Honoring Strategic Givers

Barron’s recently published a list of the 25 best givers for 2009.  Matthew Bishop and Michael Green, writers of Philanthrocapitalism, picked up the theme by offering their top five suggestions of philanthrocapitalists who they felt should have been included on Barron’s list.  After reading their list, I offered a few thoughts, and one suggestion of my own.

Dear Matthew and Michael, thank you for being encouraging of our sector, and I think adding to Barron’s list. It’s very interesting criteria, some objective and subjective.

I’d add Bud Colligan to the list. Venture Capitalist at Accel who has given so much to the community — strategically — through Pacific Community Ventures. They support small businesses and they fundraise from investors who want to invest in their nonprofit, Pacific Community Ventures, which in turn supports these small businesses creating thousands of jobs. It’s smart philanthropy, marrying business and nonprofit.

To be honest — there are thousands of unsung philanthropic heroes, and thousands more to come. Some give from a gigantic pocketbook; other give of a tremendous heart. Both are important.

This world is becoming a circle of giving. We all crave that meaning and sincerity after such a tough year; my hope is this desire to serve continues with the flywheel effect, cascading down gushing water of philanthropic good for decades to come.

Pamela Hawley
Founder and CEO
UniversalGiving

The Immediate Philanthropist

That beautiful time of the year is coming again: The time of giving. It seems to start with the gratitude and time spent with family during Thanksgiving, following through to the December Holiday season.

However, for some reason our society has distilled the meaning of philanthropy into “money.” It now seems to mean that in order to give, we need to write a check. Being from Silicon Valley, sometimes I’ve even heard people say, “I can’t wait to make it big from my next venture. Then I’ll start giving back to our communities in a major way.”

Donating money is certainly not the only, or most important, way of giving. And we don’t have to wait on money in order to be able to give right now. In fact, the true root of the word philanthropy means “love of people,” or “love of humankind.” That means philanthropy can be a full-time calling, for each one of us, right now.

I lead a website that helps people give of themselves, both their money and volunteer time, so I am acutely aware of these issues. But one of the thoughts that has come to me is that my “job in philanthropy,” most certainly doesn’t start at 9 am and end at 5 pm. If we follow the definition of philanthropy above, that means our every moment can be an opportunity to care for, love and cherish another fellow human being.

One day I had a pivotal experience that helped me be a better ‘daily philanthropist.’ Each day I make a thoughtful ‘to do’ list with which I hope to carry out my purpose. The list might range from cultivating a large corporate partnership, to an errand at the drycleaners. There was a nice sense of satisfaction in checking off these items.

During this day, I found myself particularly busy. I rushed into the drycleaners. I swooped in to pick up my clothes and leave a bundled pile of clothes to be processed. There, I had fit it in before a meeting. I had gotten one more item off my list! Accomplishment, I thought; and yet I didn’t feel it.

What I realized is that the dry cleaners wasn’t an errand. It was an opportunity to love. We aren’t programmed to just get through life and get things done. Instead, each activity, each to-do, each task, is actually an experience of loving. That is the true spirit of philanthropy.

As one great thinker wrote, a person “…is a marvel, a miracle in the universe….With selfless love, he inscribes on the heart of humanity and transcribes on the page of reality the living, palpable presence – the might and majesty! – of all goodness. He lives for all mankind.”  Rushing in and out of the dry cleaners, I had missed a valuable opportunity. What I needed to do was connect with my dry cleaners, know them by name, greet them warmly, and sincerely ask how they are doing. Now I know how Hao is doing, and we have a great relationship of warmth and kindness.  I look forward to our visits. I’ve now found philanthropy exists at the drycleaners.

With the Holiday season of philanthropy upon us, we can each strive to care more sincerely for each person we meet.  By our simple interaction and communication with each person, every moment, we can all be ‘immediate’ philanthropists. Love – philanthropy – simply doesn’t wait.

Tween Volunteering: How Can I Get a Great Volunteer Experience?

I recently answered some questions for TILE Financial’s Spend Grow Give program about giving and volunteering. Tile Financial  is a bank which works with wealthy families and their children, and the Spend Grow Give program “is an online financial environment designed to engage and educate the next generation of high net worth individuals on the benefits and responsibilities of wealth.”  Here is an excerpt on Expert Guidance where they asked my advice on volunteering for their teens.   These are the questions some of the teens asked:

1. TILE members are often interested in finding groups to get involved with. For someone looking to volunteer for the first time, how do you suggest they go about choosing an organization?

