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Nice post. I like the competitive fund raising idea but I don't know how to justify raising money to win prizes to people.
For example if I ask my friends to donate, they ask me why, I tell them it's to build a school, then they check out the litliberation website and see that there are also great prizes available, it makes me look like I'm just interested in the prizes and not the fund raising.
I would say a lot of people have the sponsor mindset, where the fun raiser has to do something challenging or out of character to really open people's wallets. I'm not saying that's the right mind set, I'm just not sure how to explain that I won a trip round the world because you gave $100 to my charity.
Not that I could win the litliberation prizes anyway (yes, except the recognition!), being a British citizen living in Japan.
Hmm typing all this out made me realise the answer. Don't just ask for donations, do something worth sponsoring then!
Richard
(^_^)
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Hi Richard,
This is a great question and another one I wrestled with. In the end, I need to prizes to get some of the PR exposure for the campaign, and many people are motivated to take that first step by prizes. I just want it to be their "gateway drug" into a lifetime of giving.
Also, some people are creating donation pages and giving away their prizes, if they win them, to the biggest donors to the page, etc. Others are simply informing their friends that they will be passing the prizes on to the next competitor if they win.
Hope that helps!
Tim
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Hi Kathryn,
The date won't be determined for a bit, but if you (or anyone else) who pays can't make it, I'll refund the amount, so no worries. Best to sign up and then just get the refund if you can't make it.
Thanks!
Tim
Count me in for the teleclass.
Best,
Danielle
Sweet Talk PR
Honestly now, how much long-term damage is done by those whose hearts are in the right place but whose actions lead to the perpetuation of impoverishment in so many of its forms? So many have been brainwashed in equating virtue with giving that they can no longer see that the reality is far different and much less forgiving.
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Hi S!
Thanks for the note. I do agree that giving blindly to the wrong institutions is not a good approach. That's why I've interviewed the CEOs of the groups involved with LitLiberation, and I've gone over their financials and results to date. These two groups, unlike many, correct impoverishment instead of perpetuating it.
Few solutions are perfect, but one of the big questions is: how much is the chosen action better than doing nothing? It's a good question to ask, as criticism about action can also become an excuse for inaction.
Thanks for contributing!
Tim
At this point in life, I don't have any money to give. What I do have, however, is equally valuable: Time. I am on the membership committee working to improve member outreach and retention; I make calls to solicit product donations for program that interest me.
The organization tends to see higher levels of volunteerism in their younger members and bigger donations from less active older members. There are of course some exceptions.
I give back in kind, with my skill sets. At the end of the dya, it's probably more satisfying that writing a check. I'll be able to draw my own conclusions in a few years.
What I am wondering--how do you feel about "giving back" through actual work rather than money donations? why not volunteer on a project to help build a school rather than pay for someone else to do it.
Maybe this is irrelevant, as the ultimate point of the post is to convince people to participate in this fundraiser, but I still think its interesting.
He also has a great book - Three Cups of Tea - that explains his approach. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time in the 3rd world I appreciate his outlook.
Tim I think the program is great. The more you can show people the impact of the program, the more you will inspire people. Images and videos of the actual people and places that you're working to help might push a few people across the line. Take your VIP's to the "Ferriss school for children who can't read good."
It doesn't take big bucks to make an impact on others. Giving with a joyful heart...and giving to the degree that serves you personally given your financial picture -- is a very satisfying and attractive thing to do.
Thanks for the comments. To answer a few questions:
-Money is definitely not the only way to give back! Let me clear up a misconception about LitLiberation: you DO NOT need to donate any of you own money. The competition rewards the best fundraiser -- the person who can influence the most people to develop the habit of giving -- not necessarily the person with the biggest bank account. Providing your time and effort is definitely as valid, often more valid, than simply writing a check. Remember: giving back the right way is the same as empowering others. Empowering others takes action, not lots of money.
-The date for the call won’t be determined for a bit, but if you pay for it and can’t make the date, I’ll refund the amount, so no worries. Best to sign up and then just get the refund if you can’t make it.
-Jesse, I'm a fan of Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute, but I called and emailed them to be involved with LitLiberation, and no one ever returned the inquiries. I take response time as a good gauge of how quickly non-profits can capitalize on good opportunities, so they are not included in this campaign. I'm nervous about giving my money to any group that won't return my calls for weeks on end. Perhaps in the future, as I am a fan of what they're doing in Afghanistan.
