Discuss current events happening in or around our nonprofit sector — more specifically, for the nonprofit organization(s) or domain area you have selected. You are to find and review an article, no older than 1 month from the assignment due date, that has implications for the unit we are discussing or have already discussed. You must have carefully read the article and prepare a written submission, outlining both the content of the article, its relevance to what we’re studying, and how it can impact the nonprofit domain of choice.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Current Events in the Nonprofit Sector: The Rise of Remote Fundraising in 2023
Thesis Statement
As the nonprofit sector continues to adapt to a post-pandemic world, the recent rise of remote fundraising initiatives highlights not only the resilience of these organizations but also their ability to innovate and engage stakeholders in meaningful ways, ultimately reshaping the landscape of philanthropy.
Article Overview
In a recent article published by Nonprofit Quarterly on September 15, 2023, titled “Remote Fundraising: A Game-Changer for Nonprofits,” the author discusses how organizations are leveraging technology to create impactful fundraising campaigns that can reach wider audiences beyond geographical limitations. The article emphasizes the success stories of various nonprofits that have transitioned from traditional in-person events to virtual platforms, citing examples such as online galas, crowdfunding campaigns, and social media challenges that have attracted significant donations.
The piece also notes the challenges these organizations face, including the necessity for digital literacy, potential donor fatigue with online events, and ensuring that remote engagement translates into long-term relationships with supporters. Overall, the article presents a balanced view of how nonprofits are navigating this new fundraising terrain.
Relevance to Nonprofit Studies
The content of this article directly correlates with our discussions regarding fundraising strategies and stakeholder engagement in nonprofit management. It illustrates the need for innovation and adaptability in a sector that has been significantly affected by external circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing the shift to remote fundraising, we can draw parallels to previous discussions about the importance of strategic planning and resource allocation in achieving organizational goals.
Moreover, this trend sheds light on the significance of digital transformation within nonprofits. As we have explored, embracing technology is not merely an option but a necessity for survival and growth in today’s rapidly changing environment. The article serves as a case study for understanding how nonprofits can leverage digital tools to enhance their outreach and effectiveness.
Implications for the Nonprofit Domain
The rise of remote fundraising initiatives has several implications for the nonprofit sector:
1. Increased Accessibility: Virtual events allow nonprofits to reach donors who may not be able to attend in-person events due to geographic or physical constraints. This inclusivity can lead to a more diverse donor base.
2. Cost Efficiency: Remote fundraising often incurs lower overhead costs compared to traditional events, allowing nonprofits to allocate more funds toward their programs and services.
3. Donor Engagement: By utilizing social media and other digital platforms, nonprofits can create dynamic and interactive campaigns that engage supporters on a personal level, fostering stronger relationships.
4. Challenges Ahead: While remote fundraising presents opportunities, it also comes with challenges such as ensuring donor engagement remains high and preventing burnout from virtual events. Organizations must continuously innovate their approaches to keep supporters interested.
5. Future Trends: As the sector adapts to these changes, we can expect to see hybrid fundraising models emerge, combining both in-person and virtual elements to maximize reach and engagement.
Conclusion
The recent developments in remote fundraising signal a transformative period for nonprofits as they navigate new ways of engaging with their supporters. The article from Nonprofit Quarterly provides valuable insights into this trend, underscoring the need for adaptation and innovation in the sector. As we move forward, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for nonprofits aiming to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By embracing these changes, organizations can not only survive but also enhance their impact on the communities they serve.
