Making World Vision More 'Porous'
Borderless organisations are needed. So many management experts are saying these days. What do they mean?
Perhaps you will remember the young Pakistani boy who briefly became a champion for the children caught up in the child labour of the rug trade.
After a too short time in the international spotlight as a spokesperson for oppressed children he was murdered.
This boy's story inspired a 13 year old Canadian, Craig Kielburger.
Craig took up the challenge in Canada and amazingly found himself touring Pakistan at the time of a visit there by the Canadian Prime Minister.
The resulting publicity focussed advocacy for the needs of these children.
Similarly, speed skater, Johann Koss, heard the story of the Eritrean people and visited that nation during the few months before the last Winter Olympics.
He was inspired by the courage and determination of the Eritrean children and during the Olympics made a private pact that he would dedicate his speed skating performances to their cause.
His speed skating was record breaking. He won 3 gold medals, setting a time that many believe will stand for 30 years.
Subsequently, he was true to his private promise. He gave his $30,000 gold medal bonus to Olympic Aid and challenged all Norway to match his giving. Within days they had pledged $10 million with another $2 million added by the government of Norway and a single rich donor. Today he works for UNICEF as a special ambassador.
Such people will not fit easily into traditional organisational structures.
There are many like them in our community. Few of them will command world attention, but they are inspired and motivated to be ambassadors and advocates for children and the poor right where they are, among their circle of friends.
When such people do not fit our neat organisational plans and products, does World Vision push them away?
The organisational challenge is to create 'porous' borders so that we can empower and support the visions of others. Not giving them wings, because they already have their own. But putting wind under those wings to support them and help them fly further and higher.
