Standards of a charity - The magnificent seven

For many, when they are affected by something / someone that moves them emotionally; in many cases there begins the need to start a charity. What then happens is that another organization begins, sometimes duplicating the work of another one, facing scarcity and lack at various levels.

If this seems like an odd thing to read, examine it closely and you'll see that based on observation it isn't.

There's a streak that runs through organizations of all types. The people involved often need to feel a sense of belonging. They want to give back and contribute. They want to ease the burdens of others. However, regardless of the organization, there's a need to have standards to ensure that everyone operates in alignment and on a similar platform with clarity, if not the result can be chaos.

What are some of these standards? Let's highlight a few of the more serious ones below:

• Transparency - decisions made and actions taken should always be without prejudice
• Accountability - helps in keeping everyone hones and corruption at bay
• Fairness - assists in ensuring that everyone is treated equally
• Documentation - is necessary for posterity and lends to historical value of decisions taken, meetings held, discussions which took place. Documentation can be done physically / virtually utilizing any of the available storage media which are now quite affordable
• Rules - established the parameters within which everyone operates
• Compliance - provides the controls to ensure the rules are adhered to
• Non-discrimination - goes a step further than fairness ensuring that any and all prejudices are eliminated at the root cause

Though there may be others, these "magnificent seven" capture the essence of all the issues. To be truly helpful, the charity must have a loving, yet discerning nature about it. At the Cffb we are committed to these standards and have them documented so that regardless of the individuals in leadership or among the members / volunteers; the organizations will remain true to its mission.

Why do we see the sense of setting standards within a charity? It's because, We're Aware to Care!

Are they aware of us?

When you're involved in something, it's easy to think that just because you know what your cause that everyone else should know as well. You work hard, putting structure in place all the while trying to ensure that you do the right thing.

In meetings you speak about the vision, mission, objectives, succession, who does what and when. Then before long, you realize that for all that you've done; for all that hard work and the projects that you have put on the plate for future seasons - No one outside the immediate group knows who you are, and to be blunt - neither do they really care.

We were no different. When we mentioned that we're established to help those with Cystic Fibrosis (CF); you should have seen the blank stares. After a pause for an indeterminate amount of time, they would then go....what did you just say?

Just imagine saying to someone that there are people here among us with a rare illness that is quite expensive to treat. They have no point of reference so in their head they go - here's another one. There's going to be always a group of people asking for money for their particular cause. It's that simple. Their cases will be unique in some instances. What we're finding is that as humans, we're diverse with a variety of special health cases. The stories seem to surpass the opportunities for assistance, and in these hard times; budgets are limited.

Guess what? Despite the aforementioned, we can stop. We can't fail the youngsters and their families of those afflicted by Cystic Fibrosis. We're working hard to make the awareness grow, and the truth is, we're under resourced and under capitalized; yet we can't and won't stop.

How are we raising awareness? We will go to where you are!

Take for instance some of the places we have been and are targeting:

• Universities, colleges, public affairs and their respective events
• We will host events - walks and galas that will get us noticed 
• We will use the internet with its opportunities for having websites, using a variety of social media[ including blogs and newsletter
• We will use traditional media in a planned way - newspapers, radio, television, magazines, and the newsletters of other organizations. 

When we think / focus of the opportunities that are available, we can't dwell on the problems.

We are well structures and becoming better organized, so that we can become the bench mark for charitable organizations. Is it easy? No!

One thing is certain, "We're the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados", and though you may not know of us yet. you will cause we're building awareness one person at a time. You'll find that as an organization, We're "Aware to Care"!

Why we need a Gala...

In the realm of fundraising, a gala is one of the nicest ways to raise funds for the host organization when it is done well. On the flip side; there's a load of hard work that needs to go into it so that the goals and objectives are realized.

That being said, we at The Cffb are embarking on this trek of hosting our first of an annual series of gala events. This year we themed it Wine, Diamonds, and Jazz, and made tickets available online via Tixpro.com and through the Wine World outlets throughout Barbados.

