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H
ello all and welcome to The Issues Issue!
Whatchoo talkin' `bout Willis, the Issues
Issue? What's this issues issues stuff about?
Well this is the edition in which we explore
specific current issues being experienced by actual
NFPs in today's turbulent environment either from
the NFP's perspective or with reference to real NFP
cases. We were originally inspired by talking to jolly
not-for-profit representatives at some of our events who
had overcome some difficult challenges or had come
up with wonderful ways to address a problem. Not only
that, but the number of NFPs who were also seeking
advice for similar situations gave us the idea for the
theme of this edition. So we look at a number of recent
NFP case studies and also talk to some experts who
investigate current developments or address issues that
are quite widely felt across the sector. I hope you find
the cases and perspectives useful ... especially if you
find yourself in similar stockinged feet!
Now there are many and multifaceted issues that face
the Third Sector today. Some are broad whilst others
industry specific, but all are of a significant nature to
those who face them. One of these far-reaching, and
sometimes contentious (or at least highly personal)
issues pertains to ethics. That is what constitutes
ethical behaviour? Sometimes one's idea of what
is an ethical path may differ from that of others,
not to mention the position that is taken by one's
organisation or indeed what the organisation wishes
its position to be. This is where an ethical decision
making framework comes into its own. So we asked
Patrick McClure of St James Ethics Centre, recently
appointed Ethics Fellow for the Not-for-profit Sector,
to shine some light on this issue. In his feature article
this merry gentleman discusses the nature of ethics
and what it's all about and also touches on a number of
prickly issues such as board governance, transparency,
investment strategy, compliance and accountability.
It seems the sector is a flurry of activity with many
things happening that affect it (as many of the authors
highlight) the release of the Australian Productivity
Commission's draft research report on the Contribution
of the Not-For-Profit Sector, changes to financial
standards and potential reporting changes, not to
mention the impacts of the GFC among others. So
to give you some perspective and a helping hand, in
this edition we get NFPs to share with you how they
managed a culture of change and upheaval, made an
event into a media success story, developed a more
successful and consistent HR culture and keep their
volunteers engaged and happy. We have also asked
some experts to give you an insight into outsourcing,
plugging the gaps on your board, what the creative
fitness of the sector is, why you should approach
financial advice with caution plus other cracking stuff!
And lo, we find ourselves in the very dusk of another
year. Soon 2010 will be dawning on us (and hopefully
not too many sore heads). We say goodbye to the
International Year of Natural Fibres, Astronomy
and Reconciliation which was notably marked in
Australia by the Prime Minister's apology to the
"forgotten Australians" coming so soon after the
previous year's apology to the Stolen Generations
and usher in the UN Decade for Deserts and the
Fight against Desertification. We also welcome the
International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures
and Biodiversity. The latter is particularly apt in the
swirl of concern surrounding climate change and the
general degeneration of the natural spaces on our
planet. According to the UN website dedicated to the
year: It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value
of biodiversity for our lives. The world is invited to take
action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth:
biodiversity.
Perhaps this will inspire a New Year's
resolution to make our own small contribution?
But enough with the veiled Christmas references
already! I don't want to keep you too long from your
party duds, jingling bells and cocktails. Please enjoy
the last NFPM for the year, best wishes for the festive
season and I hope to catch you again in 2010!
Please read on and enjoy!
Alisha
Alisha Dean
Communications Manager
alisha@nfpn.com.au