Welcome to our first edition of Philanthropy Friday!
I plan to use this blog to share information about the non-profit work we are doing, and hopefully provide you with information that will entertain, inform and provide value. Topics including giving and philanthropy, non-profit trends and opportunities, how to get our kids involved in giving, and of course, humor, will be on display.
Have something you want to talk about? Send your comments!
Something to think about
Are you happy? I have always been a believer that helping others is not just an important mandate, but also serves to help us find personal happiness. With thanks to Tim Ferriss, (https://tim.blog) I discovered a list of simple little things we all can do to help others, and at the same time receive an incredible afterglow that can last for a surprisingly long time. This list was recently provided in Tim’s blog, and is authored by Alexandra Franzen, (http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/2013/09/05/50-ways-to-be-ridiculously-generous/) It's called “50 ways to be ridiculously generous-and feel ridiculously good.” A couple of Alexandra’s examples: Going out of your way to say something kind to someone, or giving $5 to the barista to purchase the coffee for the person in line behind you. It seems people are often chasing happiness in the wrong places, as illustrated in Professor Raj Ragunathan’s new book, “If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You happy? Check it out. https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Smart-Why-Arent-Happy/dp/1101980737
“Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will evade you, but if you notice the other things around you, it will gently come and sit on your shoulder.” - Henry David Thoreau.
You should tell your kids this
One important component of our work, particularly at our faith-based water non-profit, Thirsty Child, is to seek opportunities to discuss the importance of “giving” with our children. I recently had the privilege, for example, of talking to a group of kids at my church, Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville, IL, about the work we do at Thirsty Child, and how kids can get involved in our mission through hosting fund-raising lemonade stands, asking young guests attending birthday celebrations to donate to a cause instead of purchasing gifts, etc. It turns out kids are natural “givers” and they get very excited when presented with opportunities to help other children. I believe is is essential that parents take the time to discuss philanthropy with their children, and how each of us is called to “love our neighbors” with our time and treasure.
Chicago Tribune columnist Steve Rosen (https://tribunecontentagency.com/premium-content/business/personal-finance/kids-and-money/). discussed this in one of his columns, “Get your kids involved in giving.” Steve mentions volunteering with his children to help the Salvation Army with their seasonal donation kettles and “bell ringers” program. Other ideas include helping your kids make small donations to local charities, volunteering at local food pantries, raking leaves for elderly neighbors, and reading books to young children at Boys & Girls Clubs. There are endless ways to encourage and inspire young people to learn to be “givers”. I believe this is critical to the future of our civilization.
Jeff and Rick Fessler, CEO of the Vidl Water bottle company, discuss their unique new partnership.
Ponder this
“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” - Rabindranth Tagore
Keep it light
“Everything always works out in the end. If it’s not working out, then it’s not the end yet!”
