Dollar Philanthropy

A little more than $1 but still some good ideas!

I was cruising through my feeds and found this inspiring post on $100 Kindness Ideas at CharityFocus.

Having a softspot in my heart for homeless people, I liked the idea:

I want to take a $100 and using a paper clip, attatch $1 to a smile card with one of my own RAK cards. I want to stand on the street next to the panhandlers, and every person who stops to smile, give or just say hello to us, will get my small Gift. Just because. And hopefully it will inspire them to pay it forward.

There are many reasons that people want to avoid panhandlers.  The sight of someone begging on the streets conjures many uncomfortable emotions.  Being brave enough to offer a smile Edit HTMLcan be a huge thing.  Imagine how emboldened and awakened people would be by the kindness of this person offering dollars.  Just an AWESOME idea.

Drop by CharityFocus and read the other good idea.

Add Some Spice to Your Bunco Night: Make it a Giving Circle Too

Well, this should not be news to readers of DP and others who participate in social media fundraising.  USA Today has an article on how participating in Giving Circles (definition here)can be fun.  Who Knew?!?!?!  The Circle discussed in the article get together to share food and wine--- and have raised over $16,000 dollars for a variety of causes that are meaningful for their group. 

This gave me an idea... dinner/supper clubs (for you foodies), bunco nights and annual events among friends (Superbowl parties, 4th of July Celebrations, etc) are an excellent time to do some fundraising or supply/needed item drive.  The great thing is that all the recruiting has been done for the group.  All that is left is picking a cause that resonates with your group and provides a meaningful giving opportunity. Don't forget--- you can also do a supply or needed item drive for a nonprofit if budgets are tight.

In fact, I think I will encourage our small "Square Gang" dinner group to bring a gently used clothing suitable for work so that it can be given to someone who does not have money for interview/work clothes. 

Why don't you try it too....If you need suggestions for great causes to give to---- check out my Good Causes category

Thanks to Jono Rotten for use of the picture.

Ooops I Missed It: National Corporate Philanthropy Day

I hope this post is not like those dreaded belated birthday cards that shout-- "I'm an idiot for forgetting to do something special for you on your special day." 

Yesterday, February 25, 2008, was National Corporate Philanthropy Day according to the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP).  Here is a list large corporate Do-Gooders that celebrated the day with a new philanthropic initiative.

While CECP focues on encouraging large corporation to develop philanthropic intiatives, endeavors and huge strategic giving programs, I want to emphasize that philanthropic efforts of smaller companies can make a difference too (especially to small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations).

Workplace Philanthropy Does Not Have To Come Out Of Corporate Profits

With that said, I want to announce a new category here at DP--- Workplace philanthropy.  Here the focus will be how ANY company and ANY employee can collaborate with the goal of giving back to the community around them.  In this category, I will post information and ideas to help DP readers employed by smaller companies dip their foot in doing good for the community around them.  I encourage people to leave their own idea, experiences, triumphs, bumps in the road and successes to this series via comments--- in hope of it becoming a resource and encouragement for those investigating how to start these types of endeavors.

To start, here are a few "first steps" that can be an entry into a workplace "do good" program.

1. Identify employees that are actively involved and engaged in nonprofit organization or community improvement efforts (volunteers, donors, and advisors). Invite several of these individuals to develop a committee to investigate how the company can use it's strengths and talents to help the community.
   
2. Develop a list  nonprofits in your community (Network for Good is a good resource for this) where your organization is uniquely positioned to help. Brainstorm on how the company can help 2-3 of these organizations.
3. Buy some cookies and cupcakes and invite representatives from local nonprofits in for a volunteer drive during lunch.  Focus on education and refrain from fundraising during this event.  Don't forget to take time to network with the nonprofit representatives.

Please feel free to add your ideas!!!

Add A Little "Doing Good" to Valentine's Day

OK--- I admit it.  Valentine's Day is holiday completely centered around women.  The flowers, the candy, the pampering, the professions of love--- yeah... I'm a sucker too.  Why not?  Every one likes to be recognized, cherished, and appreciated. 

