Philanthropy

Julia 02/02

What with all the text-giving to Haiti and general interest in organizations of good will, I've been thinking quite a bit about philanthropy. As someone who works for an organization funded completely by charitable donations, I recognize the importance of responsible giving.

I think it's important to support causes financially whenever possible. I know some people get surly about spending their hard-earned money, but really, these programs often benefit the very people who disdain them whether they know it or not. I know nonprofits are often associated with dewy-eyed liberal thinking, but did you know the NRA is a nonprofit organization? As are many conservative religious groups.

So I think supporting advocacy organizations and philanthropic movements is just as important as voting, if not more so. If you can't get a representative who shares your views (this is a virtual impossibility -- no legislator is going to line up with your opinions 100%) then there are other means of representation, of having a voice.

And if you can't give your money, you can certainly give your time. Even if it's just clicking "yes" on a survey or signing an email petition or giving that one canvasser a second to explain his/her organization. Because otherwise, any spouting off about viewpoints or ideals is kind of just lip-service, isn't it?

Kelly 02/6

Took me a while to respond to this one, mostly because I feel like you have already touched on the main points of philanthropy. It is important, and it is a way to give voice to just about any kind of value someone may have. Also, you are right about backing up what you say. Money and actions talk louder than words, and giving to a cause you care about is a good way to make that work in favor of your values.

The only other side I can see of this one is how overwhelming everything can be. Take the huge outpouring of support for Haiti. While most have stepped up to the challenge of helping a country during a difficult time, I bet that there are people that are out there that want to give but haven't. There is just too much going on in their lives to push past and decide to give. Now, don't get me wrong, I am condemning no one with this, just merely voicing a thought.

Another way that things can get overwhelming is how MANY charities and organizations there are to give money to. Again, take the Haiti relief effort. There is the Wyclef John charity, the Red Cross effort, and the Haiti telethon that benefited Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef's Yele Haiti Foundation. I mean if you even google Haiti relief, you come up with A LOT. Sometimes it is hard to decide who to give to. It is hard earned money that an organization needs, but there are so many that need it. And that thought alone is daunting.

However, people should never let that stop them. If there is something you are passionate about, give to a charity that supports that. And it does not have to be a huge thing, and time is just as important as money. I think that is another reason that people don't give. A lot of the time it feels like you have to give a lot to make a difference. But imagine if someone set aside $5 a month to give to a charity and gave one time donations each time? That would be a good way to give to several different organizations, and make it a sustainable for them as a person. Or if you gave 3 hours of time to some organization a month? Feed the homeless one month, help build a house the next, help an organization send out info the month after that. Now that is a sure fire way to feel accomplished each month, and end up with some serious life memories/stories.

I feel like giving gets caught up in a lot of mental snarls sometimes (aka: my money, I need it more than *insert whatever here*, what will be done with it, what if I don't care, what if I don't have enough time, why should I help, is this the best charity, but I can't give a lot, etc.) Now, while all of those concerns should be addressed, it should never stop you from giving. It is an important thing, and a necessary thing in many ways. Plus it is a nice way to do good in the world. :)