What You Do Matters
The word philanthropy conjures up images of very wealthy people writing checks, doesn’t it? In reality, the word means something much more expansive. Look closely at the definition of philanthropist from the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
phi lan thro pist
n. one who makes an active effort to promote human welfare
One who makes an active effort to promote human welfare!
Nowhere in that definition does it say that philanthropy is exclusive to the ridiculously rich. In fact, it says “one,” which means that “one” could be you. And should be you! Regardless of our circumstances, we all have the capacity and the ability to be giving.
A few years back, I had the inordinate honor to produce a documentary called What You Do Matters for The Chicago Community Trust (links below). The Trust is the third largest community foundation in the United States. They happily give away millions each year to support the wellbeing of humanity through the work of nonprofits, business and government. Its impact is immeasurable.
The Trust laid out an important goal for the documentary: let’s help people see clearly that they, too, can be philanthropists. The documentary highlighted stories of simple charity…one drug addict’s breakthrough and transformation through the help of a dog rescue organization; a young high school student’s desperate act to help the homeless; a kind-hearted woman who bought coffee for the person behind her in line every Wednesday; parents of a child born with a rare disease who started an organization to help others who were dealt the same fate. There are stories every day, everywhere of people acting kindly toward other humans. Is that not philanthropy? Judging by the dictionary definition, I think it clearly is! But really, we don’t need a dictionary definition to know the truth of these simple facts: Kindness matters. Giving matters. Love matters.
Every day, ask yourself, what can I do to help someone else? One kind act at a time, we will change the world. Together. Because as one interviewee in the documentary so wisely said, what WE do, matters.
Blessings
xoxo
The Chicago Community Trust
What You Do Matters (trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUrtnFlIns
What You Do Matters (full documentary)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERdvEruu3Uw