This year I want Valentine's day to be a little different. The Hubby and I have agreed that we will exchange gifts that 'do good' this year.  We both are to try to pick something that the other person cares about.  I'd tell you what I'm thinking about getting him... but he reads from time to time and it wouldn't be a surprise.

However, if you need some hints and ideas, the Case Foundation has constructed a list of "14 Charitable Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day"  (Thanks Mark for the scoop on this great article.)

Some easy suggestions that anyone can do are:

• Remember Those Who Serve You. In the spirit of service, think of all those people who make your life easier and more convenient -- every single day. Give a thank-you card to the bus driver or the barista who serves you your latte. Personally thank the janitor who keeps your office or campus clean, or the people who pick up your trash. Leave your waiter an extra tip, and smile -- big -- at the gas station attendant.
• Send Love Letters. Not just to your sweetheart, but to people and organizations that are doing good things for the world. Tell them why you respect and appreciate their work, and that they really do make a difference. If you're feeling extra romantic, include a donation in the envelope.

One I would like to add is to consider purchasing items where you know a portion is going to charity.  One of my recent favorite gifts is Chef Hilly's Gourmet Chocolate Blend (Superb for hot chocolate or coffee).  A portion of your purchase goes to pay for mammograms for women who otherwise would never be able to afford them--- and thus would not get them.

OK-- Chime in folks!  Leave a comment to add more ideas and good products that support worthy charities.

photo courtesy: Library of Congress

Your Wish is Worth a Dollar for A Charity

What is your one wish for the world? 

Did you know that your wish could be key in raising 1 Million dollars for charity?

Austin Hill at Gifter.org has published a post that is pretty much an "Internet Wishing Well."
Your wish for the world can generate $1 for a charity. 

In DP style I'll be sponsoring a few wishes (to be posted later-- so stay tuned).  So drop on over and make your wish on me.

Update:  (December 29) I've just finished sponsoring 45 wishes by donating to several DP Good Causes.

Give With Your Kid's Day

Previously I've written about the importance of teaching our kids to share what they have with others who are not as fortunate.  It was a big lesson in our household and we did a lot of different things to exercise our "giving" muscles.

Today, Katya Andresen writes about her idea to celebrate the holidays by giving your child or another child money to give away.  As she says,

"In explaining to a child what your charity and other charities do, something strange and transformative may happen.  The way I described various charities and projects to an 8-year-old, I realized, was far more compelling than anything I had said in weeks."

I thought my holiday shopping was done.  I suppose it is.  Now, I've got to go to the bank and get some cash for the kids on my list to give away.  This should be fun!

Buying Books for A Better World

I am a 'helper'.  I find it hard to sit still when there is an opportunity to help.  I help clean up after a dinner party.  I'm on the speed dial of many of my friends-- just in case of car trouble, health trouble, running late for picking up the kids, and other small stuff.  As you may expect, I even like having the opportunity to buy things and help good causes in the process.

I also am a 'reader'.  I have an Amazon wish list that never seems to get shorter.  I collect books like some ladies collect shoes. In my single days, I did not have cable because I liked having the extra money to spend on books.

I am a 'recycler'.  On a weekly basis, I fill two recycling bins with paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass.  Why fill the dump with this stuff if it can be reused?

So imagine my joy when I happened across Better World Books.   This company rescues old library books from certain death and destruction (5 million pounds of paper-- in fact).  Then these kind people try to find new homes for these books via online sales and through the Amazon system.  They then donate some of the profits to non-profits who focus on eliminating illiteracy ( 1.3 millon dollars, to be specific).  Click here to read the full survey of success metrics.  They even have a blog.

