#socialservices — Public Fediverse posts

Starting Over

Adam Hinds

For years, I’ve written across different formats and through different outlets. One of my favorites has always been The Chaos Section. I enjoy the freedom that writing brings. But I’ve always lacked focus.

That changes now.

A Decade in the Nonprofit World

I’ve spent the past ten years working in and around nonprofit organizations, and I genuinely love them. I love the mission-driven people who pour themselves into this work. Not every organization is created equal, and some are certainly more transparent and effective than others. But in my experience, the organizations I’ve supported have consistently been led by people who carry the mission in their hearts. That kind of internal motivation is rare, and it’s contagious.

The nonprofit sector is also enormous. Nonprofits employ more than 12 million American workers, and the range of work they do spans education, healthcare, disaster relief, housing, food security, and nearly every other dimension of human need. These organizations have a long-standing tradition of propelling social movements in American history, from the abolition of slavery to women’s suffrage to more recent community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s not a small thing. 

There is a persistent frustration embedded in nonprofit work, and it would be dishonest not to name it directly: the pay gap.

By its very nature, the mission-first environment of a nonprofit yields lower salaries, at least below the executive level. Private-sector management occupations pay roughly 30 percent more than comparable nonprofit roles. In small nonprofit organizations, the median private-sector CEO salary was nearly two-thirds higher than at nonprofits of similar size.

For people drawn to this work by a sense of purpose, that gap is often accepted as part of the deal. But it shouldn’t be, and the field increasingly knows it. Decades of gradually narrowing wage gaps between nonprofits and private and government employers have come as the nonprofit sector’s size, market share, and economic clout have increased. There is still significant ground to cover. 

I’ve also worked in and around government, spending much of my career operating in and around the military. And while there are genuine exceptions, the pattern I’ve observed too often in civilian government work is one of comfortable inertia. A kind of entitled, half-hearted apathy where doing the bare minimum becomes the unspoken standard. The incentives are structured around tenure and process rather than results and impact.

This is not merely anecdotal. Common characteristics of inefficient bureaucracies include being costly and ineffective, slow to act, and self-serving, with inefficiencies often amplified by civil service laws and personnel cap limitations that restrict leadership’s ability to shape organizations. In its 2025 review, the Government Accountability Office identified 38 federal programs as highly susceptible to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. That figure has fluctuated over the decades, but has never reached zero. That should tell us something. 

Government has no place in social services.

Programs like medical care, insurance, housing assistance, and related social services do not belong under the purview of any government entity. They should belong to the nonprofit sector. Unlike the government, nonprofit organizations have the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging issues, pilot innovative solutions, and cater to specific local or niche needs. They are also better able to experiment with new approaches and respond quickly to changes in the environment. 

The evidence bears this out. Consider Direct Relief, one of the most efficient large-scale humanitarian organizations in the world. During COVID-19, Direct Relief delivered more than 82 million units of PPE, 173 million defined daily doses of vital medicines, and 36,000 pieces of diagnostic and intensive care equipment to partner organizations fighting COVID-19 worldwide, reaching organizations in 55 U.S. states and territories and 100 countries. No government agency matched that speed or scale of targeted deployment. 

Then there is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, perhaps the most striking example of what a well-funded nonprofit can accomplish. St. Jude has helped raise the overall childhood cancer survival rate in the United States from 20% to 80% since its establishment in 1962. In fiscal year 2021, St. Jude received $2 billion in donations, with daily operating costs averaging $1.7 million, and patients are never charged for their care. Eighty-two cents of every dollar received goes directly to support treatment, research, and future needs. That kind of efficiency and mission clarity is simply not achievable inside a government bureaucracy. 

When nonprofits face challenges, they are often the result of government-created friction rather than organizational failure. A national Urban Institute survey found that nonprofits reporting problems with government contracts, such as late payments, contracts not covering the full cost of service, and complex reporting requirements, were more likely to freeze or reduce employee salaries, lay off employees, and draw down on their reserves. The bureaucracy reaches into the nonprofit sector too, and when it does, it slows everything down. 

