We all make a big deal sometimes that as an organization we are transparent, see through, nothing to hide etc…but is there a test out there that determines just how transparent we really are? It is more relevant that with transparency someone can see, “who you” rather than see “through you”! Recently at the Springfield Symphony we were tested, but we didn’t realize it until we were put on the spot…..
A former student of mine Teresa (she is giving her final here) called us because she had to do a grant writing project for a class and wanted to write a grant for us! We were flattered and she visited the office. Then came her question….so what information about the organization can you give me? Now this would give pause to most I imagine because as we all know grants need to contain all kinds of figures, data, statistics, financial disclosures the point being, would we feel comfortable giving all of that information to someone who will then leave the office with it? Then and there we, realized that this was a test of our transparency.
We all pay lip service to it, oh yes nothing to hide, come and look at the books yourself (knowing that no one will), and here we were with someone right in front of us asking for that information. What to do? Do we call the board chair to ask if it is OK? When the local paper wants information from any not-for-profit they would normally put in a “sunshine” request to get it giving us time to get things together. Well they don’t need to do that with us. Not five seconds went by when Teresa was being copied the previous month’s board minutes, current financials, our latest community report and then receiving invitations to our next executive committee meeting, board meeting plus also being invited to interview anyone on the staff plus myself. Not only do we welcome this kind of scrutiny from people in our community (including our musicians), we are always ready for it.
I believe the transparency test is not just about the willingness but also about the readiness. The key to transparency is to not need a key, since information about the organization shouldn’t be locked away!
Photos from the road: Being stuck at Detroit airport is bad enough, but karaoke in the middle of the terminal? (it was for a good cause I guess) Click on the photo to enlarge for it’s full glory!
I agree that we need to be transparent. Having the information available is one great. But I believe that a good year end report that is more then just the financial statements is very important to get this information out. And not just to people who show up to the AGM. Be transparent and proactive