Taking Action: Partnering together to make a difference

Ever feel like the world is falling to pieces and there is nothing you can do about it? That the crises are too numerous, the problems too large? I definitely have. Maybe you feel so frustrated with the state of society that you want to throw your hands up and just ignore it all, focusing on your own life because at least you have some amount of control over it. I get it. It can be overwhelming and even paralyzing when the challenges seem insurmountable.

Truthfully, some issues are so complex and systemic that they might never be “solved.” But that doesn’t mean our hands are tied, that we shouldn’t work towards a solution through positive action.

Right now, there are people who are all in, working hard to deal with injustice, poverty, abuse, loneliness, food insecurity, affordable housing, healthcare and more. But they shouldn’t have to do all the work. Imagine if we all chipped in, in some way, to be part of the solution. As busy as we are, and as much as we might want to separate ourselves from the chaos, hurt and disappointment of the struggles around us, the world will be so much better if we all participate.

So the questions we have to ask ourselves are: 1) What pulls at my heart strings and prompts me to engage? 2) At this moment in my life, how can I help?

There is so much need in our world right now, and there are many causes to support. But not every one can support every thing. Instead, let’s focus on that one issue that really calls to you. What gets you fired up and makes you want to do something about it? What are you passionate about enough that you want to share your time and talents?

I have a caregiver’s heart and am passionate about many things. I’m a strong believer in giving life through blood and organ donation. I care deeply about the environment we’ve been entrusted with and strive to be a good steward and to help others enjoy and appreciate nature. I believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food, quality medical care, and affordable housing. I want to see mental health care normalized into the fabric of our society. I feel compassion for individuals in unsafe relationships and wish to see barriers removed that prevent them from seeking and finding safety. I believe that all living beings have value and deserve compassion. I love children and have a real heart for those in the foster care system. And the cause that really touches my heart is the welfare of animals. Maybe one of these causes resonates with you too.

Though I might contribute in some way to the work of many organizations, I currently choose to spend most of my time helping to better the lives of companion animals (primarily dogs and cats). What cause is a top priority for you? What do you care deeply about enough to take action?

Once you determine the cause you’re passionate about, we’re ready to move on to Question #2…

Let’s be practical. Not everyone can, or is called to, trade their current lives for one of service. But there are countless heroes out there who are giving of themselves every day for the causes you and I care about. How might we partner with them, showing support for the amazing work they’re doing and helping them to be successful?

I can think of three primary ways in which we can help support the efforts we’re passionate about:
1. Volunteer
2. Donate
3. Share

A team of volunteers builds a secure enclosure for cats to enjoy time outdoors at an animal shelter. The cost of materials for the “catio” was fully funded by a generous donor.

Is there an organization in your community that is already working to address the cause you care so much about? Most nonprofit organizations have a long list of ways people can support their work, with opportunities ranging from a long-term, ongoing commitment to just a few hours for a one-time event. Perhaps you’d like to build sets for the local performing arts group or assist with fundraising events to support your homeless shelter. What about walking a dog at the animal shelter, maintaining a local hiking trail, picking up trash, or mowing the lawn for senior citizens? Your food bank might be looking for a driver to transport food to those in need. Have technological skills? Many nonprofits would appreciate help with photography, social media and website development and management.

What are your talents? What do you enjoy doing? How might you like to help and how much time are you able to commit?

It’s important to recognize that our ability to volunteer our time will fluctuate depending on the season of life we’re in. I spent the past few years focused on the care of my aging dogs, with little to no time to volunteer. After allowing myself time to grieve and to focus on some projects and people who had been neglected (as well as my own self-care), I’m now ready to start volunteering again.

Not every season will allow time for volunteering. And that’s OK. There are other ways we can support the causes we’re passionate about.

Saving lives by donating blood! Blood drives provide a fantastic opportunity to give just an hour or two of your time (either as a blood donor or volunteer).

One of the greatest ways to support a nonprofit is to provide much-needed funds and/or supplies. No organization, even one run solely by volunteers, can operate without funding. Once you’ve identified an organization that is doing work that’s important to you, I highly recommend getting to know them as best as you can. Take a tour of their facilities or attend an event they’re hosting. Talk with people involved in the organization and read reviews. As much as possible, do a little research so you can be confident that the money you share will be used wisely. How are funds spent? How much is used for overhead versus supporting programs?

