Fundamental 7: Share the wealth.

7) Share the wealth. Be generous with the knowledge, opportunities, and resources you have to help other consumers.

A guiding principle of this work is: consumers help other consumers. This means they share what they know, are generous with their time, and seek ways to enlarge the number of consumers who are participating at the program and policy level. It is very flattering to be asked to serve on a board of trustees or to be selected for a paid staff position. But one must take care that this kind of public recognition does not interfere with one's commitment to other consumers. Guard against trying to do it all alone. As the consumer movement continues to take hold, there will be ample opportunities for participation. We must make sure that a broad group of consumers have their voices heard. Helping them grow and develop is an essential part of the job.

For Example...
The XY Foundation is a local charitable foundation that is dedicated to improving health care for children with special needs. Last year their director invited Stephen, the director of a cross-disability coalition, to participate in the foundation's grant review process. Stephen is the father of a son with cerebral palsy.

Stephen thoroughly enjoyed his participation. He learned a lot about the grant review process and was able to offer the consumer perspective in all deliberations. When the foundation sent him an honorarium for his participation, he donated it to the cross-disability coalition.

The following spring Stephen received a call inviting him to participate again. He was delighted that the foundation was seeking continued consumer involvement in the process, but suggested that they invite a different consumer to participate this round. The foundation would benefit from a fresh consumer perspective and would also provide a unique learning experience for a consumer from the community. The foundation director was apprehensive. She knew and admired Stephen and believed that his training in business administration made him especially qualified for the task.

Stephen proposed that he provide training ahead of time to another consumer about the grant review process. And, if it made the director more comfortable, he would also participate in the actual meeting as a non-voting support to the new consumer. He also assured her that he had participated in the grant review process as a consumer — not as a businessman — and that there were many other consumers who could bring that perspective. Although the director remained somewhat concerned, she agreed to Stephen's plan. Together, she and Stephen selected another consumer for the grant review process.

Stephen spent several hours with Maria, the newly selected consumer, to explain the grant review process. The day of the meeting, Stephen sat beside Maria to provide support and answer any questions she might have. Maria was very comfortable in the meeting and contributed a great deal to the discussion. The foundation director was delighted with the outcome. She now ensures that two consumers — one experienced and one new — participate in each round of grant review.

In this example, Stephen was committed to sharing the wealth by broadening the base of consumers who could participate in the grant review activity. His commitment and his creativity made it possible. When we share knowledge and opportunities with other consumers we strengthen the power of the work and help to ensure its continuing effect.