Get Giving in 2010

Get Giving in 2010.  Why?  I am increasingly impressed by the benefits of a “giving” lifestyle to both the individuals who are giving and to those who are receiving.  Research shows that helping others can improve one’s own physical and mental health.  Add the external benefits of helping improve the sufferings and challenges of our world, and you have a comprehensive prescription for wellness.  It’s a no-brainer to me.    

So how do you get started?  I know the landscape of opportunity to get involved can be overwhelming; there are so many causes and so many projects.  The key is finding what best suits you. 

The good news is that today we live in a world that has more access to information, more connection to causes, and more resources to get involved…and I’m not just talking money.  Whether donating money or goods, volunteering your time, or sharing your talents, helping others can fulfill your own life and make our world a better place. 

If you are looking to get a jumpstart, here are 3 tips to Get Giving in 2010.

• Really connect your interests and mind to a cause:  You are going to be much more committed to a cause that you can connect to personally.  Start thinking of life experiences that either created a challenge for you, for someone you loved, or for something you saw.  Whether its homelessness or cancer, all of us have interacted with some type of adversity.  Maybe it’s an abandoned animal that really made you notice something wasn’t right in the world.  Think back on experiences that have moved you and link up to a cause that speaks to your heart.  The altruistic connection will help you remain committed and feed your passion to do more.
• Assess your time availability:  We all live busy lives, but with thought and planning it is really easy to carve out a time for your giving life.  Volunteer projects today come in all shapes and timelines.  Whether giving up a few hours each week, an entire spring break, or going online every season to participate, you can find an initiative that fits your schedule best.  Just like we make time for fitness, we need to make time for volunteering.  Think of it as your soul on a treadmill.
  • Are you a corporate executive?  Carve out time for your entire team to take one Friday a quarter and go volunteer.  Leadership includes giving and you can show your associates the importance of giving back to the community. 
  • Are you a mom?  Volunteering can be a great bonding tool for you and your kids.  Find a kid-friendly project on or make cards and decorations and drop them off at the hospital in your community.  Kids do best with routine so make this a routine adventure for your family throughout the year. 
  • Are you a student?  Give-up a few Saturdays or your Spring Break to find a project that gives you experience and helps your college application or your work resume.  There are some really cool Volun-touring projects that give you both a cultural and philanthropic experience in one.
• Contribute treasure to the cause:  I know it sounds crazy; we are in a recession after all. But notice I didn’t say an amount.  Today, there are ways to donate any amount of money from $1 to $1million and still understand the impact you are making with the cause.  The importance of sharing your treasure with a cause is that you are more apt to feel invested in the success of the program or organization.  Contributing money or goods to a cause at least once a year will help build that connection and sustain your commitment over the long-term.   

To begin exploring causes and projects visit the Resource page.

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