How do you decide where to give of your time, energy and money?
A lot of my clients are very generous with their time, energy and money when it comes to giving back. It turns out that they’re not alone, 70% of all charitable donations come from individual donors not corporations or foundations. Humans seem to be hardwired to take care of each other. According to Chief Executive Magazine, “Anthropologists tell us that humanity’s secret to success as a species has been our ability to collaborate and cooperate to ensure the survival of the family, tribe, nation or whatever group we are affiliated with.”
We can all give back one way or another. But with so many causes and demands on our attention - how do we choose and what do we give?
You want to connect with your community but don’t have a lot of resources
When I first went away to college at Virginia Tech, one of the first things I did was get involved in my new home town by volunteering. I adopted a “grandmother” in the community through an elderly/ college student exchange, volunteered at a rape crisis center and worked at a pop-up Christmas market that allowed families in need to “shop” for the holidays. All of these choices connected me with my new community when I had time to give but not many resources.
You want to support causes you believe in but don’t have a lot of time
Then for many years I didn’t feel like I had the time or energy to give back because I was teaching full time while getting my master’s. So, I gave money to several organizations I believed in. Pro-tip: Set a budget and decide what you want to spend to give back at the beginning of the year. That way when you are deciding who to give to and how much you already have a plan.
You have the time and resources and are ready to take it to the next level with a group or cause?
This is where you might become a board member or become involved in a leadership team where you are meeting people with very similar interests and motivations as you. I’m in my second year of serving on the board of the Santa Barbara Swim Club because I’m passionate about swimming as a lifelong activity.
Giving back is not only good for our communities, it’s good for us. But without a little forethought (and organization) it can be overwhelming.
I would love to hear how and why you give back?
P.S. If you want help getting organized. I’ll be starting a 6 week Spring Re-boot on May 4, so if you or someone you know wants to uplevel their business or work toward goals they’ve been wanting to crush, click here to schedule an introductory call. .