My personal preference is to give to smaller organizations where I know that every amount given is meaningful and used wisely. I’ve found that many larger organizations spend much of their budget on marketing and offer hefty salaries to their management team. I’m most interested in giving to organizations that I see doing a lot with a little. With that being said, please understand that it’s important that staff are paid a living wage and that the organization has safe facilities that functionally support the mission of the organization. I have no problem donating to support the staff and facilities of an organization that I feel is doing good work and using funds wisely.

• In honor or memory of someone – Some of the most meaningful gifts I have received have been donations to organizations I care about, particularly the ones in memory of my dogs. Getting a housewarming gift for a friend? Consider donating to your local homeless shelter or affordable housing nonprofit in lieu of plants or wine. Donations to worthy causes make fantastic corporate gifts.
  
• Specific project or fund – Sponsor an animal’s adoption fee. Contribute to a medical fund. Support foster kids attending summer camp. Donate towards a major construction/improvement project. I typically prefer to donate to an organization’s general fund so they can use the money based on their priorities – they know best what they need! However, it can be a lot of fun to contribute to a very specific need.
  
• Recurring gift – Organizations are grateful for all gifts, but they especially appreciate funds that they know to expect every month because it allows them to plan ahead for expenses.
  
• In-kind donations – Host a supply drive at your office. Teach philanthropy to children; encourage them to accept donated items at their birthday party, in addition to or in lieu of gifts. Donate gently used items you no longer need/use. Many organizations will share specific items they currently need on their Facebook page, and some also have a Wish List on Amazon, Walmart, Chewy or other shopping sites.
  
• Planned giving – Consider setting aside funds in your Will to be given to charities of your choosing after you pass away.
  
• Other gifts – One of the ways nonprofits raise funds is through silent and live auctions. Consider donating an item or experience, such as a week at your vacation home, a lesson in cheesemaking, professional logo design, or a photography session. Maybe you’re a potter, a tattoo artist or a musician; how can you share your talents to benefit a nonprofit organization? Many organizations accept vehicles and even homes, if these are things you are in a position to donate.
  
• Plan a fundraiser – Invite friends and family to join you in giving! Select a charity, then create a fundraiser via Facebook or another platform. Some nonprofits host annual events, such as a charity walk/run, where you’ll be given a fundraising page as part of your participation in the race. Host a dinner for friends and neighbors and encourage attendees to bring a donation. Hosting a fundraiser is an excellent opportunity to share why you believe this organization deserves support.

Volunteers cut a tree that fell over the hiking trail at a local park.

You might be fresh out of time and cash, but you can still support your chosen nonprofit. How? Tell others about the organization – what they do and how they are making an impact. Share upcoming events the charity is hosting and encourage others to participate. If you’re on social media, like and share their posts. Write a great review for them. If the nonprofit has a specific need, spread the word. You might not be able to meet that need, but perhaps someone in your circle, or your friends’ circles, will be able to. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to promote an organization!

If you’re having trouble finding an organization in your area that supports the cause that’s important to you, ask around. Talk with friends and neighbors to see if they are connected to any groups you might like to learn more about. Many counties/cities/large employers now offer a “Great Give” once a year to encourage giving to local nonprofits. Even if you don’t participate in the giving event, these websites are typically an excellent place to learn more about who is doing what in your area.

Fostering animals is a rewarding way to volunteer!

I believe it’s important to “give back” because it’s the right thing to do. Really, as members of society, we should do what we can to make a positive impact within our communities. And when you give your time and money to an organization you care about, it’s not a burden but a blessing. I absolutely love volunteering at the shelter! Playing with the cats and walking the dogs, knowing that I’m helping to lessen the stress they’re experiencing in the shelter environment, this makes me happy. I can’t tell you how much I laugh at their antics, and getting outside for a walk is so great for me physically. If I’m tired or overwhelmed, focusing on the animals helps me regain a healthier perspective on life. Not every day as a volunteer is perfect, but I truly enjoy the experience and know that I’m making a difference.

How are you supporting a cause that’s meaningful to you? Are you currently volunteering or donating to a specific charity? How do you spread the word about the work that organization is doing? Tell me about the nonprofit(s) you love. Which charities are your favorites and why do you choose to support them? If you’re engaged in a nonprofit in any capacity, what ideas do you have for others who might want to get involved? Let’s work together to bring about good!