We can throw money at charities and walk away. Read their newsletters when they arrive in the mailbox. Go to an event or two during our membership year. Respond when the dues renewal notice comes with another check.

Responding to charity with checks is an emotional response. You’ve done well financially and you feel guilt about that. You’ve done well and want to share your good fortune, you believe in what charity x is doing. You are a good person. These are all valid reasons for giving.

Responding to charities with ideas and participation is an intellectual response. You have time. You have skills. You believe in what the organization is doing. You know you can contribute.

When you mix the two, you get real commitment to change.

Your money is short term. The charitable organizations you support need that. Your ideas are long term. The organizations you support need that even more. What will make the most difference in the end? Think about it.

http://www.thewitness.org/archive/oct2001/ednotes.main.html

http://www.fundforsouth.org/social_change.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes
/from_our_own_correspondent/4275818.stm

http://www.globaljusticecenter.org/articles/betterworld_charchange.htm

http://www.socialfunds.com/news/article.cgi/222.html