The ABC's of Giving

Point # 6 of the Dynamic Transitioning program is Giving Back. The Power of GIVING. Nothing is more rewarding than giving back. If you want a meaningful life, you must do meaningful things. Before the first month of the year is out, you'll want to think about how you plan to give back this year.

The ABC's of Giving
How much do you know about philanthropy, the nonprofit and volunteer sector, and the importance of giving your time, talent and treasure for the common good? What's the difference between philanthropy and charity? What's the role of government in giving and service? Most Americans have relied in the past on churches, families, friends and neighborhoods to teach the value and significance of service and giving.

Giving money is always useful and most people are eager to help out in a disaster like the Katrina hurricane or the tsunami of 2004. But money is not the only thing to think of when giving back. There are many ways you can get started - here's an "elementary" list of the ABC's of Giving.

A: applaud someone for doing a great job
B: bake something for a homeless shelter
C: care for a sick animal
D: donate a book to your library
E: encourage a friend to volunteer with you
F: form a service club or project with your friends
G: give a helping hand to an older person
H: help clean up a part of your neighborhood
I: illustrate a picture for someone
J: join a club
K: kindly ask if you can help someone
L: listen to and respect people
M: make something special for someone you love
N: notice if someone needs your help
O: offer to help out a neighbor
P: participate in a fundraiser
Q: quietly share
R: remember to say please and thank you
S: share a book with someone who cannot read
T: teach someone about the importance of caring
U: use the lifeskills
V: volunteer to help out at a local community function
W: welcome a guest in your business or school
X: explain what philanthropy means to you
Y: yes to sharing and caring
Z: zip up someone’s coat