 Dear Friends,
I met Loren and Pilar Finnell over 18 years ago through my church, St. Augustine’s, in Larchmont, New York. Their lives are inextricably linked to The Resource Foundation, so in coming to know and admire them, I also came to learn about Loren’s tireless work founding The Resource Foundation on a wing and a prayer; and Pilar’s dedication to keeping their family financially afloat during the Foundation’s early years. The Finnell's had a vision — using Loren’s Peace Corps experience and contacts, The Resource Foundation would identify self-help projects in Latin America worthy of support and help them obtain funding.
My husband and I endorsed the vision; we liked that the projects The Resource Foundation sponsors are grassroots programs organized by local participants, not products of a remote government bureaucrat’s idea of what they need. We agreed that The Resource Foundation’s approach was respectful and made sense. We became donors — modest givers at first, commensurate with our means. As our wallets put on a little weight, so did our gifts to The Resource Foundation.
At a certain point, Loren asked me to join The Resource Foundation’s Board. Although I was proud to be asked, I did not know what I could really add. After all, I had never been to Latin America and I don’t even speak Spanish! I did not see how my skills as a Wall Street lawyer could be useful. In time, I discovered that I did have something to offer — enthusiasm, good judgment, negotiating skills, knowledge of corporate governance, and a no-nonsense frankness — that would be helpful to the Board. My years as Chair have focused on infrastructure and long-range planning for the Foundation, nuts and bolts where I have made, I think, a meaningful contribution.
People ask why I am so committed to The Resource Foundation — after all, I have no obvious ties to the region it serves. But I am an American, a Christian and a human being. I believe it is our responsibility to reach out to our neighbors and try to share our good fortune in a way that acknowledges that we want to help them determine their own destiny, not to dictate in a manner that implies we know what is best. Arrogance embarrasses me. Therefore, I am comfortable with The Resource Foundation’s mission to help people achieve their own self-fulfillment.
I hope that my work behind the scenes at The Resource Foundation serves as an example to others about using whatever it is that one has for the greater good. We must turn outward to effect change in the world. Not every contribution is obvious and tangible. Sometimes a well-turned phrase or a clearly written set of by-laws provides the inspiration or the foundation from which great initiatives can be launched.
I recently read a quotation of St. Francis of Assisi that resonated deeply with me: “Preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary.” While wordsmithing is indeed my trade, I know in the end, actions really do speak louder than words. This is, of course, why The Resource Foundation is so important to me. Through the efforts of the dedicated people who work with The Resource Foundation to serve the poor in Latin America and the Caribbean, we will effect positive change and help people improve their lives.
Peace,
Carla Volpe Porter
Read more testimonials from The Resource Foundation's Board of Directors.
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