Jenny's World Changing Responses 6 + 7

Giving Well

“Before most of us learned to talk, we learned to share.” This is definitely true. One of the first things we were learning is to share with friends or siblings. This principle completely applies to the cycle of global giving. Enabling philanthropy is an action that is extremely important. Small amounts of money given to causes that need them the most, and that they can be put to the best use. A few things are important with giving money. That the money goes directly to the cause you are donating to, that you give enough money to make an impact, and that the gift can expand itself contributing to a cycle. Though everyone believes that you can’t go wrong by giving, that isn’t the case. You can go wrong. If your money is misused, or not given to the cause it was set out to, or if it is not impacting the cause enough, it may not have been the best investment. I think it is important to be aware of the cause you are supporting. For instance, if you are donating to families in developing countries, your money should be going to them, so that they can use it to expand. Not to a foundation who gives a certain percent to them. There are so many causes that desperately need charity that misusing your money could lead to disaster. Philanthropy is extremely important tot making our goals to change the world work. Without donations, it couldn’t happen, but with these donations comes a responsibility to be aware and involved. Writing a blank check is great and all, but it isn’t so great if your money is being given away without any heart. Caring is also a key to donating.

Amplifying your voice

“Change begins when people speak up.” Without the opinions of our generation, progression is not going to occur. “Speaking up” can occur in many different forms. Blogging, Zines, the Internet, text messages. Each bit of action can make a difference. “Bridge blogging” is writing online for an audience beyond the immediate community, making an impact beyond just our community. Our voices need to be heard in larger communities for movements to happen. We may speak out among our peers, but it is important for our peers to spread a message. Examples are Ohmynews.com, which is a compilation of professional and volunteer reporters who cover current events. This way, there is a viewpoint of a professional, but also of someone who speaks for the masses. Though this movement is something that has been worked on by professionals and adults for years, we are the generation that is going to have to carry it on and continue. In order to change our world, we need to come up with a means to speak to our community. These methods are great at doing so. Can we come up with more to speak to a larger community? That’s our current challenge.