How Non-Profits Can Radically Adapt to the New World Through a Collaborative Approach

The world as we perceive would change drastically once it recovers after the unprecedented crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Though it may not exactly be akin to the new world that was ameliorated after Noah’s ark saved a minute proportion of the living beings from the massive flood that destroyed the then-known civilization as described in the Bible, we can, however, be for sure of metamorphosis in human behavior. A significant transformation is bound to take place in our interactions with each other, animals, and the overall attitude towards the environment.

Vanguards

Non-profit organizations have been at the forefront of the battle with COVID-19. They have been instrumental in not only creating precautionary awareness among the masses but also providing rations to the needy and poor. Augmenting the medical care provided by government institutions with their reach and resources, plus aiding in blood and plasma donations. The responsibilities and roles of the non-profits are going to rise further when the world moves out of its quarantine status. In collaboration with other bodies, they can certainly execute their tasks and achieve their goals swiftly and comprehensively.

Collaborating With the Government

COVID-19 like other highly contagious diseases in the past would not eradicate easily, and once the world resumes its usual business, experts believe that there would be a sudden spike in its cases. In collaboration with the authorities, the non-profits can act as the bulwark to keep a check on its spread. For a start, they can make people aware of the continuing need to maintain social distancing to minimize the risks of getting infected. Furthermore, with their connections and reach, they can act as a bridge between the affluent strata and the programs induced by the government. They can thus not only help the existing philanthropic leaders to channel their efforts in a better way but also aid in cultivating a crop of wealthy donor followers whose contributions can help further streamline the challenges and be a significant factor in reviving the perilous economic condition. It can be noticed that during the trying times of the corona epidemic when private enterprises are compelled to let their employees go, the non-profits are gradually increasing their manpower, providing a ray of hope even in such a dim situation.

Combining Forces

The collaboration ideally should not limit between the authorities and non-profits. In fact, the non-profits with their web of interconnectivity can play a major part in ensuring normalization. For example, if an international organization like Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation works in conjunction with a local non-profit like Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA), then both can amplify each other’s effectiveness by manifolds. Complementing each other, with the former’s financial resources and the latter's local manpower, this association can act as the ideal team to support the recovery in one of Asia’s largest slums Dharavi.

The Multi-pronged Engagement

For the optimists, every crisis is an opportunity, and perhaps this is the trait that has kept the human race constantly on the path of evolution in spite of suffering many setbacks in the form of pandemics and wars. It would be a perfect time to bring on board all the resources and associations to shield the precarious civilization similar to a protective umbrella. The necessity of the hour is to sketch multistakeholder programs to aid mankind as it recovers gradually from the aftermath of the crisis unfolded courtesy of the coronavirus outbreak. All the important stakeholders including businesses, civil societies, governments, research institutions, and non-profits must join forces together in this common fight to smoothen the normalization process. Businesses irrespective of their sizes with the support of governments should create jobs to keep the population busy and productive. That would automatically contribute to a large extent in letting the engaged populace experience pre-corona life. Large businesses can also donate directly to governments and non-profits as a part of their corporate social responsibility. Plus, they can also provide aid in collaboration with the non-profits and authorities to improve the requisite infrastructure and amenities. Civil society in a joint effort with the government and non-profits can stem a social consciousness to maintain hygiene and social distancing. That would not only hinder the re-emergence of corona but also prevent the possible spate of similar contagious diseases. The onus is of course on the research institutions to come up with vaccines and unearth innovative ways to combat COVID-19 and other analogous diseases. They must be supported by all possible means by the authorities, businesses, non-profits, and civil societies to remain a step ahead to deny any probable invasion of such pathogens in the future. They should get all the necessary funds and data from businesses, authorities, and non-profits. It is also for civil societies to shoulder the responsibility along with the government and non-profits to implement the instructions passed by research institutions among the populace. For the resurgence of a new world, it is imperative that all the stakeholders mutually cooperate and act in sync as a part of the multi-sectoral engagement. It would facilitate the eradication of remnants of the corona, prevent possible future pandemics, and accelerate the process of normalization. 

COVID-19 is bound to leave its scars on the face of human civilization. Even so, it would also create the circumstances for the entire human race to come together and act as a unit to prevent possible pandemics in the future. With the partaking of multiple stakeholders and especially non-profits playing perfectly the role of both a bridge between the others and an agent on its own, the transition phase back to normalization can be both shortened and smoothened. On a positive note, the organizations and associations partaking in the war against COVID-19 would eventually come on top. They would be strengthened further and consequently so would humanity!