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Observations on those in Non-Profits...

I've been in nonprofits for... well, almost twenty years and I'm only a tad older than that. But this has lent me some observations into the type of people involved with community service. I don't know if these types are everywhere, for I am yet to be everywhere... but... they ARE in non-profits.

First, there are the angelic people who are normally pictured in non-profits. They are compassionate, not just treat all as equals but take an earnest interest in others' well beings. They are wise beyond their years, say little but know much, and never make someone feel inferior. Saints on Earth. They are rare.

More common are those who... are actually quite nasty. They dumb-found me. They treat the world scornfully, appear to hate their work, and dern it they are the loudest champions in the cause of their work. I wonder, are they trying to buy Grace or make amends for previous ills they inflicted on society? Are their hearts in the right place but they never learned social interactions? I've never had the nerve to ask because I don't want to discourage their good deeds.

Now come the hopeful helpless helpers. These folks desperately want to do good--but horribly mess up everything they touch. You love them, but you cringe when you see them show up to volunteer. Where they lack in ability to do something, they really are the best at raising morale. I've learned to make them cheerleaders and public speakers.

There are also the hypocrites in droves. These are distinct from the first group because the first group is doing good without a smile but with their heart. The hypocrite group does good with a smile but with no heart. They end up in a lot of staged photos, show up late, leave early, round up their hours, and always seem to disappear as soon as they get that resume recommendation. (Don't worry. You'll see them again at the next photo shoot or awards banquet. And, of course they'll be back when they need a new letter of recommendation.)

The most common non-profit participator is the 1-Day-Do-Gooder. They show up fairly well prepared, do a great job if directed, and may or may not ever show up again. In the office, they do a good job, don't step the extra mile, and never fall short either. Non-profits depend on them like they are muscles. The other groups for bones, brains, nerve, communication... but these are the ones who get the mundane necessary work done--and with a smile.

There might be other groups, and none of these Perfectly Fit a single person (because they are generalizations and stereotypes.) But... it's been helpful to learn and really helps me when I'm leading a group of volunteers or creating a team.