We Should All Be Civic-Minded

Everyone should be civic-minded. It is a social responsibility to participate in one’s community.

The first organization I chaired was MOUSE (that still exists today, and I was the first chair). I remember our first fundraiser (I hate those things, but you gotta do it), and we raised $1m. I raised $750K myself! That night, I gave the opening speech and spoke about the importance of technology and how we all need to give back to those less fortunate than we have been. It was 1998, and now look at the tech titans, shame on so many of them.

This past week, I attended the Hot Bread Kitchen fundraiser, the second organization I chaired (and was its first chair, too). They celebrated Christina Tosi, who sat on the board when I chaired the organization. It was really nice to see her.

I have had the pleasure of meeting many NYers involved in nonprofit organizations over the years. I have met many more through my friend Liz, and also because I chair the Public Housing Community Fund (their first). Each of these people cares deeply about our city, the people who live here, the laws that are made, the organizations that make an impact, and the helping hand that helps many have better lives, from food to jobs.

I happened to meet with Strive last week, too. We have made an impact on countless lives through their stellar program, and that feels insanely good.

Back to the event this past week, I met a gentleman who worked for Neighborhoods First Fund. They help neighborhoods that I fear will evaporate. NFF promotes equitable and accountable development in NYC. They also help those in need with education, strategies, loans, and more to make sure they keep a roof over their heads and to build more low- and middle-income housing.

I had no idea this organization existed until meeting this man at the event. I really like what they do. What struck me was the vast difference that night from the civic-minded people in the room, who care about people and their community, vs the hate, anger, and viciousness coming out of the White House, and the Republican party, and perhaps a few in the Supreme Court, who are obviously on that bandwagon too. It makes me so sad and angry.

Looking around the room, all I kept thinking was, we are all in this together, each taking our own path in life. What a better world it would be if we could embrace and help, rather than dismiss and ignore, rather than pull the carpet out from beneath people’s feet. It makes zero sense.

We all should be civic-minded.