Thomas Tighe says "This great philanthropic tradition exists because Americans act when they see things that should be done that government can't or won't do and for which no profit incentive exists. It's public service done privately."



Thomas Tighe says "This great philanthropic tradition exists because Americans act when they see things that should be done that government can't or won't do and for which no profit incentive exists. It's public service done privately."

What Nonprofit Leaders Want
Charity and foundation leaders offer advice on the best ways for the president to help philanthropy

As President Bush was re-elected to his second term last week, The Chronicle asked nonprofit leaders to recommend what steps he could take as he begins the new term to help charities

[Excerpt]

Thomas Tighe, president of Direct Relief International, in Santa Barbara, Calif.: Dear Mr. President, Millions of our citizens spend a lot of their time and money to support nonprofit activities, ranging from art and zoos to assisting people living in troubled countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

This great philanthropic tradition exists because Americans act when they see things that should be done that government can't or won't do and for which no profit incentive exists. It's public service done privately.

As tremendous a resource as these nonprofits are to our environment, our cultural interests, and for people who need help, don't assume that they are able or willing to pick up whatever you might wish to divest from the government portfolio.

Outsourcing to nonprofits -- even for a fee -- might seem like a good idea, but resist it. It won't save money and will force them to pursue your mission, not their own, the one that inspired them to act in the first place.

It can also make them an indirect political target for your opponents, a political role most are unwilling and unsuited to play. Plus, many are already stretched trying to absorb governmental functions that have already been offloaded.

Lead by example. Clean up a creek with a leader from the other party, or make a generous donation in honor of the opponent you just beat to his favorite charity.

When this story was posted in November 2004, this was on the front page of PCOL:

Charges possible in 1976 PCV slaying Congressman Norm Dicks has asked the U.S. attorney in Seattle to consider pursuing charges against Dennis Priven, the man accused of killing Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner on the South Pacific island of Tonga 28 years ago. Background on this story here and here.

Volunteer Death in Morocco Returned Peace Corps Volunteers mourn the loss of Peace Corps Volunteer Melissa Mosvick who died as a result of a public bus accident on Saturday, November 6, 2004, in Ouarzazate, Morocco.

Your vote makes a difference Make a difference on November 2 - Vote. Then take our RPCV exit poll. See how RPCV's are voting and take a look at the RPCV voter demographic. Finally leave a message on why you voted for John Kerry or for George Bush. Previous poll results here.

Kerry reaches out to Returned Volunteers The Kerry campaign wants the RPCV vote. Read our interview with Dave Magnani, Massachusetts State Senator and Founder of "RPCVs for Kerry," and his answers to our questions about Kerry's plan to triple the size of the Peace Corps, should the next PC Director be an RPCV, and Safety and Security issues. Then read the "RPCVs for Kerry" statement of support and statements by Dr. Robert Pastor, Ambassador Parker Borg, and Paul Oostburg Sanz made at the "RPCVs for Kerry" Press Conference. RPCV Carl Pope says the key to winning this election is not swaying undecided voters, but persuading those already willing to vote for your candidate to actually go to the polls. Take our poll and tell us what you are doing to support your candidate. Finally read our wrap-up of the eight RPCVs in Senate and House races around the country and where the candidates are in their races.

Director Gaddi Vasquez: The PCOL Interview PCOL sits down for an extended interview with Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez. Read the entire interview from start to finish and we promise you will learn something about the Peace Corps you didn't know before. Plus the debate continues over Safety and Security.

Read the stories and leave your comments.