The Three Pillars of Giveology
A Giveologist is a person who is able to build the three pillars of Giveology into their lives. In order to do this, a Giveologist must have a sound understanding of the three pillars of Giveology. A great Giveologist will consistently incorporate all three of these pillars into their lives. We should also understand that these will ebb and flow and we may do one of these pillars better or worse at different times in our lives, but the important thing is to maintain the same commitment, care and understanding of all three pillars.
Philanthropy
Being generous and thoughtful with the wealth you have available to spare.
What to know
Philanthropy has been a word that conjures thoughts of unattainable multi-million dollar gifts, and complex legal giving vehicles like a Charitable Remainder Trust… honestly, what even is that? Do you really need to have millions or even thousands to spare, or have access to lawyers to be a philanthropist? Absolutely not, we believe that anyone who is generous with the wealth that they do have (regardless of how much) is a philanthropist. Tithes is a good example of this, in the Jewish faith it is expected that members “pay tithes” of about 10% of their income in a year either to the church or other charitable organizations. While 10% may not be realistic for everyone (some can do more some can do less) the standard of a set percentage simply being budgeted in to start the year is what makes this a quality philanthropic habit.
How to Start
Take a look at your current budget and see what is realistic for you. You know your life best and it is not for anyone else to determine what your threshold is. However, it is important that it is something. Once you’ve decided on an amount you are happy with, then think about the focus areas that you care about the most and read what you can about the organizations addressing these areas.
Make it a Habit
Recurring donations are the easiest way to make your giving a habit. Nearly all organizations will have the ability to accept this type of donation, and organizations love it because it is revenue that they can count on as they are making their annual projections. Sign up for the newsletters, magazines, and annual reports, follow any social media of the places you give to, so you can stay up to date and informed about what they are doing, and what they need.
Volunteerism
Being generous and thoughtful with the time you have available to spare.
What to know
Many organizations value a new volunteer more than a new donor. They know that it is much more likely for a new volunteer to become a donor, than the reverse, and they know that volunteer donors are, on average 10X more generous over their lifetime than non-volunteer donors. Volunteering is also the best way for you to see the organization’s operations up close and personal. Volunteering can help you be a more informed, respectful, and engaged donor and lead to a healthy and productive relationship with the organization.
How to Start
A lot of organizations have a volunteer coordinator who you should be able to contact and inquire about their volunteering opportunities. Keep in mind it is not the organization’s responsibility to find or create a volunteering opportunity for you, it is your responsibility to help the organization in the ways that they need help. So, be patient, ask what they need, and be respectful of the answers they give you.
Make it a Habit
After your first-time volunteering make sure you either follow up or talk to the organizer while at the event if you are interested in making the relationship a longer-term relationship. Know what you can commit to prior to this conversation though. It is very important to keep volunteer commitments in the nonprofit sector because some organizations rely on volunteers to maintain operations since they often have limited salaried positions. More importantly, the clients of the organization need stability and reliability, and it is more harmful to make a commitment then break it, than it would be to never make a commitment.
Advocacy
Using your voice and vote to publicly support the causes which you care about.
What to Know
Within the nonprofit sector, there are organizations with missions that include advocating for policy changes related to their area of focus. Planned Parenthood is a prime example of this, while they are a 501(c)(3) and they do use a lot of their donation revenue for services, it is also vital to their organization that they involve themselves in advocating for policy changes at the local, state, and federal level. In addition to specific areas of focus, sometimes it is also necessary to advocate to your networks for specific candidates, and or bills that are up for public election. Politics can seem intimidating to a lot of people but focusing on a few specific areas you care about most can help you stay informed about those areas and even help you stay informed about the broader picture.
How to Start
Once again, it is important to really decide what it is you care about the most. This can help you stay focused and intentional about what you say and do. Understand that it takes time to develop your voice and to educate others on what you care about. Find groups and organizations who also support your cause and pay attention to what they are already doing to advocate for this cause. Strength in numbers is the only way causes gain traction.
Make it a Habit
Joining networks, groups or organizations with similar priorities is the best way to keep your causes front and center. Many of these organizations also take monthly recurring donations and have newsletters you can join to stay informed. Attending rallies and events is one of the best ways to feel connected with a cause and to meet others who are passionate about it. Finally, stay up to date on who your representatives at the local, state, and federal level, and know how to contact them if needed.