Charitable giving also rises naturally to meet real need. During COVID-19, giving increased in 78 percent of counties that experienced the greatest threat from the pandemic, particularly to human services charities that helped mitigate the pandemic’s effects. People, when given the choice, direct resources where they can see the impact. That is the market working in favor of human welfare. 

Where I Come In

My focus, moving forward, is to help nonprofits in every capacity available to me.

That starts here, with a renewed commitment to writing about, discussing, and advocating for better ways to support and strengthen nonprofit and community-focused organizations. Everything I produce from this point forward will serve one purpose: supporting the organizations that help others.

Some of that support will take the form of board membership and organizational leadership. My ongoing work with Scouting America is a good example of what community-rooted involvement looks like in practice. In 2023, Scouting America served more than one million youth and delivered over 7.1 million hours of service to the country. Since its founding in 1910, roughly 130 million Americans have participated in its programs, served by more than 400,000 adult volunteers. That is the quiet, sustained power of a nonprofit operating at scale. 

But I want most of my work to focus on consulting, helping organizations that are doing meaningful work put the pieces together more effectively. Whether that means strategic planning, fundraising infrastructure, board development, or communications, the need is consistent and urgent across the sector.

The content I create, through writing, podcasts, and eventually video, will all carry this same focus. I hope you’ll join me.

Adam Hinds is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Operations Specialist with 22 years of active and reserve service, and a current government contractor supporting the Joint Staff at the Department of Defense. He holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Management from Lipscomb University and a Bachelor of Science in International Relations from Middle Tennessee State University, and holds the Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP) credential. His nonprofit and civic work spans board service, operations consulting, and volunteer leadership. He currently serves on the boards of HELP, Inc. and Quality of Life, Inc., and works with organizations across the nonprofit, veteran, and civic sectors on governance, operational structure, and board accountability. Adam serves as District Commissioner for the Old Dominion District of Scouting America’s Colonial Virginia Council, Flotilla Commander for the Smithfield Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and holds national staff and leadership roles across several civic and fraternal organizations. He splits his time between Middle Tennessee and Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Billions for the murder of innocents abroad, but not one cent for the defense of democracy (nor basic human dignity at home)

Billions for the murder of innocents abroad, but not one cent for the defense of democracy (nor basic human dignity at home)

https://piefed.social/c/political_memes/p/2057796/billions-for-the-murder-of-innocents-abroad-but-not-one-cent-for-the-defense-of-democra

Billions for the murder of innocents abroad, but not one cent for the defense of democracy (nor basic human dignity at home)

Billions for the murder of innocents abroad, but not one cent for the defense of democracy (nor basic human dignity at home)

https://piefed.social/c/political_memes/p/2057796/billions-for-the-murder-of-innocents-abroad-but-not-one-cent-for-the-defense-of-democra

Billions for the murder of innocents abroad, but not one cent for the defense of democracy (nor basic human dignity at home)

https://piefed.social/c/political_memes/p/2057796/billions-for-the-murder-of-innocents-abroad-but-not-one-cent-for-the-defense-of-democra

NC braces for Medicaid work requirement cases https://www.byteseu.com/1974808/ #CMS #DepartmentOfSocialServices #DSS #FoodAssistance #GeneralAssembly #Greensboro #GuilfordCounty #Health #HealthInsurance #legislation #Medicaid #MedicaidExpansion #MedicaidUnwinding #MedicaidWorkRequirements #NationalAssociationOfMedicaidDirectors #NCMedicaid #NCDHHS #OneBigBeautifulBill #Politics #PresidentDonaldTrump #RobertWoodJohnsonFoundation #snap #SocialServices #TrumpAdministration #uninsured #UrbanInstitute

Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand had 90+ NEW YORKERS ARRESTED demanding NO MORE WEAPONS for Israel.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXFhzLIgIjh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
#schumer #chuckschumer #gillibrand #kirstingillibrand #war #nowar #nomorewar #trump #cmdrbonespurs #trumpsteinclass #trumpstein #trumpcrimefamily #corrupt #corruption #socialservices #medicaid #medicare #daycare #childsafety #diversity #equity #inclusion #homeless #immigration #trumpcrimefamily #israel #netanyahu #zionism #war #warcrimes #gaza #iran #lebanon #uspol

Michigan Advance: Michigan’s use of AI to process SNAP applications draws concerns about past automation failures. “The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has begun using artificial intelligence to help boost the number of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cases it can review, a department official told members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on DHHS last week.”

