Last night I was privileged to attend the Women for Women 2008 Gala Dinner. This incredible organization was started 15 years ago by Zainab Salbi, who, as a 23 year old, not only wondered what she could do to make the world a better place but took action. Women for Women’s mission is to assist women in war torn countries economically, socially and emotionally.
I encourage you to read more about what they do (simply amazing) but that’s not the main purpose of this post, rather, it is about how paying attention to the things that really matter can help to put things into perspective.
All too often lately, I know I have been focused on the economic situation and feeling badly about it. Last night, it was easy for me to see that my concerns are small in contract to those whose lives are truly in chaos.
We’re almost always better off than we think we are. And giving to others is a sure-fire way to feel richer.
TAGS: giving back, volunteering, Women for Women, Zainab Salbi
Lynne Rosenthal wrote a story for Women’s enews describing her evolution as a donor; she gave $1,000,000 to the Ms. Foundation because she was passionate not only about the causes the foundation supports but also the way it provides funding. She wrote that it is:
“…a philanthropy that is horizontal and democratic, not vertical and hierarchical…. it is a culture that is just and right and that creates lasting social change.”
We may not have the largess that Lynn has, but we can still benefit from her story and her philosophy of giving.
- Give as much as you can as often as you can.
Lynn got started with a $25 donation.
- Be thoughtful - and selective - about the charities you support.
Take a good look at how the money you give will be used; check to be sure that the charity is real and that a decent percentage of the money you give will reach the people you want to help.
- Keep track of your donations.
It’ll make things a lot easier when tax time rolls around if you have good records to document your donations.
You don’t have to give a million to feel like a million when you support causes close to your heart. As Maya Angelou said, ” I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
TAGS: charity. philanthropy, contributions to women, living a rich life, support, taxes, Women and Aging