Thanks to all!
Tim
I'm in no way affiliated with this organization (other than a fan), but they offer some really practical ways to give both your money and your TIME back to the community. It's called "Cool People Care":
http://www.coolpeoplecare.org
These guys are basically just a matchmaking service where they post opportunities to get involved in your community or a cause you care about, and show you how to get involved.
It's a nice easy way to give something back. I think we are all responsible for contributing to the greater good of our world and there are lots of opportunities out there for doing so.
I've even really enjoyed giving (micro-lending) to third-world entrepreneurs using www.kiva.org (started by former PayPal founders). Here you can give as little as $25 to a business owner you can vet out right on the site. So as you said above, "Changing the world doesn’t require much money. Again, think in terms of empowerment and not charity." This is a great way to do that.
Sorry if it seems I'm pimping these sites, but I have really enjoyed using them as a tool to get involved in things bigger than me, and thought you (or your readers) might like them too.
Keep up the good work!
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Hi Marc!
Kiva.org is great, and their president, Premal Shah, is a supporter of LitLiberation. There is a Kiva.org page for LitLib here: http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/leadershipbo... Thanks for the comment!
Tim
Tim
When I was a freelance photojournalist covering human rights issues, I never felt that I could do enough--give something concrete back. And I couldn't! I was broke! Now, ironically, as an entrepreneuer, I can do much more. Go for it! Tim's right. It makes you feel GOOD! --Jenn
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Hi Jenn!
I couldn't agree more about not waiting. I still haven't received my first royalty check for my book, and I decided not to wait on giving the 10%+. I'm frontloading it, and while it makes me a bit nervous, I feel great. The moment to act is now, to be sure. I couldn't be happier.
All the best,
Tim
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Working in the nonprofit sector, I can say with all certainty that $5 or 1 hour really can make a difference. It can feed a cold and hungry person, or give a book to a child that has nothing. Don't wait to be generous.
Great idea!
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Emil, great suggestions. I missed that. I've made the changes, and this should improve participation. Thanks!
All the best,
Tim
You should consider on writing a creativity fundraising manual for entities.
It will be awesome to have pocket of techinques, procedures, ideas, and step-by-step. Lot of non-profit organization struggled to raise capital.
Consider this a way to give back by sharing your expertise and portion of profits can go to charities.
Regards,
Joe
Great post! Rich and I have been discussing this topic on our blog under the title of "The Gospel Of Wealth". There's this school of thought out there that as we become more wealthy, we are somehow obligated to give back to less fortunate citizens. Rich and I have been discussing whether that "obligation" really exists - or is it just something that the majority of wealthy people do to appease their sense of guilt for having so much money?
Sure, there are plenty of wealthy people who are sincere in their wish to make the world better (Bill Gates and Warren Buffett come to mind immediately), and they see their money as nothing but a tool to achieve their goals.
But, there are also plenty of people who do it as sort of a Public Relations move... make money selling something to people who really can't afford it, then contribute $100K to Aids awareness in Africa for example.
The question really is - is this obligation? Or can somebody just become wealthy and KEEP their wealth for their own enjoyment?
We've linked to your posting here in hopes of getting some more discussion going on this topic.
You and your readers can read our posts on this subject at http://wealthcoaches.com/2007/09/the-gospel-of-...
Awesome job as always,
Bill Richardson
I totally agree with all you say.
Many years I ago I got involved with this "charity" school in South India at www.nirvanaschool.org
It has been the most fulfilling and rewarding thing I have ever done. Through my involvement and that of others, we have empowered 1,000s of children and their families. All for very little in relative terms of time and money.
My first ever visit to Nirvana school was a major life changing experience as you can read here:-
http://www.arvinddevalia.com/blog/2007/01/12/un...
So I urge every one to get involved in empowerment contributions - it will be a life changing experience for both the recepients and YOU.
And Tim, from now onwards I shall no longer refer to Nirvana school as a charity school, but as an EMPOWERMENT school.
Thank you
Arvind
"Line space is very limited, as we will taking questions at the end,"
Great blog post. I'd like to sponsor some books specifically for your library (when ready). How can we facilitate this?