Australians who need care because of age or disability shouldn’t be reduced to an algorithm >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/02/aged-care-disability-australia-algorithms

When automated decision-making (algorithm) is in charge to ration care it could suggest forced euthanasia

Euthanasia Program and Aktion T4, The goal of the Nazi Euthanasia Program was to kill people with mental and physical disabilities. >>
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/euthanasia-program

#SocialServices #care #governance #algorithm #efficiency #SystemicNeglect #abandonment #GlobalTrends #biopolitics #violence #HumanOversight #euthanasia #AktionT4 #necropolitics

Hungary’s Orbán stakes reelection on anti-Ukraine message

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Facing tough odds in a…
#NewsBeep #News #Headlines #2026elections #Corruption #Elections #Energyindustry #EsterZhivatovska #Europe #EuropeanUnion #Generalnews #hungary #Hungarygovernment #Militaryoccupations #Politics #Russia-Ukrainewar #Sanctionsandembargoes #socialservices #Ukraine #Ukrainegovernment #ViktorOrban #VladimirPutin #VolodymyrZelenskyy #Warandunrest #World #Worldnews
https://www.newsbeep.com/408003/

Thursday, February 12, 2026

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2026/02/thursday-february-12-2026/

https://www.europesays.com/uk/730287/ Digital education resource launched from Marcus Rashford Wall of Hope #archive #Britain #citizen #Community #Council #councillor #CountyCouncillors #Education #EmergencyPlanning #England #enviroment #fire #GreatBritain #leisure #libraries #library #LocalAuthority #LocalGovernment #Manchester #Motorways #News #ParishCouncils #PublicRecord #RecordOffice #RoadSafety #Services #SocialServices #Tourism #tourist #Transport #UK #UnitedKingdom

Um, #IceStorms predicted for #CentralUS and #SoutheastUS. Luckily, folks in #Maine only have to deal with 16 inches of snow (!!!). But still. My heart goes out to anyone who is unhoused and can't find shelter -- wherever they are. And, well, #FEMACuts and cuts to #SocialServices and #FoodBanks are NOT helping the situation!

#USPol #NeedyAmericansFirst #BillionairesLast!

https://www.europesays.com/uk/431998/ Didsbury Park volunteers celebrate 50,000 hours of work #000HoursOfWork #archive #Britain #citizen #Community #Council #councillor #CountyCouncillors #DidsburyParkVolunteersCelebrate50 #Education #EmergencyPlanning #England #enviroment #fire #GreatBritain #leisure #libraries #library #LocalAuthority #LocalGovernment #Manchester #Motorways #News #ParishCouncils #PublicRecord #RecordOffice #RoadSafety #Services #SocialServices #Tourism #tourist #Transport #UK #UnitedKingdom

Ummm... #Florida considers easing #ChildLabor laws after pushing out #immigrants

A new law under consideration in the state Legislature would roll back child labor laws to make up for a dwindling labor pool.

By Ja'han Jones, March 27, 2025

Excerpt: "Florida Gov. #RonDeSantis backs the law and has defended the idea of teenagers and college students working these jobs. DeSantis also explicitly linked the effort to the loss of immigrant labor. Speaking about the consequences of state verification laws at an event with border czar #TomHoman, the governor said, 'Yes, we had people that left because of those rules, but you’ve also been able to hire other people. And what’s wrong with expecting our young people to be working part-time now?'

"In recent years, several states — many of them led by #Republican governors — have rolled back child labor laws. This map from the Economic Policy Institute illustrates the spike in states rolling back these laws from 2021 to 2024. Back in 2023, for example, #Arkansas Gov. #SarahHuckabeeSanders signed a bill that made it easier for companies to hire children without getting consent from their parents. One month earlier, The New York Times published a bombshell report about the #exploitation of immigrant children in #factories operated by some of the most well-known companies in the U.S.

"That story should have spurred a nationwide push to strengthen child labor laws. Instead, states like Florida are going in the opposite direction, weakening such laws in part to deal with the fallout from the conservative movement’s demonization of immigrants. They’re essentially using child labor to paper over the gaps left by their draconian immigration policies.

