Summer vacation…the time of year everyone looks forward to. What are you doing this year? Traveling to some far off exotic location? Or staying home and taking advantage of the sights in your own community?
Whatever you do, I hope you’ll think about how you can make a difference. As you may recall, last summer I spent time in Nicaragua, working with two nonprofit organizations to save endangered sea turtles. Several of the young philanthropists I’ve interviewed have talked about the importance of international travel. Their trips to Nicaragua and Bosnia have been life-changing experiences.
Recently, I enjoyed a vacation on Maui and was happy to spend time swimming with turtles as I snorkeled through the coral reefs. I was also pleasantly surprised to see giving all around me. First, my friend and I discovered several local nonprofits when we attended the Earth Day Festival. Another day we saw youth restoring the local beach habitat. And on our final night, we attended a benefit dance to support the local hospitality association.
No matter where you find yourself, there’s always a chance to give. You can bring pencils to the schoolchildren in the remote village you are visiting (see Resource Highlight below for a review of The Promise of a Pencil). You can take time out to pick up trash at the beach or help with a restoration project. Or enjoy shopping at the local farmer’s market or art gallery. I hope you’ll keep an eye out for these opportunities—all of these actions make a difference.
Have a great summer!
Deborah Goldstein
831-373-3406
Celebrating Philanthropy Camp for Women!
In April, we wrapped up the inaugural Philanthropy Camp for Women. Women from diverse backgrounds and career paths listened, interacted, and shared their passions for giving back.
Here are just a few of the things they had to say:
“This was a fantastic experience. Each session was chock filled with fun exercises, and special conversations. I felt that I learned a lot, but even more, I developed some ideas, BIG potential plans, met some fun women, and so much more. Put this down as a ‘must do’ for next time it is offered.”
~ Estate planning and tax attorney
“I’m so totally engrossed in the conversations we are having and what I am seeing and learning, I forget to stop and notice what a wonderful job you do in making it all happen. I haven’t felt this engaged in years. What a great, great program!”
~ Certified Public Accountant
“I thought the class was one of the best continuing personal education classes I’ve taken. We had a small group of wonderful women who shared openly, which made the class very informative and eye opening to new perspectives on philanthropy.”
~ Freelance graphic designer/Product developer
I am grateful for our journey together.
Like to learn more about the experience? Listen in as I talk about the Moments of Enlightenment from Philanthropy Camp for Women (recording from Purposeful Planning Institute teleconference in April).
Stay tuned for the announcement of fall dates.
Advisors, interested in offering Philanthropy Camp for Women for your clients? This is a great way to open the door to the philanthropic conversation. Contact me for more details.
What is 21/64?
Years ago a colleague told me to check out 21/64. When I did, I found that they train philanthropic advisors like myself. At the time I thought, “some day I’ll take advantage of this opportunity.”
When I decided to focus on multi-generational giving, especially next gen, a couple years later, I knew that it was time to invest in their training.
To learn how this training has impacted my work…read more.
Resource Highlight–Fun Summer Reads!
Are you looking for something fun to read this summer? Do you want to be inspired too? I recommend two great books to take with you on your summer vacation.
The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change, by Adam Braun
Nearing his 25th birthday, Adam Braun started Pencils of Promise by depositing $25 in a bank account. As he says, “The biggest of dreams often start with small, unreasonable acts. Most people would have thought that it was crazy to start with the minimum amount, but I wanted to prove that you could start something big no matter how small you begin.” And he’s proven just that. Almost six years later, this for-purpose organization has built more than 200 schools around the world, providing education in communities that had no infrastructure.
The Promise of a Pencil is the inspiring story, outlined with 30 guiding mantras, of how Adam and a growing network of volunteers and advocates helped launch a movement. Throughout the book, Adam shares his personal journey and his encounters with the individuals who have helped shape who he is today. It is a compelling read.
Start Something That Matters, by Blake Mycoskie
Blake Mycoskie, chief shoe giver of TOMS, delivers an easy, fun read in his book, Start Something That Matters. He highlights his experience with TOMS along with that of other innovative organizations that are making a difference in the world. One of the key messages of the book is—we don’t have to wait to do good or to give back. As the book jacket says, “You can find profit, passion, and meaning all at once—right now.”
Blake’s intention is that his book will “be the catalyst of many more organizations and projects making a positive impact on the world.” To support this desire, Blake shares inspiration throughout the pages and challenges each of us to start something that matters. He outlines six simple keys that will help us do just that. What will you start?
For a longer review, visit 2164.net.
Happy reading!