July 13, 2003 - United Nations: Nadine Hathaway, a Peace Corps volunteer who has spent two years in Lithuania, is about to return to her home country, the USA

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Lithuania: The Peace Corps in Lithuania: July 13, 2003 - United Nations: Nadine Hathaway, a Peace Corps volunteer who has spent two years in Lithuania, is about to return to her home country, the USA

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Nadine Hathaway, a Peace Corps volunteer who has spent two years in Lithuania, is about to return to her home country, the USA



Nadine Hathaway, a Peace Corps volunteer who has spent two years in Lithuania, is about to return to her home country, the USA

Philanthropy and Funding Issues in Lithuania

Nadine Hathaway, a Peace Corps volunteer who has spent two years in Lithuania, is about to return to her home country, the USA. She kindly agreed to share with the Bulletin her experiences and impressions as an adviser and practitioner on fund-raising and volunteer issues.

Q. Philanthropy and volunteerism in Lithuania as they are perceived in Western cultures are not yet that deep. What should the NGO community do to help people and the government understand that ‘philanthropy is a sign of civil society’, and that the feeling of giving brings much more satisfaction than receiving?

A. I don’t think it is important right now that the people of Lithuania understand that volunteerism is a “sign of civil society”. What I would like people to experience is the joy of being in a community through volunteering – getting something done and having fun doing it, learning that they can be agents of real change and improvement in the lives of ordinary people. I see lots of volunteers in NGOs. In fact, smaller NGOs could not exist without the commitment of many volunteers. For the government it is very important for them to provide a legal base and recognition for volunteers’ efforts. I wonder if they could calculate the amount of money saved in state services because of the care that is provided by NGO volunteers? The government could highlight examples of outstanding volunteer efforts. Finally, I would like to see class volunteer projects in the schools developed, so that the next generation will develop new attitudes and habits about group efforts that assist those in need.

Q. Have you noticed any specific problems here in Lithuania related to fund-raising and philanthropic issues that should be dealt with?

A. I have concentrated my work in Lithuania on teaching NGO representatives to be better prepared to get the help they need. So my answer will not attempt to pinpoint the legal deficiencies which inhibit philanthropy. The first problem I perceive as I conduct fundraising seminars is lack of experience in “presenting a case”. A case includes being able to analyze the situation in order to state the need and number of people involved in a situation, then articulate through what means you are going to change the problem, and end with the desired outcome that you expect. This calls for careful thinking and a sense of empowerment by those asking for assistance, which leads to the second problem. This is attitudinal. The experience of not getting what you want over time leads to not saying in advance what you are going to do with your confidence. Funders do want to be part of the solution if you demonstrate that you know where you are going and you enlist their assistance in advance. Finally, I think it is important for NGOs to reflect on their niche in the community and work cooperatively with other NGOs whose work complements their own. I hope NGOs develop more trust of each other and discover their collective power.

Q. With what thoughts and feelings do you leave Lithuania?

A. I feel a great deal of gratitude for the opportunity to learn about Lithuania and this part of the world. I have met so many interesting people who have so generously shared their culture and stories with me. I love the parks, the farms, the capital Vilnius, the music and the arts. I feel sentimental about leaving all the friends, acquaintances and NGO colleagues I have known. But I do look forward to possible visits by Lithuanians, and will watch out for any news about Lithuania until I can return for a visit.



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Story Source: United Nations

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Lithuania; Philanthropy

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