Have You Given Back Yet This Year?
Aug 18th, 2009 by msdanielle
What’s the Big Deal?
Hey Californians, did you hear? Our <sarcasm>beloved</sarcasm> Governor Schwarzenegger has cut 100% of domestic violence funding from the 2009/2010 budget. Money that helps protect the lives of battered and abused women (and their children) all across the state. This isn’t a reduction or an IOU, this is a permanent annihilation of the money. I was completely taken aback by the news, and disgusted at the fact.
It’s been weighing heavily on my mind that during this economic meltdown, as my friends are being laid off one by one, I’m sitting comfortably in my living room as I write this, without much worry about my immediately financial future. I want to do more, I wish I could do more.
What Can I Do? I’m Just One Person
A few days ago I came across an interesting blog post by Michael Martinez that talked about SEOs and the opportunity for and responsibility of giving back. It struck a chord in me that we are all platforms for voicing our opinions, viewpoints, and even outrage. So, beyond just internet marketers and bloggers, I’m calling on all of my readers, friends, colleagues, and family to choose a struggling non-profit and make a donation. It’s very simple actually.
Can you spare $10? The cost of lunch and an espresso. Can you spare $100? The cost of a new pair of Nikes. Can you spare $1000? The cost of a heavy night of partying in Hollywood. Can you spare $5000? The cost of a quick trip to Europe. I mean, come on, if you’re a successful marketer or business person, a professional, or even retired, there is a chance you can spare this amount. And putting it toward your favorite cause that will pay it forward is much more rewarding than accumulating one more pair of shoes, right?
Where Do I Sign Up?
If you don’t know where to start looking, maybe I can help. I’ve donated $50 to the Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley, and plan on finding more worthy organizations to donate to. If you would like to donate to them, here is the DVC donation page. If your heart strings tug for other causes, here are a few alternate suggestions:
- Domestic Violence Organizations (Yahoo! Directory)
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- Habitat for Humanity, New Orleans
- Natural Resources Defense Council (Help save the Earth!)
I Want to Help, But I Don’t Have Money to Spare
What is so wonderful about the human spirit is many people want to help others, even in their own time of need. My hat goes off to every person who donates even one item of clothing, one piece of furniture, a can of food, or a toy for a child. These are all things that could either end up in a landfill or be donated for future use.
If you want to donate, here are some ways you can help:
- Donate used clothing to your local Good Will (winter is coming!)
- Give away toys and games to your local school
- Encourage friends to donate and haul the items for them
- Give books, blankets, or canned food to your local homeless shelter
- Volunteer at your local soup kitchen
- Write a blog post on how you’re helping others in need, and how your readers can help
And if you really want to gain financially from your own situation, have a garage sale! Whatever’s unsold, you can donate to your local non-profit organizations. What you’ll have left are empty closets and a lot less clutter!
Feel Good About Doing Something Good
The whole point of donating your goods, time, or money is to help others, and I think helping others feels good (must be the sociologist in me). If you’ve been thinking about donating some money or helping out at a local shelter, it’s much easier than you think. Non-profits are in extreme need, and every little bit helps.
If you do decide to take action, a hearty “Great job!” goes out to you. Feel free to leave a comment on your favorite charity, a link to donate if you want, and the amount or items you’ve donated. Come on people, let’s help out our fellow citizens and do something good!
[photo: Xenia Institute]
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I have always been interested in helping people out whenever and however I can. I believe we all have an inherent nature to help one another especially those in need. I have donated money to my local public radio station (KCRW) and to Amnesty International along with other charities, but the most fulfilling way I have donated was by starting a clothing & toy drive at my work. You would be surprised at how many people are willing to help out. I was lucky to have a great H.R. rep. that was willing to send out bi-weekly emails and posted fliers for me. Within 2 months I had collected over $7500 worth of clothing and toys, which were all taken to the Los Angeles Mission (http://losangelesmission.org/) for their Christmas drive. I literally spent only 45 minutes a day organizing/collecting for this drive and I believe anyone can do this at their own office. Some companies will even sponsor you which is a win/win situation. Also, my brother is involved with local community organizations that build safe playgrounds for kids in low income areas. These are just a few of many ways to give back without spending your hard earned cash. It is easy to make a difference, all you have to do is be willing to give. Even a little means a lot… rings so true to those who have nothing.
hey “S”
thanks for sharing, i didn’t know you were so involved. next time let me know so i can help you organize! i know you told me about the beach clean up but i thought that was organized by your work? i’m also a member of kcrw and had listed NPR on the list but removed it; i didn’t think it fit in the post. so thanks for the mention. about 2-3 times a year i give my and my friend’s used clothing to my mom’s school, and a lot of the kids have nothing (hint hint, let me know if you have any old clothes. they need them for the boys). my mom has even bought her kids shoes from her own money. you’re right, just a small thing makes a big difference.
That’s absolutely terrible! Is there a general organization raising funds to make up for the difference?
On a related good cause note, the not-so-silent charity auction for AMGB and the Susan G. Komen foundation is another great cause (and has some great prizes). http://amgb.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/the-not-so-silent-silent-auction-benefiting-the-boobies/
So donate to both, yeah!
thanks dina, i think it’s up to the non-profits now, and also if they can squeeze federal money out of the govt. i read that they were expecting about 15-20% in cuts, but never 100%…
I hadn’t heard that either. I’m sure private donations are generous, but there are some absolutely mandatory causes that shouldn’t be ignored by the government.
I’m all for helping others, but the governator is my homeboy. We’ve gotten into a world of hurt, and California has been absolutely slammed with real estate valuations dropping off the charts over the past few years. Money has to come from somewhere, as unfortunate as that may be.
Maybe if we cut subsidies to green energy? Hmmm
Well said. Those of us who are successful at affiliate marketing make enough money sitting on our asses to be able to donate some of it to a better cause. No good having money and no sense of value.