a different perspective

Recently, I attended a meeting for a small non-profit organization.  During this meeting, we discussed the subsequent year's budget.  We were informed, of which many of us were not aware, that this organization contributes a significant dollar amount annually to another non-profit with whom many members were affiliated.  Due to the current economy, it was getting increasingly difficult to come up with this set dollar amount, and that if we didn't take steps to continue the fund, we could see our costs, as members and customers, increase.

The moment that really stood out for me was when someone asked what specifically did this set amount cover and if we, as customers, could review an itemized statement before making any final decisions.  The speaker and other leaders present were unable to answer this question.  The money was spent on whatever the recipient thought was best for the organization and its customers.

It was interesting to see the reactions of others in attendance when this person questioned the budgeted amount.  Some looked annoyed - it was late and they just wanted to go home.  Some perked up and were interested in the answer as well.  Some were not in the least bit concerned.  After all, they trusted this organization and it's leaders to do what was best for its members.

These reactions really got me thinking: are we are often too trusting of those who have fiscal authority?  After all, this amount has been in the budget for years, we've been paying it all this time, why question it now?

What if we were to actually see line item statements detailing each transaction on behalf of its members?  Would we find areas where we feel that our contributions (our money) are being wasted?  Would we find areas where we feel we could contribute more funding, thereby willing to sacrifice our already-stretched earnings for the greater good?

Perhaps, for many, it's easier to put our faith and trust into those we've elected to positions of fiscal authority and not question motives or require proof that our contributions were being spent efficiently and effectively.  Our small contributions and nickle-and-dime purchases here and there in addition to our annual fees seem insignificant when spread out over a period of time.  What's a few dollars here and there? 

If we were to choose to remain content in our ignorance, and when costs slowly begin to increase, do we have the right to put all the blame onto those we've entrusted with our collective fund?

If this was our personal fund, how would we behave then?  What steps would we take to eliminate waste?  How would we budget our current assets?  How would we take steps to save for our future and for those of future generations?  Are we spending our money on necessary purchases?  Do these purchases really enrich our lives, make us better people, make us more educated; or are we finding ourselves deeper indebted to others, continually struggling to not get any more in the red than we already are?

Now take this scenario that's isolated to one small organization, one single household, and magnify it to millions of individuals, households, local/state governments, federal governments across just this country alone.  Sometimes all it takes for change to occur is to gain a different perspective.