Leadership – Kathleen Provost
By Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE, MAdEd
As a professional fundraiser I worry about “civility” in our work, and in our society. I use the word “civility” because fundraisers in particular build relationships, and in this context, “civility” would refer to polite remarks or courtesy in formal conversations. But that is assuming we are having “civilized conversations”. Nonetheless, I fear that: “what was, will never be again” because, this “formal politeness” has regressed, and these civil conversations are not happening anymore.
Fostering a culture of civility is not just a matter of politeness — it’s a social imperative. In our sector, philanthropy means building relationships, and I believe there is a correlation between civility and the social interaction we hold to create positive outcomes. I have found that the root of “civicism”, meaning the virtues and sentiments of a good citizen, a civic interest to a cause, originated as a devotion to the cause of the French revolution of 1789.
Fast forward to 2024, I am trying to grabble with what is “civicism” in today society? What are our civic interests, and how specific trends our society is experiencing deeply affects the way we socially interact. CanadaHelps just released its 7th edition of The Giving Report, examining the charitable sector and the state of giving. Though not surprisingly they illustrate downward donations and volunteerism trends; what is most troubling for me are the social behaviours we are observing.
The Giving Report, claims the number of Canadians with six or more close friends has declined from 37 percent to 22 percent between 2013 and 2023. These changing social trends of how we interact and build relationships are here to stay. The report states that giving participation has dropped as a result of Canadians becoming increasingly disconnected. Now that is what worries me more.
The decline of “generosity” needs attention, but most importantly, it is imperative to reverse the dwindling spirit of communal support. To better understand this social phenomenon, I propose we look at two key influencers of this social change namely: media and technology. Redefining how we interact with each other, ultimately, how we interact socially, has an enormous impact on how people give, and therefore how we fundraise.
The connectivity of human beings
We are experiencing a level of disconnect that is making it harder for individuals and communities to see how they can make a difference and have an impact in areas that matter to them. This is at the core of our interactions; this impacts the consideration we have for one another — our perceived sense of “civicism”.
Community Foundations of Canada’s 2023 Vital Report also reiterates that the number of Canadians with six or more close friends has declined. More than 80 percent of those with many close friends donate, while just over 50 percent of those with very few close friends donate. The Vital Report states that donors with many close friends were more likely to volunteer and participate in community events. There is a correlation with how socially engaged individuals are and their giving and volunteering habits.
It should be noted that in 2023 Statistic Canada claimed that close to half (46 percent) of non-profit organizations reported increased demand for services or products, whilst only 24 percent of these organizations reported an overall capacity to meet these increasing demands. According to Daniele Zanotti, United Way Greater Toronto, this social disconnect is also experienced in volunteerism which is following the downward trend of donations. In the GTA area, approximately 25 percent of individuals volunteer now, compared to 40 percent four years ago. Kim Winchell, United Way BC, says that of the 500 organizations they support, all are experiencing challenges with volunteer recruitment. And in rural areas, Andrea MacDonald, United Way PEI, states: “We’re at a tipping point here,” the same individuals volunteer in multiple places.
People are spending more time alone and this was accelerated further during the pandemic as internet and smartphones became increasingly widespread and the pandemic forced us all indoors. People have replaced time with friends with more time spent at home alone. As we experience an increasing social disconnect, it is then critical to look at how our face-to-face social networks have shrunk and see if we can reverse this trend.
Technological influence
Last year, The Philanthropist Journal, published Yvonne Rodney’s opinion on the state of volunteerism entitled, “Volunteerism: In crisis or at a crossroads?” Rodney talked about the challenges of building a sense of belonging and connection in the hybrid era. Our societal infrastructure has come to depend on volunteer work and engagement to support the needs of our communities, to support essential activities that allow non-profits and charities to do what they do.
Technology has embedded itself in our everyday life and how we spend our time has been influenced by social pressures beyond our control which has created a significant mindset shift in our engagement habits. We must ask: has technology contributed to creating a “new community”? If volunteering is associated with “community belonging”, then how can we find our place in our community and feel the responsibility of taking care of each other?
We need to create a society rich with civic pride, where each act of giving strengthens the social fabric that binds us together. Whilst at the same time, remembering the role technology plays today. Whether we value or include technology, the result is that we cannot ignore the influence of technology because we are all, beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, and staff members, using technology. Hence, if technology is influencing the context of our communities and shifting our behaviours, we need to use technology as a tool that can build relationships.
Katie Gibson, responsible for digital innovation, and Marc-André Delorme, planning and development advisor for DATaide program, wrote “The case for integrating tech considerations into strategic planning”. They claim that very few Canadian non-profits incorporate technology considerations into their strategic planning processes. A missed opportunity, according to Gibson and Delorme.
Though technology is mainly seen as tactical, not strategic, by most non-profits, it has become essential to learn how to use digital strategies to support our ambitions and increase our organizational impact. Canadian non-profit organizations that have prioritized digital marketing in their strategic plans speak of many benefits to their staff and communities. Yet, a recent survey conducted on civil society organizations, by TechSoup claims only 22 percent have “defined a strategy and timeline for achieving digital readiness.” And when CanadaHelps surveyed 1,470 organizations about their digital skills, 31 percent stated that “Digital is not incorporated into our strategic plan”, while 46 percent identified digital as not “a big enough priority compared to other activities”.
