If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito. -The Dalai Lama
It is no secret there is a great deal of noise in our world today. During the holidays there is added level of busyness that can create a frenetic energy around giving that makes it harder to be intentional. It is, however, the ideal time to involve ourselves, our families, our teams, and our organizations in giving purposefully to change the world. In November’s blog about the incredible, indelible work of Lynne Twist I was struck by her words:
“…To constantly do everything I can to facilitate the reallocation of the world’s financial resources away from fear and toward love.”
I have compiled this list as a practice I hope to take beyond this season of giving into the new year. I want to renew my intention to pay it forward and give back this month. Here are some organizations I pledge to support this season in whatever way I am needed because of how they have deeply impacted my experience in the world:
Explorations Academy
This remarkable small school with the biggest ideas is working overtime to raise the next generation of global citizens. Two of my grandchildren were accepted to go on a 5-week intensive trip to Vietnam this January with eight of their classmates. Not only will they traverse the entire country, but they will spend a good deal of time volunteering along the way. The funding for this trip is completely donation based. A $30 donation will cover all expenses for one student for one day once they arrive in Vietnam. A $1000 donation will cover all in-country expenses for one student for their entire trip. Any investment, big or small, will make a lifetime of difference in these teenagers’ lives. Click here to support the development of global-minded future leaders.
Find it On-line
Of course, there are many ways to give back that don’t require money. Volunteering time locally by using Volunteer Match, even using the internet to be a role model for kids near and far through Infinite Family’s video chat are accessible options from your own back yard. Did you know that with Amazon Smile you can pick any charity that is meaningful to you and proceed with your normal shopping? They will donate .5% of all your purchases to your charity of choice. It is remarkable that as our digital world expands so too does our capacity to pay it forward in meaningful ways.
HealthPoint
One of the greatest gifts of my professional career has been working with the leadership team of this community-based, community-supported and community governed network of health care centers called HealthPoint. Not only does this organization state, “everyone deserves great care regardless of their resources,” they live it every day going above and beyond in unimaginable ways. I have observed the work they do with my own eyes and heart and supporting them elevates all of us. If you would like to give the gift of a healthy life to someone struggling to afford quality health care, your gift will strengthen our community as a whole
My hope is that, as leaders I respect, you will add to this list and share causes that are meaningful to you, your family, and your organization. By this time next year my vision is that we have a vibrant list we can all use to do our mosquitos share to spread love not just during the holiday season but throughout the year.
As Anne Frank so eloquently penned, “No one has ever become poor by giving.”
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