So now, after all has been said and done. You need to understand why we're doing this. Why do we need a gala? Here are just some of the answers:

• Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a very expensive illness that one gets genetically. Many places including Barbados have no medical facilities that can cater to the need of those who have CF. This being said, care must be sought in the metropolitan countries. Who have the specialist medical teams and medications to treat those who have CF. 
• The medication and care is expensive. Apart from the airfare, accommodations and living expenses. We have on record where care costs a rounded USD$12,000 per month in medication only, which is a stretch for us considering that our salary scales on the island are not that high, they are no major exemptions on medication or the shipping of it, and our currency is on a ratio of USD$1.00 =  BBD$2.00 approximately. Even with medical insurance it is a horrendous costs to the families of CF suffers. 
• To date we have an identified case, where insurance coverage is not available, and the sufferer is a youngster from a single parent household. 
• Ideally, each sufferer should have three medical visits annually to ensure that there is no bacteria in the lungs that can cause fatality in the sufferer(s). 

For us, a gala is a time of fellowship, where people of all walks can come together and learn, share, experience, offer care and support to those who are in need. Do we know beforehand who would be interested in such events? No! However the hope is that the event is desireable enough that people would attend to get information that would make them more aware of the circumstances under which others live, trying to do simple things that we often take for granted - like breathe. 

Imagine, having to take so many tablets that it seems like a meal, and though expensive it tastes the same every day. Further, you have to put on a special vest to shake the mucous from your lungs or have a family member strike you repeatedly in the chest and back to shake loose the mucous, and this takes place multiple times daily. 

Further imagine being able to eat the junkiest foods that you can ever imagine all because your body cannot absorb any of the qualities of those foods - good or bad. The thing is, without the benefit of the medication to help in the break down of foods you'll be fully fed yet malnourished - hardly putting on weight and susceptible to almost every illness that seems to pass by in the atmosphere. 

Yes there are additional challenges of this illness and perhaps you'd want to read of them right here. While we can't make you support us as you may not have the means to do so. At least you're now more informed that you can at least spread the word. Who knows? Someone that you know may just be able to help in a significant manner. 

Thank you for reading this far. If you're able to - postpone your valentine celebrations to dine with us. Donations can also be made to Royal Bank of Canada in (Barbados) Limited Account #21007939. Our Charity #7600861. This information is useful for those of you who would not be able to make it. 

This work's never over...

"Phew...."

We've all had these moments when we thought that we couldn't possibly go on anymore. It seems like the more work we put in, the more work seems to show up. It often leads to the question of when this work will be over.

If you're doing a great job, committed to your values and ideals; then there's one thing that is constant regardless of the language. When you want something done, ask a busy person. Why does a busy person keep getting more work when others who seem to have excess time never seem to be able to fill up their day?

Within a charity, there's always something to be done. Here are a couple areas:

• Research and development 
• Fund-raising
• Administration 
• Planning
• Networking
• Program development and management
• Lobbying  
• Training 
• Recruitment and selection 
• the list can go on. 

Though people have a need to belong to something / grouping; it must be serving a cause that they are interested in. They must feel that their work is valued. The leadership of these organizations must have great people skills. 

The ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of everyone while helping them in a nurturing way to enhance their strengths while addressing their weaknesses requires skill with people. We hope that within the Cffb, we are able to work with others in a manner that unifies each other through common goals, objectives, standards, and ideals. 

Is this easy? No; and can require as many approaches are they are diversities in the attitudes of individuals. One must learn to be diplomatic yet blunt and direct, being able to adapt to situations as required to ensure that the agreed values are maintained and issues are topic, not personalities. 

Everyone has a point of view and must be given ear in light of its merit. Quick evaluation and requisite action is necessary towards the building of an organization; whether it be a not-for-profit or one who has their focus on the profit as their motive. When building organizations, there's one thing for certain. This work is never over.

Ps. Did you know you can donate to our cause here? We are geared to help those children who have Cystic Fibrosis. You can also come to our gala dinner next month. 

Why we commit to Excellence

When fund-raising, one is only taken seriously if they appear to be professional. This means the organization must have the following:

• The organisation has its policies, procedures and standards well documented
• They practice what is documented
• There is clarity and accountability
• Everyone functions well within their assigned area of responsibility
• There are budgets, reports, and cost controls 
• Programs are clear and decisions are minuted 
• All audits and reviews are current and documented 
• Volunteers and members receive various types of training

Are we doing all these things? Though it's not easy, we can say that we're making a very valiant effort of ensuring we put every meaningful measure in place. We want to ensure that before questions are asked that the answers have been addressed.

