At a time of great division in our country, what truly unites the great majority of us is our spirit of generosity and desire to help others. We need it now more than ever.
Philanthropy—defined as private initiatives for the public good—is built into our DNA as Americans. From the great fortunes of Carnegie and Rockefeller to Buffett and Gates, from the communal barn-raisings of the Old West to the Salvation Army bells at Christmastime, giving back is deeply embedded in our culture. It also produces endorphins in human beings that make us feel good.
Here are five simple ways you can give back and create a positive outcome in your community and yourself:
1. Go through your closets. Something you haven’t worn in two years could be a godsend to a homeless person or to someone needing presentable clothes for a job interview. You will be surprised at what you can give away and never notice it missing.
2. One day a month—or whenever you can—visit a local food kitchen and help serve meals. They can always use the help, and the gratitude you will receive from those you feed will touch your heart and nourish your soul.
3. Make a tax-deductible donation to a cause you care deeply about. It doesn’t matter how much. But before you give, vet the organization on Charity Navigator or other websites to make sure they are compliant and up to date with their filings. Charities should spend no more than 10-15 percent of their funds on administrative overhead.
4. If you can afford it, surprise a service worker with an unexpected tip they will remember for years to come. I carry a $100 bill in my wallet and every once in a great while, I surprise a restaurant server, valet, or hotel housekeeper with a special tip. The smile you put on their face, and the feeling you get inside, is worth many multiples of $100.
5. Join a nonprofit board. There are 1.8 million nonprofits currently in the U.S. They all must be governed by Boards of Directors. Many of them would benefit from your wisdom and experience. Offer to contribute your time and treasure, and they—and you—will be forever grateful.
Money can’t buy happiness. But giving away money, time, and talent can and does have a meaningful and lasting ROI. Look around you. Find someone to help. It will enrich your life and boost your biochemistry.
We all have the ability to change a life for the better, including our own.
