Commentary: 'Oklahoma Standard'

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Oct 6, 2005 by Carol Wilkinson Troy

The devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita continues to reverberate across this nation and in some cases, around the world. As charitable dollars flow into many coffers addressing the needs of those displaced and those trying to rebuild this important landmark community of New Orleans, we are reminded of what became widely known as the Oklahoma Standard.

The strength and leadership exhibited following the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995 reminds one of the capacity of individuals and organizations to resolutely form partnerships to assure the highest ethical standards during extraordinary times. The leadership exhibited by The Oklahoma City Community Foundation, the United Way of Central Oklahoma and our American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma helped create the Oklahoma Standard.

In the wake of Katrina and Rita we now know that the American Red Cross has put a price tag on what it expects to spend providing relief. That price tag is $2 billion.

If the charity is successful in raising that sum, it would equal almost all of the donations made in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It has, however, touched off a debate within the charity world over whether any one organization should be the recipient of such a large share of the dollars that follow a major crisis.

Charities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are all vying for donations in the belief that they have the local knowledge crucial to rebuilding cities and towns torn asunder by the storm. But many are struggling as they try to raise money on the national stage, often for the first time.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy has identified at least 49 charities or special relief funds that are raising money to assist the people and localities devastated by the hurricane. How the activities of so many charitable entities can be coordinated to make sure donations are used efficiently, and what, ultimately, will be the best use of charitable contributions, are questions that remain open for debate.

We have learned that Hurricane Katrina has unleashed a greater number of online con artists circulating

bogus charity appeals than did last year's tsunamis or the 2001 terrorist attacks. The scams have become increasingly sophisticated, according to federal officials who investigate such crimes.

The FBI has identified more than 4,000 Katrina-related Web sites, many of which the bureau says are fraudulent, and it has logged hundreds of complaints from donors. Unfortunately, it is increasingly important to know for sure with whom you are dealing when just trying to help out in a crisis.

Oklahoma has more than 13,000 refugees from the disaster receiving lodging and support. We are a welcoming state and will continue to be so, but there are concerns about how this most recent disaster might impact local nonprofits' efforts this year.

Economists indicate that the economic impact of Katrina will be short-lived, but as many move into this important fund-raising season, it is hoped that donors will make sure that Oklahoma charities are supported at high levels. We have made important strides in improving our quality of life in Oklahoma City and in the state.

Those investments are paying off. Let's keep the nonprofit world strong in order that our social services and our vital arts and entertainment community can continue to make the important return on investment that is a critical part of our continued growth.

Carol Wilkinson Troy is president and CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. She can be reached at 236-8133, Ext. 201, or ctroy@

centerfornonprofits.us.