There's no substitute for philanthropic dollars to bring real change
Nisaini Rexach’s reflection on the power of volunteering underscores the importance of community support. However, while volunteering is vital, we cannot conflate it with philanthropy, especially at times of budget cuts and political uncertainties. True social change requires financial investment that only philanthropy can provide.
Chicago’s nonprofit sector is in an existential crisis. The end of COVID-19 relief monies and the rapidly growing investment in community violence intervention have left "upstream" services such as after-school programs and community centers in dire straits. Organizations are in constant starvation mode because there simply isn’t enough funding being invested to keep these urgent interventions alive. This problem can only be addressed by philanthropic dollars.
As president of Friends of Sabin and a member of Sabin Dual Language Bilingual Magnet School’s Local School Council, my volunteer role revolves around raising funds to meet the school’s needs.
This summer, I transferred my daughter to a neighborhood school, and the disparity in resources between nearby schools was stark. This isn’t only because of Chicago Public Schools budgeting, but because of the very real difference in each school’s access to philanthropic donations.
Parent-led fundraisers at one school raised more in a year than Sabin has in three, and philanthropic dollars helped pay for brand-new, state-of-the-art turfs and outdoor space.
While dedicated volunteers at Sabin run championship sports teams, they can’t fix issues like injuries caused by the deteriorating blacktop. Only money can do that.
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Similarly, in my role as the founder and former CEO of ConTextos, a nonprofit addressing marginalization and violence, I saw firsthand the critical need for philanthropic dollars.
Volunteers help build awareness, but real change requires paid staff — highly trained professionals with close ties to the community, who deserve competitive salaries and benefits — to manage programs and support participants.
After George Floyd’s murder, many foundations pledged to give more, offering unrestricted funds to help nonprofits grow sustainably. For decades, giving has stagnated even as costs and demands on nonprofits have grown. I worry that some philanthropy has grown complacent, giving just enough to maintain the status quo rather than investing in real change.
Those with the capacity to give should remember their mission is not optional — it is urgent. And as individuals committed to volunteering to support our community, we should be holding them accountable and demanding more.
Debra Gittler, Wicker Park; founder and former CEO, ConTextos
Hard to feel bad for Fuentes, who lacks sympathy for others
Far-right provocateur Nick Fuentes was quoted in the Sun-Times recently saying he is in "fear for my life, people have been posting my address online for the past three days telling me they’re coming to kill me, they’re coming to rape me."
Gee, where was he when Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea Moss were being doxxed just like this, and worse? I don’t recall hearing him laud them for what they endured, or unequivocally shouting down the offenders who put them in this same fear, all because they did their jobs fairly and honorably.
But that’s exactly emulating Donald Trump’s MO: to castigate and demonize anyone, women especially, who he perceives as trying to thwart his bullying style.
Fuentes could’ve held his head high and been taken seriously, if only he’d been decent enough to speak up for everyone who’s been victimized by Trump and his ilk.
Maja Ramírez, Avondale
Protecting sidewalks
First Germany, now New Orleans. Deranged individuals who are bent on killing and maiming innocent people using vehicles are a frightening new way to terrorize in our world.
It may be time to think about sidewalk or curb barricades in areas of heavy foot traffic. The argument against it, at least in Chicago, has been visual aesthetics and the enormous cost. In my opinion, it’s time to seriously rethink the matter.
Bob Angone, retired Chicago police lieutenant, Austin, Texas