I also have difficulty undertanding the connection with philanthropy. Maybe the author could clarify the connection.

While I am in favor of economic equality and ridding the nation of corporate greed, I do not quite understand how the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement is achieving this goal. Perhaps I am alone in my belief that this movement is doing more harm than good for the cause, which is to “fight back against the corrosive power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process, and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations.” (http://occupywallst.org/about/).

I do think OWS, per its website, has established a clear goal, but my question has more to do with the methods the leaders of this effort have employed to achieve that goal. In my opinion, their efforts lack the key components necessary for a successful persuasive public education/advocacy campaign, and I would define this effort as a combination of both—advocacy and education—though I am sure some might just refer to it as a group of activists with shared beliefs uniting to fight one cause. Whatever you call it, the camps of citizens that have formed around the country and the world are advocating for change. While they have achieved some level of success in terms of garnering national media attention and attracting the support of celebrities and other inflentials, the movement lacks a key spokesperson—a key source of information that is the face/voice of this effort. I have seen media interviews with various leaders of the movement around the country, but I have yet to see one solid credible source who’s delivering and reinforcing the message through various mediums. I think the second thing that seems to baffle me about this effort is the lack of a consistent message. Although I have not done any qualitative research (I’d love to do a message audit of blogs, Twitter, FB and traditional media.) on this subject, I’ve heard various messengers try to stumble their way through news interviews, explaining what the group is trying to achieve. Each time I hear one of these interviews, there’s a new layer or new dimension that’s added to the message. I’ve even heard celebrity endorsers say that the movement isn’t well organized and does not have a clear message, but at least these people are getting out there to what fight for what they believe in. To which I say, what are they fighting for? And finally, I can’t help but wonder about the audience for this effort. Is it policymakers? Is corporate America? Is it regular Americans, like “Joe the Plumber?” Perhaps it is everyone. I think the messengers are speaking to everyone and no one at the same time because their message is not tailored or targeted. Which begs the question in mind – who is listening? Have they achieved meaningful change? I think that’s what every successful campaign or advocacy effort aims to do? I would love to see some polling data on Americans’ perception whether this effort is improving the economy and removing power from the “corrosive banks.” I also wonder if this movement has sparked real meaningful dialogue on the issue of corporate greed. I think it was very present in the news media when the effort first started, but now the focus seems to be on the violence, the protesters’ poor hygiene, and oftentimes bad behavior.

I think “…OWS has allegedly fuzzy goals and no apparent management structure as traditionally understood…” is a strength given how everyone seems to try to co-opt and/or frame their message.

I find it wonderful how they are organizing “leaderlessly” and leveraging the internet and social media.

In fact, they do have a set of grievances/demands: http://www.allourideas.org/occupywallstreet/results …and you too can add your input. Or use allourideas.org for your own projects.

-Roger

Steve Mayer

This reminds me of a recent post by Craig Newmark (founder of craigslist) on his new adventure at craigconnects.

It seems to me that “Charity Navigator 2.0: figuring out nonprofits that get the job done” has some overlap with your question of measuring “…performance in the social services”

-but I could be wrong!
Roger

P.S.-The Philanthropic Scene Investigation may have some potential for a potential affinity group.