7 November 2013

Why do we do what we do?

07 November 2013

From fancy cars and expensive clothes to fine dining and exotic vacations, there are many ways you can spend your hard-earned dollars. And there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself for a job well done — but what would happen if you rewarded someone else instead?

Philanthropy etymologically means “love of humanity” in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, and enhancing “what it is to be human” on both the benefactors’ (by identifying and exercising their values in giving and volunteering) and beneficiaries’ (by benefiting) parts. The most conventional modern definition is “private initiatives, for public good, focusing on quality of life”.

After donating financially to a charity or non-profit organization, you may feel an inner pull to become more involved with the cause by donating your time and skills as well. By volunteering, you have the opportunity to build your social circles while reaping the physical, mental and spiritual benefits from the labor you contribute to your favorite cause.

1) They are personally affected by the cause (think cancer or heart disease)
2) They are thankful that they aren’t affected by the cause (think cancer or heart disease!)
3) They want to have fun and be part of something (think Red Nose Day)
4) They share the values and ideals of the organisation (think human rights)
5) They empathize with the victims or beneficiaries (think Haiti earthquake)
6) They can get a bargain (think charity shops)
7) They want to help their community (think school fundraising)
8) They trust or fancy the person asking (think street fundraising)
9) Personal experiences
10) They want to make a difference
11) They want to do something active about a problem or take a stand on a particular issue
12) They are motivated by personal recognition and benefits
13) Giving is good thing to do
14) I felt emotionally moved by someone’s story
15) I want to feel I’m not powerless in the face of need and can help (this is especially true during disasters)
16) I want to feel I’m changing someone’s life
17) I feel a sense of closeness to a community or group
18) I need a tax deduction
19) I want to memorialize someone (for example, someone who is struggling or died of a disease)
20) I was raised to give to charity – it’s tradition in my family
21) I want to be “hip,” and supporting this charity (i.e., wearing a yellow wrist band) is in style
22) It makes me feel connected to other people and builds my social network
23) I want to have a good image for myself/my company
24) I want to leave a legacy that perpetuates me, my ideals or my cause
25) I feel fortunate (or guilty) and want to give something back to others
26) I give for religious reasons – God wants me to share my affluence
27) I want to be seen as a leader/role model

I’m sure everyone can find at least one reason in the comprehensive list of why people give to charity as a trigger to their own reasons for giving back. When considering donating to a charity, many people tend to research the issues connected to that organization. As a result, you become more educated about social injustices around the world. You may discover new points of view and opinions on topics about which you were previously uniformed. This knowledge may position you to help increase the awareness of social problems among those in your sphere of influence from a balanced and educated standpoint.

My business partner, Dianna Cassidy and I decided to create a website for those of us who want to give of our time because we care. It is important to connect with people who still care about humanity and the well-being of others. We will be launching www.donatemyholidaytime.com in mid December and the site has a simple purpose that during the holiday season like Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving to name a few, people can visit the site and find a charitable event in their area to volunteer their time at or make a cash donation directly to the event or organization hosting the event. Thus connecting with other people who still feel the need to help their fellow man. Cheers to starting something new. For Nikita!!!

Nexonta Technologies Inc