the organization.

My pick for the next Board Chair of the NAACP? Roslyn Brock, who is currently the Vice Chairwoman, is 42 years old, and fully represents next generation leadership on a board that is mostly made of 50+ leaders (as you can see from the picture above). Also it would be high time to see a woman lead the NAACP, on a board with 6o odd members and only 20 women.

I've blogged previously about my opinion on what the NAACP needs to do now to remain relevant and effective as they reach their 100th anniversary of being founded in 1909. I think that at this point, they have the right leadership in their ranks, and now just need to announce a bold new vision for the organization that involves the next generation and makes visible change in the lives of people of color. In any case, I just re-joined the NAACP and my local chapter, hoping to get more involved as the NAACP charts what will hopefully be a new course.

Young and Powerful for Obama Inauguration Celebration for Young Professionals

Young and Powerful for Obama
Presents a Collection of Inaugural Events that Mimic the Obama/Biden Message of:

***VISION***
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Young & Powerful Launch and Networking Social
“Join us as we celebrate the launch of Young & Powerful as a political, social and economic national powerhouse nationwide.”
Advanced Ticket Sale Price: $25.00
Ticket Price Includes: Light Appetizers and Beverages

***HOPE***
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Young & Powerful Presidential Brunch
“Dine with young professionals, entrepreneurs, politicos, elected officials and community leaders as we listen to an inspirational message about President Obama’s historic campaign.”
Advanced Ticket Sale Price: 30.00
Ticket Price Includes: Brunch

***CHANGE***
Monday, January 19, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr Young & Powerful Breakfast

Young and Powerful Political Forum & Roundtable Discussion
“Participate in an interactive, politically-engaging event as we conduct a vote on what the next Young and Powerful national message and policy initiatives will be.”
Advanced Ticket Sale Price: Complimentary with Pass

Young & Powerful Black Tie Gala & Awards Ceremony
“Socialize with us as we dine, dance and toast President Obama’s victory.”
Advanced Ticket Sale Price: $125.00
Ticket Price Includes: Open Bar, Heavy Hors’devours, and Live Band

***REDEMPTION***
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Young & Powerful Inaugural Semi-Formal Affair
“Celebrate this historical day with other Obama enthusiasts and network with Young and Powerful members as we commemorate a day to remember for a lifetime.”
Advanced Ticket Sale Price: $100.00
Ticket Price Includes: Heavy Hors devours, Beverages, Music and Young and Powerful Token of Appreciation

Purchase full pass and gala tickets at http://ypforobama.eventbrite.com

Be Seen..Be Heard...Be Powerful
Young & Powerful for Obama

Quote of the Day

"Half of the world is composed of people who have something to say, but can't, and the other half are those who have nothing to say and keep saying it." - Robert Frost

In This New Economic Reality, Nonprofits & Philanthropy Have to Confront the Fierce Urgency of Now

"We are now faced with the face that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

This new economic climate might feel like a curse, but it’s really a blessing. Our country is in a period of recession when the poor are getting poorer and nonprofits are needed now more than ever. There is so much at stake right now around the country, so many people that weren’t self-sufficient before the financial meltdown are even worse off now. At this moment, nonprofit leaders should be reminded of our highest value: to effect visible social change in our communities, not to operate in perpetuity.

Ever since we elected Barack Obama, I’ve been listening to John Legend on my iPod every morning on the way to work. At the Democratic National Convention he sang a song that’s on his new album called, “If You’re Out There.” The song says,“This is the generation that can’t afford to wait. The future started yesterday, and we’re already late." It makes me think about how much nonprofits could accelerate change if, in the face of the incredible financial crisis that’s affecting the communities we serve, we were to develop a real sense of urgency about doing this work, and doing it well.

