In the world of nonprofits, there’s a relentless pressure to scale. To reach more people. To do more with less. It’s a noble pursuit, but it often comes at a cost: depth. We’ve found ourselves caught in this whirlwind, grappling with the question: is it better to serve a larger number of people superficially, or a smaller number deeply?
The argument for scaling is compelling. Needs are everywhere, a seemingly endless sea of suffering. But is this truly accurate? Are needs infinite, or is it our societal structures that perpetuate the illusion of scarcity?
Philosopher and psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchical structure of human needs, suggesting that once basic physiological and safety needs are met, people strive for belonging, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization. This model offers a framework for understanding that human needs are, in fact, finite.
While Maslow's hierarchy provides valuable insights, it offers a linear progression of needs. A more holistic approach is presented in the Circle of Seven Essential Needs, developed by Mike Sosteric. This model emphasizes the interconnectedness of human needs, including security, connection, contribution, growth, pleasure, meaning, and independence. Unlike Maslow's pyramid, the Circle of Seven highlights how these needs influence and reinforce each other.
Our society, driven by a capitalist model, often prioritizes the creation of endless wants over the fulfillment of fundamental needs. This distorted reality perpetuates the illusion of scarcity and hinders our ability to address the core issues faced by individuals and communities. By focusing on serving a smaller number of people deeply, we challenge this status quo and invest in creating lasting change.
The answer is simply this: the only way to actualise full human potential is to move the locus of human health and full development away from a single female, or even a single nuclear family, to a village, a community, and a society that understands humanity’s complex constellation of needs and that is consequently and exclusively geared towards meeting those needs.*
When we adopt a holistic approach that addresses the entire spectrum of human needs, we move beyond simply meeting basic requirements. We create opportunities for individuals to build strong relationships, discover their passions, contribute to their communities, and find a sense of purpose. By empowering people to thrive in all dimensions of their lives, we not only improve their well-being but also strengthen the fabric of our society.
Let's shift our focus from merely counting the number of people served to measuring the true impact of our work on the lives of those we serve. By prioritizing depth and quality, we can create a world where every individual has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and live a life of meaning and purpose.
If this vision resonates with you, there are three ways you can help us seed abundance and build a community centered around meeting essential human needs:
Let's shift our focus from merely counting the number of people served to measuring the true impact of our work on the lives of those we serve. By prioritizing depth and quality, we can create a world where every individual has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and live a life of meaning and purpose.
If this vision resonates with you, there are three ways you can help us seed abundance and build a community centered around meeting essential human needs:
Before we do the work, we must find each other. Join Just Hearts Louisville, our new free digital home away from the noise of social media. It’s a space to move from isolation and division to belonging and kinship, share stories, and find your kin.
2. Do Justice (Join our Leadership Team) We are looking for neighbors who want to move beyond business as usual and help lead this movement. Whether you have a knack for logistics, storytelling, business, health and wellness, community building, or something else, we need your voice.
3. Fund Justice (Support our 2026 Annual Fund) If you value a model where your gift makes a direct and tangible impact, help us raise the remainder of our 2026 individual fundrasing goal--we are 41% there, with only $57,258 left to raise. We avoid the high overhead costs of traditional human service models, opting instead for a lean structure that in the previous fiscal year put 88% of every dollar raised directly toward meeting the needs of our neighbors. Give today and ensure your generosity doesn't get lost in the administrative weeds.
2. Do Justice (Join our Leadership Team) We are looking for neighbors who want to move beyond business as usual and help lead this movement. Whether you have a knack for logistics, storytelling, business, health and wellness, community building, or something else, we need your voice.
3. Fund Justice (Support our 2026 Annual Fund) If you value a model where your gift makes a direct and tangible impact, help us raise the remainder of our 2026 individual fundrasing goal--we are 41% there, with only $57,258 left to raise. We avoid the high overhead costs of traditional human service models, opting instead for a lean structure that in the previous fiscal year put 88% of every dollar raised directly toward meeting the needs of our neighbors. Give today and ensure your generosity doesn't get lost in the administrative weeds.
*Sosteric, M., & Ratkovic, G. (2022). It takes a village: Advancing attachment theory and recovering the roots of human health with the circle of seven essential needs. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 34(1), 113–127. https://doi.org/10.3316/informit.501836147333418
Comments
Post a Comment