So as you think about holiday presents this year, consider taking the opportunity to give an old book a home and purchase a gift from Better World Books.  Some suggestions include: 

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
Business as Unusual by Anita Roddick
Grace and Grit by Ken Wilber
Leap of Faith by Queen Noor of Jordan
Joke by Milan Kundera

For Kids:
The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler by Konigsburg
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon by Ellen Raskin
Summerland by Michael Chabon

Just a Reminder: Voting Matters

Are you like me?  Are you tired of all those political ads?  Have they brought out your worst cynical notions about our government?  Does the conflict and negativity in these ad cause you to doubt the system's ability to create anything of real value? 

The folks over at Good Magazine have gently reminded me that "Voting Matters."  In fact, your preparation before voting matters a lot too.

You've got a few days before you are supposed to cast your vote.  So consider empowering yourself with information about causes and issues you care about.  Do this by contacting the candidates directly and asking them to tell you what they think about your cause or issue. 

In close races, candidates know that every vote counts.  So they are inclined to answer questions directly or at the very least to have their staff to answer your questions.  This process also lets the candidate know that there are constituents that care about certain issues and that votes can come and go based on his or her position on the issue.  In the machinations of the government, I'd like to think that candidates would keep an eye out for opportunities to make improvements in areas that they know their constituents care about. 

Then again, if my optimism is unwarranted.  Then the answers the candidate gives can be used to make them accountable in the future.  Might I add, that blogs are a great way of making a historical record of searchable information on an issue, community, or candidate. 

So Friends, voting matters.  Ask questions.  Let your voice be heard and keep elected officials accountable for the platforms on which they are elected.

Character Education Worksheet for Sharing

A few weeks ago I wrote about the importance of teaching our children about sharing.  I've gotten a lot of good feedback on that post. 

A teacher friend of mine suggested that I as I write about topics related to giving back and philanthropy that I develop worksheets that can be used in the classroom.  She told me of her struggles with finding the time to develop short little exercises that can be used in character education efforts.  She also told me that she would do more if she had access to brief exercises that she could have on file to use when she has a moment or two to fill in. 

So with her great suggestion, I have developed a short exercise for sharing.  You can be as creative as you would like with this but a simple way to use this is to pass out individual copies, give the class 5-10 minutes to complete, ask the children to share their answers to specific questions to create a lively discussion on the importance of sharing.

So without further adieu.....  Click below to download the worksheet.  It is in PDF format, so you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it.

Download sharing_exercise.pdf

Let me know what you think of this and ways it can be improved. Also if you have a creative way to use it or have a great story about how you used it, please be sure to leave a comment.  As others find their way to this post, they could benefit from you "sharing" your experience.

Teaching Kids The Importance of Sharing

When you are around a gaggle of two and three year olds, it doesn't take long to figure out one of the challenges of that age is sharing.  Just at the time that they are figuring out their separateness from others, I imagine it must be quite a rude awakening that all the adults around you are now asking you to consider others. 

Sometimes it seems as if we are always needing a reminder of the lessons we were suppose to conquer at those early ages.  In our busy lives, it is so easy to get distracted and self-absorbed and forget our responsiblities to others. However, the fact remains that it our duty, as adults, to teach children to share.  This means that we sould role model, facilitate, encourage, and celebrate sharing and community service.

It is my hope that Dollar Philanthropy will be a resource for teachers, homeschooling families, and youth church school educators for providing opportunities to exercise our sharing "muscles".  Some instruction/classroom ideas for doing this include:

• discuss why sharing is important
• discuss how sharing with others makes you feel
• discuss how it feels to have others share with you
• discuss how it would feel not to have things you need (food, a home, love, clothes)
• provide youth the opportunity to discover ways they can share what they have
• encourage giving to others by setting aside money, time, or resources for your child to give to causes they choose
• consider collecting change in the classroom to donate to a cause that the kids want to support

Ideally, I hope that you consider using one of the Dollar Philanthropy highlighted causes, but certainly if the kids know of another cause in the community around them where they can see the difference they are making, please do so.

If you have other ideas on how to teach the virtues of sharing, please leave a comment so that others can use this as a resource for good ideas.