What does that then mean for us as nonprofit leaders to accelerate change? It most certainly means that we need to begin to take risks on the kind of innovation that creates real change for real people. What's the smartest thing we can do with what we have? Instead of wallowing in the financial sorrow of Wall Street, we can help move this country forward by refocusing our energy on making an impact with existing resources instead of trying to do everything with nothing or building up these huge budgets that are in reality not going to be sustainable. I was in Louisville recently facilitating a conversation among emerging and established leaders, when a Baby Boomer stood up and said very candidly, " We really do want our younger staff to bring new ideas to the table, but we're afraid it will jeopardize our funding." But nonprofits have to recognize that things in the game done changed. This IS the perfect time to engage the next generation of leaders in our organizations to innovate for our causes.

And speaking of funding, what about the responsibility of philanthropy in this new economic reality? Aren't the coffers getting low? What philanthropy will say is, "We’re low on cash because our stock values are down, our endowment's taking a hit." But philanthropy ought not miss the opportunity to also say, "...and because of that we’re now going to be very intentional about rewarding the kind of leadership that understands the urgency of now. We want to fund organizations that are serious about impact, and nothing less." Force nonprofits to show you what your dollars are doing, and we will do more with your dollars. Philanthropy can ask us nonprofits the hard questions about how we’re doing the work, and how it’s making a measurable impact. At the end of the day, this very well may be the time to start redistributing (yes, I said it, I’m a redistributionist) funding by awarding your limited dollars to organizations that can actually demonstrate that they are solving the problems, even if they aren’t always dressed up in their Sunday Best. The most effective organizations may be a little rough around the edges, but have the kind of leadership that’s committed to impact by all means necessary. And some organizations haven’t thought about impact in 20 years. I’m just sayin’.

Please believe that this not at all the time for philanthropy to be about fancy holiday galas or $1,300 conferences in Naples. It's not the time for another glossy annual report. This is really about getting your program officers in a cab across town to see firsthand how the programs you're funding are (or aren't) changing lives. My hope is that, even if you’re not a John Legend fan, that all of us in nonprofits and philanthropy realize that we are the generation that can’t afford to wait.

Tomorrow starts now.

*These are excerpts of remarks I made at the Washington Grantmakers Annual Meeting in Washington, DC on November 12, 2008.

Unofficial Inauguration Ball Watch

Since I live 30 minutes from DC, we are particularly embroiled in Inauguration Mania in preparation for Barack Obama being sworn in on January 20, 2009. And like other young professionals, I'm looking for affordable celebrations to attend during this historic moment. Here are a few "unofficial" balls I've come across that are either being hosted by nonprofits or that won't break the bank for us young nonprofit folks:

• Spirit of Hope Inauguration Ball - $150 singles, $250 couples
  The “Spirit of Hope” Inaugural Ball (sponsored by The Empowerment Network, Amourai Organique and Point Bird Productions) will be held at the prestigious Patterson House Mansion (The Washington Club) located in the heart of the Washington, DC at Dupont Circle
  
  
• HBCU Inaugural Ball Gala - $200 before Nov. 30
  This Black Tie Gala is to show support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). A portion of the proceeds will go towards charities that give scholarships to students currently attending HBCU's. The HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball will feature live music, food, drinks, and dancing.
  
  
• The Inaugural Purple Ball - tickets not on sale yet
  The Ball will be to benefit the ‘Eracism Foundation’. In addition, we will be serving a delicious champagne dinner to honor our veterans and troops with special recognition. Founded in January of 2006 by Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., the Eracism Foundation is grounded in its vision to contribute to the betterment of our society by addressing the negative impacts of racism therein. UPDATE: This ball does benefit a worthy cause, but tickets are not affordable for young professionals, tickets cost $1,500 each!
  
  
• Bytes & Books Inaugural Gala - tickets not on sale yet
  Presented by The National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training (NCTET), the primary coalition of leading education and industry organizations promoting the role of technology in teaching and learning.
  
  
• Links to all of the State Society Balls can be found here.
  
  
• Get the latest info on events & lodging by joining this Facebook page: Inauguration 2009 in DC -- Where to Go, What to Do!!
  

What Ben Jealous Said

"If you're standing in line, get out of line. Life is more vibrant out of line."

Benjamin Jealous is the new President/CEO of the NAACP. At 35, he is the youngest NAACP leaders in its 100 year history.

Day 3: Independent Sector 2008