"I have a dear friend named Alex. We don't speak often, but thankfully, in the Facebook era, we don't have to. Yes, it's impersonal, but social media is such a blessing for maintaining a line of communication with friends, organizations, even celebrities, from afar. Alex shared with me about her experiences in Haiti as an All Hands volunteer and I was truly proud to know someone as amazing as her. I was equally impressed when she told me about Haiti Scholarships and her work in building the organization. Work that I can keep up with relatively frequently thanks to the "social network".
When Alex asked me to write a little bit about my "giving" and why, I knew the answer. I am a talker and a thinker, for as far back as I can remember. I'm simply not a doer. Not yet at least. For now, I satisfy my need to contribute to the world outside of my comfort zone by supporting those that "do." Though I am apprehensive about the way money is used to "help," I choose to have faith. Faith that when I entrust an organization (such as Haiti Scholarships) with my hard earned money that they will be able to do something I cannot (or perhaps will not?) do myself.
When I choose to support an organization, it is never because I am looking for a tax benefit, or have money to burn (though I really wish that were true). I donate when I am compelled by a personal connection to an organization - either through a friend, through a respected authority, or through a shared vision. I would always encourage people to give what they can, but to really be cognizant of what they are contributing to. The fact is, we give because it feels good to give."
Thank you, Jessica, for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
How about you? How do you contribute to causes you believe in: are you a thinker, a talker, a doer, a supporter?