How much could a banana cost, $20?
I started to laugh, even though it had been hours of flying purgatory. On my way to California for a conference, I had turned to Arrested Development – a show I LOVE (and love to rewatch).
A few mins later, this scene:
I’ve been telling board members for SO #@&*^ LONG – doing fundraising events antithetical to your mission doesn’t work. It’s hellaaaaaa out of touch.
And here was a 20-year-old episode serving up piping hot takes on philanthropy.
The humor in Lindsay Bluth's line arises from her obliviousness to the true mission. She's at an event to "stop the hunger," yet she casually declares herself too full to eat.
➜ It's a sharp commentary on performative activism where presence is more about personal image than the cause.
➜ It's a critique of organizations that inadvertently reinforce the issues they aim to address.
➜ It’s *chef’s kiss*
Organizations that adopt Lindsay Bluth's approach to philanthropy—prioritizing their image over substance—risk engaging their donors in 'slacktivism' or 'optical allyship.' Fundraising practices not centered in equity may generate attention or feel-good moments but, in the end, they lack meaningful impact.
They reflect a misalignment of an organization's actions with its stated mission and can ultimately undermine public trust and staff morale. This lack of alignment could also lead to event guests not engaging with the charity beyond the event.
We gotta do the mission work folks, rather than the appearance of doing good.
As a sector, are we genuinely working towards our mission, or are we inadvertently perpetuating the issues we claim to address? The answer lies not in the number of galas hosted or the amount raised but in the tangible impact on the communities we serve.
I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic. How can we ensure our actions are not just for show but for sustainable progress? How do we move away from the allure of "feel-good" events to the hard work of effecting systemic change? What is your favourite Arrested Development quip?
