Haiti: What We Can Teach Our Children About Philanthropy

With the terrible tragedy in Haiti, it is often hard to see beyond the immediate devastation. But as a student of philanthropy, I find myself full of great hope. It is in the early weeks of any natural disaster or incredible tragedy that the American people exhibit such great compassion and care for others. People inherently want to do something to help. Stories of heroism, simple acts of kindness and miracles emerge from the despair. Opportunities for participatory philanthropy are abundant. This is true philanthropy at its core, to increase the well-being of humankind.
 
People from all walks of life and at all income levels consider what they will do. Some decide to provide immediate help by making a donation or raising money, some wait and are looking to invest in long-term solutions to the crisis, while others decide to focus more keenly on other issues entirely.  It is interesting to me that many discussions of late are focused on what is the “right way” to give.  This is an intriguing concept if you believe that philanthropy is a personal alignment of your values. Working with a number of philanthropists who are extremely passionate about the causes they support, I have come to believe each individual has to do what is right for him or her.  There is not one “right way”.
 
All types of giving are necessary and build on each other. We need individuals to focus on immediate needs, and others to focus on systemic change and others to remain dedicated to the projects at home and abroad that they already support. It is the collective giving of one’s time, treasure and talent to help another and the combination of all of the pieces that achieves social change.
 
Bad things happen, but the hope comes from knowing that everyone has the ability to make a difference. At the Dallas Women’s Foundation luncheon where Wangari Maathai spoke, she told the story of a fire in the woods, and a small hummingbird who used all of her energy to fly to the lake and fill its tiny beak with water only to fly back to the woods and put 2-3 drops on the fire. The other animals asked her why do keep flying back and forth only to add a few drops of water on the fire, and she responded, because I am doing what I can. Of course the Nobel Laureate was much more eloquent than I, but the story is fitting nonetheless.
 
I encourage you to use Haiti as a teachable moment for our youth. Children can often feel overwhelmed and scared by all they see and hear, especially in the early days of tragic events. Directing their attention to what they can do to help teaches them empathy, compassion and the ability to focus on others. In this day and age, this may be more important than ever. My children have a philanthropy pig – a piggy bank that collects loose change, a small portion of allowances, etc. These funds are directed by my children and they have to decide where it will go and how much of it they will use together. When the first earthquake hit, we told our children that we would match their donation. This opened up a dialogue that enhanced what they had heard on the news and at school. They made an immediate gift, and weeks later they have decided to make an additional gift through their school’s fundraising efforts. The gifts make a difference, especially when pooled with others, but I also hope the process impacts who my children will become.
 
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