During the month of love we ventured on a quest to answer the golden question of “What is love?” But to be more exact, “What is love from an NPO Perspective?”. Well to really answer the question we need different opinions to formulate an actual answer relevant to us. Firstly, what is love? Google describes love as a noun or a doing word, the definition being: an intense feeling of deep affection or a great interest and pleasure in something or to feel deep affection for (someone) or to like or enjoy something very much. In terms of the definition of love from an NPO`S perspective, we can dissect it into four different factions.
The first faction being unconditional support and compassion:
Love, according to NPOs, is giving people in need unwavering support and compassion. It’s about trying to provide a helpful hand while being judgment-free and recognizing the suffering and difficulties of various backgrounds. This kind of love is pure, unselfish, and focused only on pulling [1] people up; it does not ask for anything in return. Non-Profit organizations (NPOs) are living examples of love because of their steadfast dedication to helping others. This includes giving food and shelter to the homeless, providing emotional support to those in need, and distributing educational materials to underprivileged populations.[2]
The second faction is advocacy and justice:
Through their perpetual pursuit of justice and fairness, NPOs exemplify love. Fighting for the rights of the disenfranchised, the downtrodden, and the forgotten is at the heart of this love. It’s a love that fights structural injustices and aims to build a community in which everyone may prosper. Non-profit organizations (NPOs) demonstrate that love is an active emotion that demands change, and that change is made possible by their efforts and resources.
The third faction is empowerment and capacity building:
From the perspective of a NPO, love is really about empowerment. It’s about having faith in each person’s and community’s potential and striving to unlock it. This includes programs for capacity building, education, and skill development that provide individuals the power to take charge of their lives and futures. Such love has the power to transform; it enables individuals to go beyond just survival and into thriving. This love transforms dreams to reality.
The fourth faction being environment and sustainability:
From the perspective of a NPO, love encompasses the earth and the environment as well. It’s about realizing how intertwined we are with the natural world and acting to safeguard it for future generations. This kind of love is demonstrated by sustainability initiatives, conservation campaigns, and support for laws that lessen the consequences of climate change. It serves as a reminder that taking care of the Earth eventually means taking care of one another.
In conclusion, love is the Foundation of NPOs, love is the driving force of NPOs, the love for the people, the love for the community and the love for empowerment. In simple terms, love is a concept that directs action for NPOs, not merely a feeling. It serves as the cornerstone for their vision and mission. The goal of this love, which manifests itself in many ways, is to establish a society characterized by justice, equality, and respect for one another. Taking into account the NPO viewpoint might encourage us to regard love as something we do, rather than merely something we feel, when we contemplate the significance of love in our lives. From the perspective of an NPO, the idea of love provides a ray of hope and a reminder that change is achievable when we show unconditional love to one another in a world that frequently feels divided. Therefore, love is the ultimate act of defiance against apathy and a strong force for good in the never-ending quest for a more compassionate and better world.
References
(Department of Social Development Directorate: Nonprofit Organization, 1997)
(merriam-webster.com , 2024 )
(Western Cape Government , n.d.)