If I had to state it quickly, I’d say: “Find a cause you care about, and a leader you believe in. “  Those are two great milestones that can help ensure success with your volunteer experience.

I would really also try to understand yourself and find out first what your greatest passions are.  What is the issue you care about, such as education, poverty, the environment?  What do you enjoy doing:  Writing, working with people, detailed work/operations?  And what is the region you are most interested in, such as New Orleans, El Salvador, Africa or the neighbor across the street?

What’s also important is the size of the organization. Would you like to work in a larger organization that may have more resources, but less flexibility? Or a smaller, entrepreneurial organization that has less support, but multiple opportunities to get involved?

Most importantly, I’d find a good personal fit. Leadership is so important. Find a cause you care about, and a leader you believe in. That’s always a great start!

2. Someone once complained to me that it’s hard to find an organization that will assign volunteer tasks other than “clean out the broom closet.” Is this true in your experience and what tips do you have to avoid such situations?

It’s important that you find an opportunity that provides a good chance to grow and contribute.  I’d try to meet with the leader or volunteer manager to make sure it’s a good fit.  Are they open, willing to give you opportunities, warm, friendly, outgoing?  Do you see yourself enjoying your day working with them? Then most likely you will have a positive relationship where you can ask to be involved in areas you care about.  They will want to see you grow and develop, and you will want to help them.  It’s a ‘win-win’ for everyone, each helping another.

It is important to realize, too, that we all have to jump in.  I’m CEO, but I still send faxes, too.   I try to teach my team that a ‘fax is never a fax.’  As I was faxing, I told my team member, this is not just about a piece of paper going through a machine. This particular fax was our contract with Cisco, which allows us to pay salaries at our nonprofit. So it is important to do the small, detailed tasks, and connect them in to higher meaning.  Everything works together for good;  everything is important. Can you try to find the meaning, and see how you can serve? All leaders appreciate wonderful attitudes of a sincere desire to serve.  If you work sincerely at creating a service-minded attitude, a kind demeanor, and make an impact, they will want to help you, too. 

3. What’s the best advice you would give to your teenage self?

Be open. Surprise yourself.  You may find you are interested in something you never considered!   Go for your dreams and goals, and realize that every experience helps you learn something, and contribute something.  Sometimes it will feel great! Othertimes you might not enjoy it as much, but try to commit to serving, learning and growing. That will lead you to the next wonderful step on your journey.

4. How can young people play an important role in the changing philanthropic landscape?

Young people have such energy and a genuine desire to change the world now.  There is no waiting for them. I love that you are jumping in to make a personal impact now rather than ‘waiting until you are financially successful,’ which I think many have done in the past.

Since most of you are so involved with Web 2.0 and social media, I love your input on how you use Facebook, Twitter, text messaging and the like in your communications. How can we integrate philanthropy and volunteerism more into these areas?  What are you ideas on how we can use Web 2.0 to truly change our world? 

Equally important, how are you using these communications to create relationships with your peers across the world, in different countries?  For that is where true change will come, from building trusting relationships, one-on-one, amongst people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, race and religion.  This relationship building leads to greater ‘world trust’ — based on honest, heartfelt communications and actions — which then results in world peace.  You all are leading this cause for greater peace, simply by your generation’s desire to communicate, connect and care. We appreciate who you are, and what you are doing to create these positive relationships.

Philanthropy: Love Others, Right Now

I recently read an article on the Huffington Post written by Deborah Richardson, about NBC’s TV show, The Philanthropist.  The show followed the adventures of millionaire philanthropist Teddy Rist, and was inspired by the real life story of Bobby Sager.  I’d like to share with you the thoughts this post inspired for me, and which I emailed to Deborah:

 

Dear Deborah,
 
I recently saw your writing on the Huffington Post about NBC’s show, The Philanthropist.  Thank you for an insightful article.  So much can be learned from Bobby Sager’s work which extends beyond The Philanthropist. I am glad such a TV show made it so that we begin thinking more about philanthropy in our lives, even if the show was considered controversial by some.  I am glad it got the word out, and the discussions flowing!
 
