Philanthropy Right
Posted on | September 24, 2008 |
When you think of Philanthropy, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it Brangelina toting around some African child in front of cameras? Is it some old gray-beard exhorting you to donate monthly for Pablo’s pencil nubs and rice? Or is it that shady guy standing on the street corner asking for a nickel? Whatever comes to mind first, it can be agreed that philanthropy conjures up a wide-variety of images, most of which include a camera, or showboating, or tax write-offs, or some man with a megaphone patting you on the back.
Obviously, this isn’t what philanthropy should be about. It should be about helping people in need, giving assistance, and saving the future of children. It’s also about sacrifice.
The key to getting into philanthropy without going crazy is starting small and working up. Look around you. Check the newspaper for small events going on. Search on the internet. Be advised though, before you start tossing money around that you know a) it’s a legitimate thing and b) there’s more to philanthropy than money, like volunteering.
Frequently, local schools offer plenty of opportunities to help children with reading, or become an adult mentor. Local churches often have food-drives for canned goods. You don’t have to just give food, you can help collect it. Retirement homes are frequently in need of people to come spend time with lonely seniors who may or may not have family to come and visit them, because there’s nothing like knowing that you’re not forgotten by somebody.
Whatever ways you choose to join the ranks of humble philanthopists, remember that it’s all about the people. Get down and dirty and learn what people are like when they aren’t just used as statistics.
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