Thanks for dropping by. As a brief introduction, I wanted to explain the motivation behind this blog.
Most media outlets today talk about the business of philanthropy: how much is being given, in what forms, for what social purposes. How best to improve our schools, how to hold nonprofits accountable, what can be accomplished by social enterprises and “philanthrocapitalism.” These are important conversations for philanthropy professionals.
Most of America, however, is not made of philanthropy professionals. It is made of individuals and families. The vast majority of charitable donations come from individuals. And individuals aren’t strategizing about whether providing clean water or selling insecticide-treated bed nets is a better strategy to reduce malaria.
As much as they want to improve the world, for many of these families a key motivation is to raise charitable children (my kids are only 2 and 4 and I am already thinking about this). Parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles and other influential adults want to provide an example for their children because charity is an expression of their core values. This blog will provide ideas, concrete examples and inspiration to nurture the philanthropic family. Rather than focus on the external mission of philanthropy (improving the world) it will focus on the internal mission (strengthening the family) (Thanks to Doug Mellinger for this concept).
I draw from my work with hundreds of philanthropic families through my “day job” as head of Client Services and Philanthropic Director for Foundation Source (www.foundationsource.com). But the views expressed here are mine, not official statements from Foundation Source.
Ideas for posts, great organizations and resources you’ve found, and your own experiences are welcome on this blog. It’s really about parents talking to parents so we can bring up the next generation to be philanthropic adults.
Tags: charity, family, kids, philanthropy
May 3, 2008 at 9:23 pm |
Sharon –
Welcome to the blogosphere!
I’ll be sure to add a link to you from whichever of my sites are appropriate, and will be a regular vistor myself.
The blogosphere is already better by virtue of having you around.
Stay in touch.
Best,
Neil
May 3, 2008 at 9:43 pm |
Sharon, I have found it not only great educationally but very rewarding to find ways to involve my kids in philanthropy. From the time they were very young they got to choose stuffed animals and/or toys to go to various hospitals, fire departments, police stations, etc. who were happy to take their gently used toys. These would then be shared with other children who would gain comfort from them. We’ve helped socialize animals at pet shelters. We’ve been involved with charitable events at our synagogue. These activities teach children about the world outside themselves and help them grow into compassionate teenagers. They were fun AND they also strengthened our family bond because we did these things together. As they have gotten older (now 18 and 14) they still look for ways to contribute.
Your blog has some great ideas – thank you for taking the time to start it. I know I’ll be checking back to see what new ideas and suggestions you add.
May 4, 2008 at 12:08 am |
Thanks Jayne, I think the idea for donating stuffed animals is a great one! Perfect for my kids at this age…
May 5, 2008 at 3:51 pm |
Sharon, Congratulations on launching a much needed resource for families! I think you will see that hundreds if not thousands of families will find this blog a great tool to strengthen themselves and the community! I know that after we spent New Year’s Eve day at Martha’s Table in Washington D.C. preparing food for the homeless with 3 of our 5 children they saw how great it was to “give”!
This is great!!!!