Connecting the Dots
Andy Leicester `02
Issue date: 5/14/01 Section: Johnson News
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“All of us want to do well. But if we do not do good, too, then doing well will never be enough.”
– Anna Quindlin from “A Short Guide to a Happy Life” (presented by Dan Mansoor)
On April 13th, the Community Impact and Leading Edge clubs hosted five prominent speakers from the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. More than 100 people overfilled B5 to hear the panel discussion. The speakers generously shared their personal experiences, ideas for collaboration in their fields, and advice on how MBA students can get involved early in their careers (see list below). Panelists included: Dan Mansoor, President of Goodworks Group; Jill Iscol, President of Jill Iscol and Associates; Kent Allen, Editor US News & World Report; Diane Shafer, Community nonprofit leader and volunteer; and John Semmler, nonprofit consultant and community leader.
Dan Mansoor, who moderated the panel, opened the discussion by highlighting facts about the nonprofit sector, including: 1) nearly $200 billion was raised for charity in 2000 – mostly from individuals; 2) 10% of the U.S. population is employed with Not-For-Profit (NFP) Organizations; and 3) there are over 700,000 public charities in the U.S. alone. This was followed by a remarks period during which each speaker addressed an area of their work and responded to student questions that were sent in advance.
Kent Allen emphasized the future role of non-profit groups in government and policymaking and encouraged everyone to “dare to dream” when challenging conventional practices. Jill Iscol elaborated on how the sheer number of NFPs in existence – the “dots” – creates the need for related groups and organizations to work together to “connect the dots.” Jill poignantly conveyed the message that individuals can make a difference through community organizations and workshops which teach children and adults that “long-lasting social change is possible.” She pointed to NFPs and philanthropic donors, not the government or the private sector, to create this change. Change that can be measured by the lasting identity created, growth in participation, and money raised.
– Anna Quindlin from “A Short Guide to a Happy Life” (presented by Dan Mansoor)
On April 13th, the Community Impact and Leading Edge clubs hosted five prominent speakers from the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. More than 100 people overfilled B5 to hear the panel discussion. The speakers generously shared their personal experiences, ideas for collaboration in their fields, and advice on how MBA students can get involved early in their careers (see list below). Panelists included: Dan Mansoor, President of Goodworks Group; Jill Iscol, President of Jill Iscol and Associates; Kent Allen, Editor US News & World Report; Diane Shafer, Community nonprofit leader and volunteer; and John Semmler, nonprofit consultant and community leader.
Dan Mansoor, who moderated the panel, opened the discussion by highlighting facts about the nonprofit sector, including: 1) nearly $200 billion was raised for charity in 2000 – mostly from individuals; 2) 10% of the U.S. population is employed with Not-For-Profit (NFP) Organizations; and 3) there are over 700,000 public charities in the U.S. alone. This was followed by a remarks period during which each speaker addressed an area of their work and responded to student questions that were sent in advance.
Kent Allen emphasized the future role of non-profit groups in government and policymaking and encouraged everyone to “dare to dream” when challenging conventional practices. Jill Iscol elaborated on how the sheer number of NFPs in existence – the “dots” – creates the need for related groups and organizations to work together to “connect the dots.” Jill poignantly conveyed the message that individuals can make a difference through community organizations and workshops which teach children and adults that “long-lasting social change is possible.” She pointed to NFPs and philanthropic donors, not the government or the private sector, to create this change. Change that can be measured by the lasting identity created, growth in participation, and money raised.