Survival of The Predatory Empire Builders

After another fantastic meeting today which may possibly make The Disability Syndicate a well known brand outside the East Midlands, the flattering terms  "Empire Builders" and "Predators" echoed in my mind as Martin & I drove home. Yes, these have been used to describe our success so far!!!

You may think our critics have a point?

Let me put it this way.....if we sit here and expect grants to come running through our doors and for very wealthy people to remember us in their wills, then expect to close doors soon.....in fact, very soon. When you switch the lights off, think....did you really do everything possible to keep services running for disabled people in your locality or did you talk to new partners and ask for help?  Was it really in the interest of your organisation to stick to outdated principles causing the loss of continuation of the group or was the real winner your ego?

I recall a meeting  a few years ago with individuals within a struggling group who considered themselves to be the voice of disabled people. We presented a formula to ensure they would continue under our wing with added support in terms of finance, fundraising and management. The group decided to fold rather than work with us. Who really won/lost? I'll tell you....disabled people lost. It took a further 5 years to get a new group going which could have been avoided if egoes took a walk.

The world today requires organisations to compete not on a local but now regional if not national basis. If that is the case, then we do need to create an empire which is built on trust, common practise and shared expertise making each other stronger and more importantly, likely to survive. If you still think we are predatory, then here's food for thought.....our "predatory" actions have created 8 groups providing services to over 10,000 per year with 47 staff and 26 volunteers.

We want your group to become a member of our "empire" and share our success. More importantly for your members to receive and continue to receive services. We are also committed to user involvement in every possible way, thus please be assured that this is not the rant of a deranged CEO, this is the view of the the emerging next generation of the disability movement.

Still disagree? Still think we are predatory empire builders? Then let the hunting begin!

Agree?   Disagree?