Meida influence
Very intertwine with how we use technology, is our seeming “relationship” with the media. In his April 2024 article, Aiden Cyr, member of the Manitoba Métis Federation who has his ancestral roots in the Métis homeland along the Red River, and international advocate on Indigenous reconciliation, gender-based violence, and climate change, warns us about the hyper-individuality among young workers. He defines hyper-individuality as an outcome of our exposure to media. It is the overemphasis of self-interested competition and meritocracy that connects educational and professional achievement, status, and wealth with innate personal value. Essentially, we have created a culture of perfectionism which has created more unrealistic expectations, and more anxiety.
The consequences of generations being raised to internalize hyper-individualist and perfectionist values have begun showing themselves through increases in mental health difficulties, leading to “hostility, tendency to blame others, and lower altruism and trust.” According to Cyr, many feel unable or reluctant to engage emotionally. Studies have found significant connections between perfectionism and increased sensitivity to criticism and failure, creating unrealistic expectations or entitlement.
Then, I must ask: Can we restore this culture of belonging by re-inventing this social need for inclusion and belonging? Charities and non-profits must communicate a strong social purpose which is essential for fundraising and program delivery. But it is imperative to authentically communicate to create a thriving environment and restore “caring for one another”. We must reverse the trend of fewer people participating in social service clubs as well as more people lessening their close ties to their families and friends.
Civil influence
If civility means a “polite or courteous action”, then rekindling the communal bonds that foster a thriving, charitable society is essential for these actions to take place. When we have consideration for one another, we do not “lash out” on social media, or openly criticize marginalized individuals. We must invest in, and cultivate, a society that values deep connections and active participation. While it is true that in 2023 individual donations remain the main source of funding for registered charities (41 percent Statistics Canada), we must look beyond the charitable “activity” and better understand what influences the “human” behaviour behind incentivize giving. Because the strategies and tactics that have gotten us to this point will not get us anywhere different.
Last March, Hilary Pearson reviewed, The Price of Humanity: How Philanthropy Went Wrong and How to Fix It, by Amy Schiller. Referencing, Schiller, Person pointed to the unique role humanity has in helping humans live full human lives. According to Schiller, who is an American scholar with a background in fundraising, “Philanthropy must be dedicated to human flourishing by focusing more on beauty”. In her book, Schiller points to philanthropy as serving the benefactor as much as the recipient, she called it a “demonstration of civic virtue and patronage”. “Philanthropy must be the financial mechanism for supporting the creativity, imagination and plurality of collective human life.” It is not to address our growing economic social inequality, the onus for changing this is on governments and political leaders.
Following this reasoning, philanthropy is to make the earth more of a home and to encourage inhabitants of the spaces and institutions it provides, to feel at home in the world. The world should serve all of us, not the few who can exploit the many for maximum profit. This may be possible if we make space for innovation and allow opportunities that can change our behaviours with an intent to enable a renewed sense of community.
My final thoughts
In “25 Years of Decline: Assessing The State Of Charitable Giving In Canada And Charting A Path Forward”, Steven Ayer, argued, that the last time we had an increase in the donation rate was in 2010. Over the last 25 years, we have seen declining donation rates and this trend of declining charitable donations intensified during the pandemic. Time has become a luxury which forces us to chose where to invest our time. If we all agree the “clock” will not turn back and given the symbiosis we have with technology and media, we must alt this persistent decline, now!
Not only because there are correlations between people with many close friends and people who donate. But specifically, because there are less individuals with friends (30 percent less according to CanadaHelp). As Schiller says, “Ours is a world for humans”. Any individual can make a philanthropic contribution to the common good. And any individual should feel and have the capacity to do so. But are individuals motivated to do so?
Given our beneficiaries and donors are immerse in technology and media, we must re-define our connectivity. I believe that by building new relations between individuals and members of a community we can stop this continued path to gradual disconnection from the communal ties that enrich our lives. We need to write a new definition of civility, today. It will not be easy. But recently I read something very inspiring from a very generous man, Paul Nazareth. In making bold decision and looking forward he said: “so, I’m walking onward. I’m afraid, but I know I’m not alone.” If something is going to change, we have much work to do.
It is together, that we can support people to thrive and to be engage deeply with their local communities. It is together that we will create a renewed sense of civility.
Kathleen A. Provost is currently the Vice President, Philanthropy and Communications at United for Literacy (previously Frontier College), a national organization with 125 years of community partnerships in Canada, offering free tutoring and mentoring to adult, youth, and children who need literacy and numeracy support. Kathleen has over 30 years of experience in the charitable sector. She has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2007 and a long-time member and volunteer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Kathleen holds a Masters degree in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University as well as a Baccalaureate Arts in Political Science and a certificate in Public Relations from McGill University. As a recognized leader, Kathleen has tailored presentations for French and English audiences at various events including AFP-Nova Scotia, AFP-Ottawa, AFP-National Congress, Coady Institute and the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education. She has received numerous recognitions during her career, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to the charitable sector and was recognized as 2021 Fundraiser of the Year in Nova Scotia. She writes this column exclusively for each issue of Foundation Magazine.
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