Get started on Giving
answer this, what’s your advocacy? what is it about life that you’d want to change or contribute?
children
culture
education
healthcare
sports
community development
etc
etc.
Once you’ve identified your advocacy, what can you offer/do?
time?
money?
talent ?
time. identify how much time can you spare? do you intend to help full time or part time, or weekends?
when you’re just starting, go part time, and test the water. no harm in trying, until you find something that you enjoy. helping does not have to be difficult. find somthing worth your time.
money.
give money responsibly, find out how your donation is being utilized.
majority of givers do doleouts, (to beggars, which i personally disagree with. teach them how to fish?)
donate to a REPUTABLE NGO (there are numerous) because ngos monitor and use donations wisely.
besides, money pooled together can make more impact to any cause. you want your donations to go to sustainable projects.
talent
no i don’t want you to go on stage and perform, though that isn’t exactly a bad idea.
what are you good at? organizing? are you a people person or are you better behind the computer?
know yourself first and call it human capital to your advocacy.
Tired of Giving?
Giving makes us feel good about ourselves, doesn’t it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. In fact it brings joy to be of service. “happy to serve”.
But giving can also be draining sometimes, when you don’t even a get a ‘thank you’.
Despite all your efforts to help, reality is, many times, you don’t get appreciated.
But should you?
I’ve encountered cases where the beneficiaries want more than what they have been given. It’s unbelievable, but don’t take it personally. Understand the reason for their behavior. Have compassion.
Because we’re humans, yes, it important to be appreciated for our work, but kind of attitude won’t sustain you.
We give because we want to give, no ifs and buts. Give without expecting anything in return.
