Value of SVP greater than cost
By Mark Rubin 
-Founding Partner, Chief Engager and Guest Contributor
Mark is a lawyer, fiduciary, teacher and recognized expert in the area of professional ethics. In addition to active non-profit community engagement, one may also find Mark busy in his garden or kitchen or relaxing with a glass of red wine and traces of dark chocolate on his fingertips. He is the author of A Life at 50-ish.When we recruit new Partners, cost comes up, for sure. And in our community, because our philanthropic scale is set pretty low, $5000 per year is a lot of money. (Not so much everywhere else. Recently, a New York City client of mine was being honored by a charity. I got the ask, sent some money and noted that tables for the dinner were between $10,000 and $25,000. Glad I live here!!!)
As we share our story, we must focus on value. If cost comes up, it comes up, and if it’s a big issue for a prospective Partner at the outset, we may not be a good fit. If we focus on value, though, and “show and tell” the value well, for the right person the $5000 can be almost inconsequential. We won’t be right every time, but if we stick with value, we’ll be right often enough.
And what is our value? I think we are the small group of thoughtful, committed people referenced in the famous quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”** Many people in our community contribute their time, talent and treasure to help change our world, but I know no other enterprise that has as its mission bringing to situations—in a totally focused way—the time, talent and treasure of a thoughtful, committed (and highly talented) group of people.
So as you go forth, day by day, spread the word about SVPGT, but focus on the value, not the cost. And please share any thoughts you have about the value you receive from your involvement with Social Venture Partners. (And, if you are in Tucson for the summer, stay tuned for and try to attend our summer events.)
**P.S. Research tells me Margaret Mead may not really be responsible for this gem. WikiQuote is fascinating for its comments about quotations and the people to whom they are attributed. Lots of undeserved credit floating around out there!