Giving Through Leading
Leadership extends beyond your office profession and can have a big impact on the community and your own success. Recognizing that your accumulated experience, skills, and knowledge can benefit others and help you further build your identity as a leader is the first step to extending your impact.. During this challenging time, engaging in giving and philanthropy is a great way to help your fellow human. Donating your time, talent, and treasure in service of others can also be spiritually rewarding.
Giving With Intention
In a recent interview, Russ Ouellette, President of Sojourn Partners, said some of his biggest and most meaningful accomplishments have been his work with community organizations and nonprofits. Russ says that joining the efforts of other volunteer organizations should be intentional. One of his mentors, Dr. Syl Dupuis, always told him, “Always join any Board of Directors with the intention of being the Chairperson”. Syl’s meaning is that you are all in or not in at all. The power of making a mindset commitment engages you deeper and creates satisfaction and energy that will sustain you in that service. It does not mean you have to be the chair, just that you are going in with full intentions.
Living Through Giving
Another important mindset is that when you are committed to philanthropy you should give until it hurts. This does not mean you need to break your bank; however, it does mean that when you make a donation, you should have to feel it a little. If you feel comfortable giving $100, then maybe you should give $150. If $2,000 seems right, $3,000 will actually feel better. The interesting thing is that you always feel better when it hurts just a little. Being financially connected to your philanthropy is another way to connect you emotionally to the mission, and with purpose to their strategy. Giving allows you to become serious about what you are doing. It also demonstrates to the staff and other volunteers that you are serious about them.
Where Do You Begin?
One of the most effective ways to help yourself through difficult times is to pivot your focus on helping others. What interests you? Where are you needed? Where can you have an impact? Getting involved in the community can have great career advancing benefits, including finding potential customers, building your network, and padding your resume. However, these should never be the reason for engaging in philanthropy. Some benefits will come naturally, but if this is the reason you are volunteering, you are just keeping the seat warm and your impact and value will be waste. Remember, it’s all about mindset.
Get Involved
The next logical question is, ‘how do I get into philanthropy?’ Russ suggests you just let people who are working with the organization or other volunteers that you are interested in doing more. You have got to raise your hand and then dig in. The initial work might be helping with an event, sitting on a committee, or showing up for things. If you can be of value, they will find a bigger spot for you.
Perspective
“Charity is just writing checks and not being engaged. Philanthropy, to me, is being engaged, not only with your resources but getting people and yourself really involved and doing things that haven’t been done before.” – Eli Broad, Billionaire and Philanthropist