"#Project2025, the far-right playbook for Trump’s second term, specifically calls for rolling back 'hazard' regulations around child labor. The text claims, 'Some young adults show an interest in inherently dangerous jobs' and argues that 'with parental consent and proper training, certain young adults should be allowed to learn and work in more dangerous occupations.'

"Even as child labor laws are being rolled back, the Trump administration is working to gut #SocialServices, including funds that help provide #SchoolLunches to children and programs, like the supplemental nutrition assistance program [#SNAP], that help feed poor families. And if those cuts stay in place, they may leave American families with few alternatives to sending their children to work to keep food on the table."

Full article:
https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/florida-child-labor-law-sb-918-rcna198275
#SB918 #FloridaPol #USPol #Scrooge #ICERaids #ChildLabor #HungerGames

The Concept Of Indigenous GIS
--
Reading a paper (http://alturl.com/8wte5), they used the specific term ‘Indigenous GIS’ – and I found this intriguing!
As I read it, spatial data collection and analysis was done with a focus on how a tribe or social group might ‘see’ the data, including spatiotemporal....
I look forward to finding out more about what others are working on! – so PLEASE feel free to share any examples that you might have…
#GIS #spatial #mapping #indigenous #IndigineousGIS #FirstNation #perspective #cultural #social #naturalresources #archaeology #publicsafety #socialservices #planning #design #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #mapping #cartography #usecase #practical #pragamatic #resultsdriven #focused##

Companies profiteering over children's care - Hampshire boss claims - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-68675183

#Profiteering
#ChildrensCare
#Children
#SocialServices
#Hampshire
#HampshireCountyCouncil
#HCC
#Fletcher

Companies profiteering over children's care - Hampshire boss claims - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-68675183

#Profiteering
#ChildrensCare
#Children
#SocialServices
#Hampshire
#HampshireCountyCouncil
#HCC
#Fletcher

Companies profiteering over children's care - Hampshire boss claims - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-68675183

#Profiteering
#ChildrensCare
#Children
#SocialServices
#Hampshire
#HampshireCountyCouncil
#HCC
#Fletcher

Companies profiteering over children's care - Hampshire boss claims - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-68675183

#Profiteering
#ChildrensCare
#Children
#SocialServices
#Hampshire
#HampshireCountyCouncil
#HCC
#Fletcher

Companies profiteering over children's care - Hampshire boss claims - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-68675183

#Profiteering
#ChildrensCare
#Children
#SocialServices
#Hampshire
#HampshireCountyCouncil
#HCC
#Fletcher

Global News BC: Peer-based program takes alternative approach to security in Vancouver’s DTES https://globalnews.ca/news/10099414/dtes-neighbours-alternative-security/ #globalnews #britishcolumbia #news #DowntownEastside #SocialServices #Vancouver #Homeless #Crime

Ofcls in #NewYork, #Chicago & other northern cities where #migrants have strained #shelter capacity & #SocialServices have been urging #Biden to expedite the #WorkPermits so newcomers can better support themselves.

More than 6M #Venezuelans have left the country during a decade of #political & #economic turmoil in their homeland. About 500k have been taken into custody at the US border since 2021, the largest Venezuelan #migration wave in US history.

#TPS #BeyondTemporary

Adoption targets marginalised women to snatch kids for £100k each
#Adoption
#Marginalized
#SupportNotSeparation
#SocialServices
#WinVisible
#FamilyCourt
#ForcedRemoval
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2023/03/01/a-protest-just-highlighted-how-adoption-is-the-state-sanctioned-forcible-removal-of-children-from-marginalised-women/

"I trust the #Australian #government to protect me from #scams."

You know that;
- #Medibank still goes through #Amazon?,
- Australia's federal police (afp.gov.au) goes through #CloudFlare?,
- according to govt, "#FacebookReFriendedAustralia" by openly #bribing our media?,
- Social services (humanservices.gov.au) goes through #Akamai?
- Govt multiplied the #moneySupply by approx six times during #covid, mostly benefitting the most wealthy?

Lol

#auspol #AFP #socialServices