I went to a board of directors retreat for a nonprofit client of mine this weekend. During the retreat, a board member made a presentation on creating a culture of philanthropy. Her presentation got participants to talk about a subject that had not been openly discussed in a meaningful way in the past. Giving and asking for money.
During her presentation, she defined philanthropy in a way I had never heard.
“Philanthropy is about the investment in social good.”
It made me question how many people hold back from giving because they think they can’t make a difference. I wrote more about the retreat and how reframing out concept our philanthropy can create a culture of giving in my first post on Medium.
I would love for you to jump on over and read Reframing Philanthropy and give it a recommendation if you like it.
In other news, tomorrow (November 19) is World Toilet Day. And while this sounds a bit funny, it’s an important day. Where toilets don’t exist, people die. Period.
I’ve written about the important work of WaterAid and other organizations who focus on clean water and sanitation. I will have a separate post for World Toilet Day tomorrow. For now, enjoy this awesome video from WaterAid called “Thank You Toilet.”
http://youtu.be/oCCuGQKGuyc
You’re singing with Louie the Loo aren’t you? I know I am.
“Philanthropy is about the investment in social good.” I love that.
What is the world coming to if I can’t share about a singing toilet?! Consider it done!! –Lisa
Exactly, Lisa. How could you note share this video?!
You know I love WaterAid, so I’ll be sharing this AND posting about World Toilet Day. I’ve been in places where you had to squat over a whole. NOT NICE. \
Yuck. I know what you mean. I had a feeling you would be participating too! 🙂
I think my favorite part of the video was when the trash can started chiming in. Will definitely share this!
The trash cans were a nice touch. Thanks for sharing, Nicole!
Happy to share – that was awesome! I don’t often think about toilets and social good but you are completely right!
Louis the Loo does a nice job reminding us of the importance, doesn’t he? Thanks for sharing today!
Sharing! Wow, this video. It definitely grabs the attention. I’m glad it does because although you want to laugh when you hear “World Toilet Day”, the facts are severely UN-funny.
So true, Tamara. The nice thing about the video is that it grabs your attention. I think it’s a great way to spread awareness.
What a great video! I will def share! 😉
Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog. I look forward to future posts on yours!
Diana
http://www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
New Blog Post: Tips To Find Inspiration When Picking an Outfit
My pleasure, Diana. It’s a great blog!
Excellent quote. And I did chuckle when I read “World Toilet day”- but I then I seriously thought- how many people actually die if they don’t have a place for their waste… Looking forward to reading more of that tomorrow Jen!
Off to go read!!
Too many, Chris. We definitely take our toilet for granted!
I’m back! Because DAMN that was good, Jennifer!!!! One of my favorite articles from you really… I shared!!! Recommended!!
Truly- if everyone could just read it. And realize- lots of little bits, make a big big CHANGE.
Thank you, Chris! I appreciate your support and kind words. I truly believe what I wrote. And I’ve seen it happen. We can make huge change little bits at a time!
That’s truly an amazing video edition and I enjoyed it. Whole concept regarding philanthropy seems to me quite meaningful and I’ll definitely spread this post with others.
Thanks, Gordon!
Ah. I listened to this video and then my ids came storming in and started dancing around to it. I’m going to go thank my loo now 😉 I’m going to go read that article now!
My boys love the video! Thanks for watching and reading, Julie!
So glad you mentioned that. I may do a post on it tomorrow. When we made lists of what we were thankful for in school, I always included toilets and toilet paper. I’ve peed in the woods a few times more than I’d like to admit, and it sucks. I don’t even want to imagine pooping in the woods.
I’ve had to do that once while camping way out in the middle of nowhere. Not fun! I can’t imagine having to do that on a daily basis. There’s so much we can do to bring better sanitation to communities around the globe.
The investment in social good. Such a perfect explanation. And motivation for us to all be more socially minded, despite our ability to give with money or how much.
I was really inspired by that explanation. The way I look at it, we can always grow in our giving. But we have to start somwwhere!