For me, I am saddened to see philanthropy mean ‘money.’ It’s the love of people; I think you’ve stated something similar. And what I love about this definition is that it is accessible to anyone, at anytime. We can all be philanthropists. Whether you are getting the drycleaning, having a conversation with your boss or coworker, or saying a kind hello to a homeless person.
 
Philanthropy should be, and is, accessible to all.  I love that we can start loving others now!  You can read more about that on my blog Living and Giving (http://pamelahawley.wordpress.com).
 
Bobby Sager’s work continues, as he is launching a book and a worldwide tour.  The Sager Foundation has chosen UniversalGiving to be its premiere provider of qualified, vetted volunteer opportunities.  Bobby Sager believes as we do, that much of philanthropy and giving has to do with giving of oneself. One of the best ways to do this is to volunteer! 
 
Thank you again for an insightful article and wonderful questions. Let’s keep the positive dialogue of giving — in so many wonderful forms — going!
 
All my best!
Pamela Hawley
Founder and CEO
UniversalGiving™

Top 4 International Insights for Fortune 500 Companies

For Fortune 500 companies wanting to make a difference in global CSR, here are some tips on what to watch out for.  Congratulations on serving our global community. Your efforts will enhance your brand and employee commitment, while also serving nonprofits on the ground who deliver critical services in education, health, the environment and more.    Best wishes as your company makes its unique, global impact.

I. “SEAMLESS STRATEGIC COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLANNING”

“Seamless Strategic Planning” for your international corporate community relations indicates that the domestic and international are tied to overall corporate strategic objectives. If your company doesn’t have a Strategic Plan and U.S.-based Community Relations Plan – those are the areas to start. Make sure these two plans are wedded and practiced; lessons learned on the domestic scene can be applied to the international arena. Once these two areas are established, international community relations is a natural, albeit at times complex, expansion of planning.

II. “THE NGO NUANCE”

Finding the right “NGO Nuance” and NGO Partner can take time – and it is not solely related to a common area of interest such as supporting education or the arts. Finding the NGO Nuance takes it one step further, by identifying “on-the ground” partners, and, the right cultural synergy between the company and a particular NGO. These steps help ensure an effective working relationship.

Successful companies ensure that their community relations objectives incorporate the following areas: the greatest needs within the local community where the company is operating; how these needs fit their corporate objectives, both domestically and internationally; and the input of both U.S. and local, country-based employees. In addition, identifying “on-the-ground” NGOs partners provides community buy-in, and by working with an already established partner, more rapid and scaled results for the company. Alternatively, by not working with these partners, companies may cause damage in their efforts to establish long-term relationships. Finally, before agreeing to a partnership, the company spends time with the NGO – exploring the “NGO Nuance” – to make sure there is a synergy and potential for a positive relationship.

Key areas to note are “hot spot” issues. “Hot spot issues” are issues critical to the community. Addressing these issues can win companies great favor and community standing. However, if these issues are volatile or cause community strife, they are often best times left for the local government to address. If your company is planning to stay in the community for decades, then such a commitment necessitates establishing long-term relationships with local governments and politicos. Through a multi-partner approach, these “hot spot” issues can be addressed.

III. “COMMUNICATION AS A CORE PRINCIPLE”

The companies which maintain effective community relations practices and long-term relationships are the ones who commit to “Communications as a Core Principle” of their efforts. Communications must be frequent, multi-level, and multi-partner inclusive. In addition, Communications Plans must take into account the following areas international media outlets; cultural factors; and perceptions which may arise. The type and tone of communications which are readily accepted within the United States, are not always well-received outside of the U.S. Ensure that your Communications Team has the skills and experts to determine the right messaging and positioning applicable to each, unique local international effort.

IV. CREATIVE TRUST

Communication as a Core Principle allows you to set the groundwork for establishing long-term relationships. And that’s “Creative Trust.” “Creative Trust” is built over time through frequent communications and actual execution with excellence. It’s in your company’s Speaking and Living. The message – what your company “speaks”– and in the practice, of how your company “lives” on the ground. A critical point in Creative Trust is it not only your company’s formal communications and events – but also the action of every person and employee who represents your company – and the Company’s Creative Trust – in the day-to-day life of the community.