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From Organizing Charity to Building Community
Submitted on 20 February 2009 by Priscilla Prather, University of North Texas - Student, San Antonio USA
Holiday charity is often viewed as a onetime shot or feel good charity so that some deserving family can feel good for at least one day out of the year. But with the down fall of the economy how will this be affected? However, Mrs. Ellis’ focus is more on the fact that during this time we tend to fall into two categories; the giver and the receiver. As unfortunate as it may be … most charity work is viewed that way. But do not begrudge the giver – more often than not, the giver has been a receiver as well and simply wants to give back.
There is much truth and benefit in “taking it a bit further”… any ideas that are mutually benefiting are always good ones; moving beyond the holidays to the everyday needs of everyday people. I’ll be honest the percentage rule will apply here as it does in most situations. 20% of the people do 80% of the work. You simply have to decide which category you want to be in. I will have to also agree with Ms. Ellis, that is indeed a critical time and we must develop our communities to be stronger in assisting one another. I, too, believe that people really do want to help each other especially now.
Submitted on 16 December 2008 by Bonnie J. Vesely,
Monroe County Circles Initiative,
Coordinator/Community Organizer,
Bloomington, IN US
We asked the community to "adopt" the nine families in our program for the holidays and fulfill their wish lists. The lists were snapped up very quickly and the generosity has been overwhelming. One church wanted to adopt a family but all of our families had been adopted. They said they'd like to put together baskets - and those turned out to be laundry baskets, filled to the brim, for all nine families. Two women in our group needed tires to get to work and school, and churches quickly contributed to make this happen. Perhaps the fact that the recession is affecting us ALL is creating more understanding and empathy, so that more people are giving what they can in terms of time and money/material goods.
Submitted on 10 December 2008 by Chris Jarvis,
Realized Worth,
Senior Consultant
Toront, Ontario Canada
Volunteerism 2.0 demands that the traditional distinctions of 'giver' and 'receiver' are dissolved. Everyone stands in equality as contributor. Together we face the problem. Together, in community, we contribute parts of the solution. And that means everyone benefits as well.
This is a great article that touches on a much needed evolution in the thinking around social justice issues. I love the practical examples that have a 'plug and play' utility to them.
Submitted on 8 December 2008 by Marcia Rose Fuoss, Manager, Volunteer Membership, Community Preservation and Development Corporation, Washington, DC
I shared your holiday “gift giving” ideas with about other staff members and some of them have already told me they are excited about using at least one of the ideas. I copied and saved your ideas so I can draw on this resource again in the future.
Submitted on 8 December 2008 by Margaret Redsell,
Skylarkers 60 and Better Program,
Program Manager,
Inala Australia
One day one of my volunteer tutors had an accident on the way to our centre. He was stressing out about how he was going to get to our centre and I said "Don't worry, we will make alternative arrangements for your students." His reply showed the value he got out of volunteering.
'It's not my students I am worrying about, it's me. I need my volunteering.' Yep, it is a two way street.
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