Fifty Shades of Giving

Shameless, I know. Stolen from the creed that attention trumps all. Borrowed but not adherent to the name of a trilogy of novels that are currently popular. And, for all who might not be in the know", I'm confident you'll be Googling in the next 10 minutes…

 

But give me that long to make my case. In full disclosure, I have not read these books myself. And, from my limed knowledge, the topic of this essay is as far apart from the topic of the novels as is possible. Yet the distinction in title and meaning is all too real: Giving is the topic of this missive as it is always the theme for the season. 

 

Toys for toddlers; food for the hungry; blankets for those who are cold.  Wonderful giving that is encouraged and characterized by our natural and instinctive charitable impulse and responsiveness.

 

There are those who suggest that it is also characterized by guilt; critics who proffer that increased giving during this time is self-centered and contrived. That both our impulse to give and our gifts are more a balm to guilty consciences about personal consumption than a desire to help others. That our receptivity to appeals during the holidays "count less". 

 

Don't buy it.  Assistance between November and December is just as important as it is between January and October. And savvy nonprofits know this too. Just like shelters stock up on blankets in the fall and schools ramp up for summer programs in the spring, savvy nonprofit leaders understand and prepare for the market and make a big deal of holiday giving. And the smartest ones take the long view – and the accompanying responsibility – of being grateful for the now and diligently cultivating for the future. 

 

As grownups, we know that people eat all year long. That kids need care. That the environment and politicians need to be monitored. But if it's cold, and dark, and we know folks are feeling even more alone and lacking, it's more than right to respond.  It's essential. Because conscience is the impetus honed from our earliest years to be the motivator for good and healthy action.

 

It is a good act to balance for ourselves and our families the joy of receiving with the act of giving. There's much to celebrate and many reasons to give! At least fifty or so… J

 

Give, because giving

 

…Matters…Helps…Heals…Requires…Edifies…Flattens…Shortens…Lengthens…Widens…Raises…Simplifies…Renews…Actualizes…Clarifies…Overlooks…Reconciles…Expands…Activates…Rebuilds…Nurses…Cleanses…Creates…Imagines…Defines…Proves…Holds…Impassions…Intrigues…Familiarizes…Adapts…Adjusts…Angers…Provokes…Enjoins

…Shines…Dignifies…Renews…Upholds…Teaches…Respects…Reinforces…Shouts…Whispers…Accommodates…Enables.

 

Most of all, give because giving is philanthropy in action…momentum that transforms each of us into instruments of change.

 

Through all the seasons.

 

Happy Holidays!