We are a Barbados based registry charity. 

Last year we begun the first of an annual series of Aware to Care walks. We were blessed to have the 100 Voice Choir Project, which is another annual event support us significantly with our fund-raising efforts. 

This year we are focusing on the Gala Fund-raising Dinner - Wine, Diamonds, & Jazz. Where tickets are available here online at Tixpro and at the Wine World locations locally. We need to raise significant funds for our families who are affected by CF. [See our flier here] 

Cystic Fibrosis costs families approximately USD$12000.00 per month / per individual who has CF in medication, plus international doctor visits; as we have no one trained in the area on island, plus airfare, accommodations, and living expenses while there. 

Additionally, the expenses of running the foundation necessitates us having to acquire - an operating base, computers and office equipment [they don't have to be new, just functional] 

It is important that we take this cause seriously as lives depend on it. Those who have CF are literally facing life / death situations every day when they cannot access the required care. Please Help Us! 

To reach us, you can use our website which has full contact details. Thank you in advance for your support. 

We are the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados, and we are committed to excellence! 

So much to do, so few resources

Have you ever watched the various shows on television where contestants are asked what would they do to make a difference and they say, become a volunteer for one effort or another? How come they are rarely seen by the actual organizations? If you've ever been a part of any activity requiring charity effort, you'll notice that the bulk of the work is done by just a few people. 

When we asked why this is so, here are a few responses which came out:

• We didn't hear anything further from the organization after we signed up
• We didn't know who to make contact with to know what's next
• No one asked for help, so we didn't know what was required
• and the list goes on.

When we developed The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados [The Cffb], we decided that we wanted to be different, offering training, developing sub-groups to handle various aspects based on the skill set of the individuals who volunteered. We made it easy for volunteers to access information in their own time by having shared files, email, online groups and even online meetings. 

We are thankful to find out that though others may complain that their volunteers don't read, we have found some volunteers who seem to understand what volunteering is about. They are willing to be:

• methodical
• accountable
• responsible 
• they deliver 

They recognize that through their volunteering effort they can expose themselves to the following:

• networking relationships
• job opportunities 
• work experience
• enhancement of skills - administration, fund-raising, logistics, planning (events and activities) 
• social skills - inclusive of public speaking and protocol

Where do we go from here?

We are setting standards to the be premier charity when it comes to being organized and well coordinated. This is by no means an easy task but it is necessary. We want to be the benchmark of quality for charitable organizations not only in Barbados but the rest of the Caribbean region. Our processes will be well documented, so that succession planning is easy and the continuity of the organization to our cause is safeguarded. 

In short, we are The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados. We help those families affected by CF to cope with the challenges of finding information, sources medical care, and financing. We are committed to functioning with excellence. 

Why are we fundraising again?

One thing about charities, we always seem to be asking for money? It would appear that people and organizations are always getting correspondence and media activities about some event or activity taking place geared towards raising funds.

What makes the appeal of one more interesting than that of another?

Sometimes it even seems that there's duplication of effort within the arena of fundraising. With more than one organization serving the same cause. Can it be streamlined? This is an age old question for which they are as many answers as they are as many people wishing to embark on the development of a charity.

While we can't speak with authority on the others, we can tell you about ours. We are the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados [TheCffb] and we're geared to help those families afflicted by Cystic Fibrosis [CF].

Information about CF can be found here and there.

This month, we're on the eve of our major fundraising gala event entitled "Wine, Diamonds & Jazz". Where proceeds go towards helping those families affected by CF to have funds to obtain the medical care they need which is not available on island.

Even in these trying economic times, we have to keep appeals going as this illness is relentless and the expenses are staggering.

Everyone in Barbados has to travel to a metropolitan country to get medical attention. Airfare and accommodations add to the already high costs of the medical care. Won't you help us or direct us to someone who can?

We are raising funds to help these families, as our local wages / salaries and insurances can't cope. Thanks in advance for your support.