The Philanthropic Family

I wanted to share a list that calls us to use many of the assets we have to bring about social change that I briefly described in my last post, More Than Money, Part II. It goes without saying that you have power as a donor. But beyond that, I believe your power lies in these areas:

1. You are a Consumer
2. You are an Investor
3. You are a person with a Reputation
4. You are a person with Skills and Talents
5. You are a person with a Social Network

In fact, the list below makes me wonder if I missed a bucket: 

6. You are a Citizen.

Straight from the esteemed Chicago Foundation for Women, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary:

1. Join our email list at www.cfw.org/email
2. Celebrate at an upcoming 25th anniversary event
3. Run for office or volunteer for a campaign
4. Be–or find–a mentor
5. Get a guy involved in women’s rights
6. Support women-owned businesses
7. Follow the Foundation on Twitter and Facebook
8. Volunteer with our grantees
9. Write letters to the editor
10. Vote
11. Advocate for your workplace to be fair and accessible
12. Make a small gift every month or every paycheck
13. Listen to young women
14. Celebrate Women’s History Month in March
15. Use gender-neutral language such as “humankind” and “congressperson”
16. Take care of yourself–mind, body and spirit
17. Contact your legislators
18. Create a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons
19. Network–it’s not just a boys’ club
20. Don’t put down women, or yourself
21. Attend community meetings and town halls
22. Report discrimination and sexual harassment
23. Honor women in your life
24. Share this list with five friends
25. ______________ Tell us how YOU will make the world better for women and girls.

Feel free to leave a comment with other ideas.