What does it mean to have more than you need? How long of a table do you build for others? What do you keep for yourself?
I’ve been thinking recently about what it means to be generous. Try Googling “The world’s most generous people“ and up pops an entire page of old white male billionaires. I’m glad they are sharing their wealth, but reading stories of billionaires giving away one their 27 billion made me realize that Google and I define generosity very differently. The most generous people I’ve encountered in my life are not those who give a small potion of their enormous wealth (often acquired at the expense of others). The most generous people I know, are those that give without expectation and are often the ones who have the least to give. This fact was confirmed in an article written a couple of years ago by a friend of mine, Courtney Martin on year end giving that I I always reread this time of year. (Also-I highly suggest subscribing to Courtney’s newsletter which is one of my favorites).
In the article, Courtney shares that 10% of your income is a good number to give away yearly which I have found helpful in figuring out my own giving budgeting. (Obviously there are so many factors that come into play in terms of how many people you are supporting on that income, etc.)
Courtney’s article also pointed out that sharing with others where you plan to give can encourage more giving and multiply the impact. So in that spirit, below is a list of some of the organizations I have donated to this year. They are organizations that inspire me, address things that keep me up at night worrying, and bring beauty to the world.
DrawTogether is a show (and podcast + newsletter) created by artist/illustrator Wendy MacNaughton that uses creativity as a way to grow social and emotional skills and to support overall wellbeing for kids – to develop confidence, resilience, connection, and so much more. DrawTogether Classrooms provide resources for educators in underfunded schools around the U.S. for students to tap into art and creativity as a way to process the big emotions of the pandemic (and life in general).
Thousand Currents funds grassroots groups led by women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples in the Global South. Supporting everyday people who are shaping proven and powerful local solutions to our shared and most urgent global challenges.
Earth Justice wields the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change.
Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Through the practices of rematriation, cultural revitalization, and land restoration, Sogorea Te’ calls on native and non-native peoples to heal and transform the legacies of colonization, genocide, and patriarchy and to do the work ancestors and future generations are calling us to do.
A therapy fund for Black women and girls with initiatives that are collaborative, prioritize opportunity, access, validation and healing.
I-MAK: fighting for a reform of the medicines and patent systems, including vaccine equity (which is not only a moral imperative, but epidemiologically necessary to keep any of us safe).
The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence an organization and public health think tank that identifies and implements evidence-based policy solutions and programs to reduce gun violence.
LiberatED: a liberatory approach to social emotional learning, racial justice, and healing.
Freedom for Immigrants a non-profit devoted to abolishing immigration detention and monitoring the human rights abuses faced by immigrants detained by ICE.
Eastside Arts Alliance & Cultural Center which presents free youth art classes, cultural programming, public art projects, and ongoing gallery exhibitions.
Here’s to the all the amazing people and organizations that bring hope in the world when we most need it. Who brings you hope? I’d love to hear how you build your longer table…