Josh Bolinger: Why Philanthropy Matters
I strongly believe that those who have been blessed with success and growth have an obligation to give back, to help those that haven’t been so fortunate.
That doesn’t always mean money. You can give back by educating, mentoring, even investing. And there are so many places where you can invest and make a huge difference for a fairly small investment.
I’ve heard the criticisms of non-profit and philanthropic organizations that do work overseas, I’ve heard it said that they should be investing here in the United States, helping folks right here at home. And there is some truth to that, charity does, indeed, begin at home.
But I have been poor. I have been homeless, broke and hungry. But, I still had fresh water to drink, protection from the elements, libraries to learn in, places that would help. Even being at the very bottom in the US, there are options; there is help, there is a way out, a hot meal and a way to move back up again.
Many developing countries have none of these options. No fresh water, clothing, not even shoes to protect their feet. Their waste gets into the limited water and food supply. They have no protection from the elements, disease or infection.
It’s difficult to imagine how life could ever get worse than what I have seen these poor souls endure. And they have no options. No help, no escape – this is every single day of their entire lives, trapped in a society of grinding poverty, with no upward mobility.
I know I was blessed to get out, to climb up the ladder to a place where my home and family are secure, where I do not lay awake at night wondering how I’m going to get my next meal.
I don’t know how you can possibly go through that, and not come away with a strong desire to help other people in the same situation. Whatever country they live in.
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6 thoughts on “Why Philanthropy Matters”
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That’s a post that hits home for me. I am going to do what I can to help others as I now see that the way to become truly successful is to give back and make a better world for others to live in.
Companies that have philanthropical investments in the community, seem to be more liked by their customer base and I think that both adds to their bottom line and helps round out their business in a good way.
Giving what we can to help others is what makes us better human beings. It isn’t about religion or politics, it’s about caring for our own species and their survival.
I try and not make philanthropy a “thing” but rather do small good deeds as often as possible. Sometimes when I try and make things quantifiable in my life it ends up consuming me – both in mind and time. By doing random good deeds I help people of all ages, demographics and so on. And that to me, is a good thing.
I think philanthropy is kind of a joke, though. Most of your truly rich people don’t give all that much away. They seem to have great PR, though.
Regardless of what you believe in or don’t believe in, helping out your fellow being just makes you a good human being. I don’t have too much money but I help out when I can, not only during x-mas season but all year long.