Giving does not have to be cash or credit. Skills and time are dollarized and have value. Giving your time or “sweat equity” is giving and usually a very valuable way of doing it.

A thought about donating your time…carefully evaluate with whom and how. Make your first donation a lengthy period of research. Make phone calls and network. Look for the right fit and think long term.  Ask questions and really think about how you want to be helfpul. Before we founded World Children´s Relief in 2001-02, I had completed about 18 months of research. We built a database of 1,600 people with whom we had spoken with about their insights and opinions. We traveled to Africa, Haiti, Mexico and Bolivia to review the development sites and programs of others charities. We donated a lot of “sweat equity” to come to the conclusion that improving the qualitative face of education and establishing Early Childhood Development classes in some of the poorest schools on earth was our Giving mission-our service mission. Think about it.

Giving is Good For You!

www.worldchildrensrelief.org

www.teachertraininginafrica.org

I have a friend who is a professional journalist and she explained to me how her “business” feeds on negativity. It brought to my attention just how ubiquitous negativity and hopeless projections of the future can be. Giving affirms hopefulness and can serve as your own personal “line in the sand.” It is as if your saying “Hopelessness, I do not buy it!”, an act of defiance against dark world view.

A final thought about giving wisely. I have seen myself and so many others flirt with becoming nonbelievers in giving when they feel disappointed in the recipient of their gift. It could be an individual or a charitable institution. To enter the kingdom of givers also demands discernment, wisdom and the faith that once you´ve done the best you can to evaluate and use your judgment- it is out of your hands. You have done your part for yourself and others but don´t allow yourself to become jaded about the whole notion of giving.

Consumption is enjoying the fruits of your efforts. Saving is an act of prudence. Giving, in my view, burnishes one´s personal and private honor. If honor is the throne upon which sits true virtue; then, Giving for the sake of Giving is a noble quality, indeed.

www.worldchildrensrelief.org

Teacher Training in Africa