At the very least, this abrupt stop in our lives will have had the effect of making us reflect on many aspects of our lives. It will also have highlighted the social inequalities and the gift of our social safety net. The feeling of helplessness in facing the challenges imposed by the risk of a pandemic has quickly given way to human resilience and adaptability. Then, solidarity and mutual aid skyrocketed, as is often the case when we collectively go through an ordeal.
At the very least, this abrupt stop in our lives will have had the effect of making us reflect on many aspects of our lives. It will also have highlighted the social inequalities and the gift of our social safety net. The feeling of helplessness in facing the challenges imposed by the risk of a pandemic has quickly given way to human resilience and adaptability. Then, solidarity and mutual aid skyrocketed, as is often the case when we collectively go through an ordeal.
Of course, not everything is perfect, and situations like the one caused by this virus also bring out what is less luminous in humans. But I see this as an opportunity to evolve individually and collectively. Is this not the ideal time, during and after the crisis, to review our way of life, our pace, the nature of our relationships and our professional practices?
It is no secret that the philanthropic community has been hard hit by the crisis. Because a large part of the organizations’ budget comes from donations and income from fundraising events, crises like this one hurt.
Moreover, accustomed to perseverance and ingenuity, NPOs and charitable organizations have shown the same resilience and have quickly adapted. Dedicated teams and volunteers are on the ground every day, at the risk of their health, to help different clients in need. Already driven by values such as solidarity, mutual aid and service, organizations are facing the crisis with creativity and brilliance!
For the luckiest among us, and although the collective anxiety, our lives have slowed down and have allowed us to be there for our loved ones and those far from us, even if it is only virtually. We find the pleasure of cooking, gardening, playing with our children, taking our time, even 4by moving less. Physical activity, the outdoors, music and reading have become important activities for the majority.
What will happen to that after the crisis? Will this life’s balance and this healthier pace leave us? What if we find a way to maintain them? What if we integrate them into our professional and philanthropic lives? Can we be productive by taking the time to breathe, doing one thing at a time, not to overload our schedules, not moving unnecessarily, not creating false emergencies?
I think so, and I very much hope so— for the well-being of all, of ourselves first, but also of all the clients served by NPOs and foundations. They deserve our full presence and attention!
Many are skeptical about the changes in society that will happen when the dust settles. I believe that the change we want starts with ourselves, one small step at a time. More time, calm, joy, and rich and harmonious relations, that is what I wish us!
Marie-Josée Cloutier, Senior Consultant for BNP Philanthropic Performance
