SPECIALS

IP Editors' Reflections on 9/11

Beverly: Before 9/11, were we really aware of the depth of goodness in our citizens and in our friends world-wide? After September 11, giving by corporations and foundations was more than three times greater than in 2000. The world has never seen such an outpouring of generosity from individuals and institutions coming together.

Cathy: In the PND interview mentioned in this issue, Jonathan Fanton comments on actually witnessing the 9/11 attack from an office in the Empire State Building. This reminds me of some of the words from a country song that hit the airwaves, "where were you when the world stopped turning?"

I was in traffic on Lake Shore Drive looking up in shock at the John Hancock building, thinking the unthinkable (at least at that time). Then I got to the office and watched TV. Everything about September 11 felt surreal, and I will always feel like crying when I remember how much innocence was lost that day.

Pam: After the initial horror and grief of last September, I began to question what I do for a living, and I don't believe I was the only person in the nonprofit sector who had such doubts. I don't work for one of the many organizations that responded directly to the tragedy with food, money, blankets and counseling. With such an overwhelming need in the world, I sat at my desk wondering whether the endowment of a university in Iowa was all that critical. And I thought of my colleagues who work to support symphonies and operas, art museums or environmental groups and wondered if they were having similar crises of the spirit. But now that a year has passed, we find that we do seek the solace of music and art, or a walk in a pristine wilderness, and that such needs are as essential to our souls as food is to our bodies. As for education, I notice a new class of freshman are finding their way across campus. I think about the world that they are inheriting from us, and I wonder, whether, if we teach them well, we may be guiding them to discover some of the answers for which we all seem to be searching so desperately.

Cecilia: It's difficult to separate our hearts from our heads. It has all been so terribly frightening for each of us as individuals, as citizens and as people who are in a helping profession. But, after all the rhetoric faded, we remembered that the work of our nonprofits has become even more important. Reaching across the globe with our hearts open has become a key to unlocking a future that includes all of humankind.

Chris: I remember getting out of the shower on September 11 and hearing that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. My husband and I listened with horror as we learned that it was a terrorist attack. I operated on auto-pilot getting ready for work, then shared a state of collective and silent shock with fellow MAX riders. Reaction would set in later, separately or in huddled groups when being alone with confusion and terror became unbearable. I remember thinking of repercussions beyond death and destruction. How would the attack impact our fragile sense of community, tenuous international relationships and U.S. Constitution? On a more fundamental level, I began to ponder more deeply what I believe about God, the world, human nature and myself. I hope and pray that the final outcomes of this tragedy reflect what I see as the essential character of God – a balance between judgement and mercy for all.

PJS: The tragedy of the World Trade Center shattered world views. It caused people around the world to question who they are and what they are doing with their lives. There has been renewed commitment to community and to helping others. Nonprofits reacted quickly, with grace, love and much needed funds. We were there when we were needed, as were many selfless donors and helping hands. The outpouring of generosity towards relief work was both gratifying and frustrating to the development community as some organizations received more support than they dreamed possible and others saw contributions decline. Researchers were there to help their organizations see the opportunities and meet the challenges in both situations. And while researchers are not often in the spotlight or the news, we have and will continue to make a contribution to helping others by mapping the path between those who have and those who need. We offer our condolences to many and our wish that all will find the strength to heal and rebuild.

Internet Prospector Editors

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