Think Globally, Volunteer Locally

Software Magazine, Oct, 1998 by Ian Hayes

Small government agencies and non-profit organizations could use some help battling their Y2K problems.

Last year at this time, it was rare to spot a year 2000 story in one of the major national newspapers. Times have changed. Year 2000 stories make good news these days, especially when they concern the high costs of compliance, potential supply-chain breakdowns, global unpreparedness, and kooky survivalists. From the press, we know that General Motors is expected to spend upwards of $550 million to fix the problem. American Airlines is going to spend at least $250 million. It is irresistibly newsworthy when the federal government issues Year 2000 report cards flunking many agencies, or discloses spiraling compliance costs in the billions of dollars.

Indisputably, Year 2000 attention is lavished on our largest corporations, but not just by the media. Software and service providers, consultants, and lawyers all target these same companies. Why? Because these entities are responsible for, and own, the bulk of the Year 2000 problem. They have the resources, expertise, and financing to devote to conquering the problem. And, most significantly, they can afford to pay others for help. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of vendors and individuals willing to help them spend that money.

In contrast, smaller government agencies, notably at the local level, are exposed to Y2K problems yet receive remarkably little attention. These agencies face tremendous hurdles as they attempt to grapple with pressing Year 2000 issues. Many suffer from poor awareness levels. They are confused by conflicting press accounts of the problem. They have an abundance of aging equipment and facilities. They cannot afford, nor are they attractive prospects for, the specialists found in high-powered consulting firms. Further, politics, bureaucracy, red tape, and competing priorities all make it difficult for most local governments to scope and confront the problem, and to allocate funds to address it. Relying primarily on already overburdened tax bases, local governments are severely constrained in their ability to raise additional funds for necessary Y2K repairs and upgrades. As a result, many local governments have done nothing about the problem to date. Non-profit entities face similar issues.

Why be concerned about the Year 2000 status of our local governments? These agencies typically have the most direct and greatest impact on the life of the average citizen. They provide many basic services that we often take for granted -- police, schools, elder care, water, and electricity. Failures to provide these basic services will have the greatest effect on those citizens with the least ability to cope, such as the elderly and poor. Failures may also jeopardize public health and human safety.

Local and non-local constituents will feel the repercussions caused by failures in government services. Many large corporations are helping to develop detailed contingency plans in which they acknowledge their own dependence on local government services. Ironically, few consider the effect of Y2K failures on their employees' communities and homes. If employees cannot get to work, or must stay home to cope with inconveniences or disruptions, who will execute corporate contingency plans?

There is a way to help our local governments fight this problem. Volunteer! Even a small investment of time can make a huge difference. It is imperative that everyone involved in Year 2000 work, especially those making money from it, help others who cannot help themselves. Companies should sponsor volunteerism in their own communities by giving employees time off to work with local governments and non-profit organizations, and by offering needed materials and assistance. Vendors should donate tools and services to cash strapped local governments and non-profits. Individuals can help by building awareness among officials, assisting in developing impact assessments and plans, lobbying for support, drafting contingency plans, and sharing information.

Much time is spent worrying about the compliance of our largest corporations and government agencies, and deservedly so. If the airlines are not compliant, or if the U.S. Treasury Department cannot cut social security checks, major problems ensue. But even if our largest corporations and government agencies are Y2K compliant in time, we may still lose. When our local governments cannot provide daily, basic services, we lose at home. Our neighbors lose, our schools lose, and we all pay the price together. We can't depend on others to make this problem go away. Offer to help your local government today.