My Pen Mates,
For what its' worth, I believe in the power of charity. It's a force multiplier in cementing unity and understanding across socio-cultural, racial, and ideological divisions. It gives both the giver and recipient an opportunity to both exult and be humbled by its recognition of need and surplus as halves of the same circle, with humanity in the middle to either rent it apart or hold it together.
The process of charity can be complex due to hierarchy or politics. But for simple gestures of lending a hand, it need not be; I wish to present a practical approach to form a movement geared towards organizing charitable projects in my hometown of Malasiqui.
There is the matter of Class and distinction and I wish to eliminate that outright. If a name is required, let it reflect magnanimity over personal recognition. It should also be relatable to multiple generations and be all-inclusive such that turnovers in management and leadership does not affect the institution's purpose or relevance. Most of all, it should be open to all who are willing to put in time, talent, or treasure in alleviating pain and suffering among our townspeople. My personal choice is Malasiqui Aid Trust (trust n. an entity created to hold assets for the benefit of certain persons or entities, with a trustee managing the trust (and often holding title on behalf of the trust). Most trusts are founded by the persons (called trustors, settlors and/or donors) who execute a written declaration of trust which establishes the trust and spells out the terms and conditions upon which it will be conducted.). The name is self-explanatory and can readily be related to as both a legal entity as well as a resource for multi-disciplinary endeavors. Moreover, the trust can exist independent of any institution and can operate based on the premise upon which it was conceived.
Because helping should be simple, the only consensus required is from the trustors; operating officers coordinate fundraising and resource management. Any party, individual or organization who want to give can do so voluntarily and the Trust can spearhead a project or act as an umbrella organization to support special needs like disaster relief. This is organizational reality where the chiefs need to manage the Indians; delegation is necessary if action is expected, and decisions on action modality need to be carried out in a manner that minimizes the dilution of intent before it reaches the intended. For nothing kills goodwill faster than the giver realizing that his contribution does not alleviate the hardship of the targeted recipient.
The simple nobility of consensus and transparency in forming a public organization is admirable. But this Trust is an independent body of what presumably would be like-minded benefactors whose sole intent is to carry out assistance to the needy. It is democratic primarily in its mission, not necessarily its formation. Invitations will be sent out to prospective trustors and those coming on board participate in organizing and executing charitable work. The Trust is accountable to itself because of its mission not because of public oversight. Submitting itself to the latter makes it another participant in bureaucratic red tape and political hierarchy. Does this preclude a good number of members? Certainly, and I would hope this is the case. All will be called but few are chosen because of voluntary exclusion. It's for the long haul-- as all worthy endeavors ought to be-- and the Board is formed by people with open hearts as well as eyes. For those eyes are required to see who are in need...
Let us make it as simple as extending a hand for the giver, and relief for the receiver. Let the structure that allows this to happen be invisible and be known only by its inert name. Temporally, the name should exist as a means of referral and accountability, but it's purpose should be indelible and noble results a consequence of its actions.
Mon
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