The pundits are telling us this is a bad time to be in the nonprofit business. The stock market slide has wiped out revenues from investments that foundations rely on for giving. The slower economy means that individuals and corporations have less discretionary income to support their pet causes. And the “New War” efforts and victims are the priority for the philanthropic funds that are available.

But this is precisely the hour that our work is so critical. Though it seems we are far removed from the political and military activities, in some ways we are front and center.

The ideologies of our New Enemy thrive where education does not. To use the war metaphor, our best weapon against these threats – indeed, our best shield – is education. Has it ever been any different?

The mission-driven activities of each of our nonprofits are a critical part of such an education. We show by example how the well-meaning efforts of citizens can improve the areas in which we live. We teach people the historical events that led to our current situation. We help people develop a respect for the natural resources around their home. We give individuals an opportunity to add meaning to their own lives by working on something they believe in.

Educators know that when the economy slows, many people go back to school. But there’s no reason why we can’t also encourage folks to volunteer. Let’s develop new ways to reach out to our local citizenry. Let’s recommit to reaching out beyond our current contact databases. Let’s capitalize on their new post-9/11 perspectives.

There will be rough times ahead for many groups in our environmental community. But as our financial resources tighten, our human resources should grow. If we’re smart, we can put these extra human resources with new perspectives to work. It will require additional energy and personal commitment to focus on the task at hand. Our secret mission should be code-named “Stay on Target.”