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Hi Drew,
Thank you for wanting to help me with my own personal library. However, I spoke with the folks from Room to Read and, unfortunately, guaranteeing book donations toward a specific library is out of the organization’s scope. They’ve got an amazing staff in Vietnam whose top priorities are focused on the programs and deserving communities. Asking them to focus on the logistics that this type of donation would require is just too time intensive. That being said, there are still ways to support Room to Read by donating books. You can sponsor a local language publishing title, for example, for Vietnam. More details here: http://www.roomtoread.org/involvement/adopt.html
Thank you for your willingness to help!
Tim
I want to give Andrea from the comments above a nod for her comment. I agree that it's not all about money, not that I think your post is saying that at all, Tim.
I too am active in multiple organizations and spend hours a week on charity work. In my time I've seen some very large checks come in. Unfortunately I then watched the people behind the scenes waste it, sit on it, fumble around with it and/or spend it on things that have no benefit to the organization whatsoever. Not from ill will, but just general lack of know-how.
It's definitely not about the money. In fact, I think if everyone "helping" were doing their best, knuckling down and really trying to be effective towards known goals, charities would get more done with less money. I donate a small fortune every year, and will continue to do so, but I'll also keep a close eye to make sure it's not just churning around in the bureaucracy.
Thanks, Tim, thanks for hitting a tough subject!
This is a monthly series of webcam interviews I have started (final edits done this Monday!) with:
-people who created greenery to cover the entire sides of city buildings
-a spokesperson from TheElders.org (Richard Branson, Peter Gabriel, Nelson Mandela, Graça Machel)
-leaders in the development of web social networking tools like Ning and the new Flock social browser
-Herbert Harris author of "12 Universal Laws of Success"
A strong argument can be made for "SAVE YOURSELF FIRST before you try to save the world", but why not create a business you love, based on a niche you are passionate about, and save the world along the way.
The interview series will be distributed to high schools across North America for free starting in November (and available on Amazon.com, which is how I get paid!). Additionally $7 from each DVD goes to an Entrepreneurship Micro-loan charity.
p.s. I'll set my goal for the "Most students impacted" award. The recognition by Yahoo will go a long way to further promote this project!
p.p.s. I just sent payment for the PR teleseminar! Really looking forward to finally speaking in person!
~Victory
~is October 31 the contest deadline?
Wealth is relative, anyway. I don't think we realize that if we are sitting here in front of a computer, we are already rich, especially to those folks in Nepal.
Perhaps you should write a book on fund-raising. I am trying to get some of my colleagues to help pitch in to buy a bike for one of our students who had his stolen (it is his sole transportation to school) and it is like pulling teeth.
As you know, wealth is relative, anyway. If we are sitting here in front of a computer, we are already rich.
Perhaps you should write a book on fund-raising. I am trying to get some of my colleagues to help pitch in to buy a bike for one of our students who had his stolen (it is his sole transportation to school) and it is like pulling teeth.
Your account of your martial arts contest win left me thinking that this guy really doesn't get it.
This troubled me, because it was quite clear that if you did you could really make a difference.
Then, this morning I found your blog with your take on charitable work, and came away with a very different take. You are an enigma wrapped in a riddle.
You have inspired me to write a check to a non-profit that I know to be doing good work, and I know the founder's integrity to be above reproach, and make a commitment to do that every quarter, and lend a hand when they do work in NYC. Shame on me for taking too long, and thank you for pointing it out.
Best wishes.
Rik Longenecker
I'm delighted to see you support 'Room to Read'. John Wood is one of my favorite social entrepreneurs, and "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World" is an inspirational read that's helped guide my own non-profit work.
All success
Dr.Mani
The best answer I could give to this question is think of the people that have given the MOST to those in need. Many of them have been the uber-wealthy or even upper-middle class, but ones I think of are Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Ghandi, etc. Those that have given something more valuable than money. Time!
This response is not a call to give up everything and serve those in need, though it is a noble calling. The people that have answered that calling need our money now as do those that have no opportunity currently to achieve any level of financial comfort.
I would encourage you to read "The End of Poverty" by Jeffrey Sachs. With your current fame you could probably even meet him, which I would recommend.
Oh, and by even Western standards you are already rich.
It would be like buying your $500 mountain bike and not taking 5 minutes a weeks to oil the moving parts, or an extra two minutes to clean it at the end of the ride. ...7 mos. later, your chain disintegrated and the wheels are barely turning!
Or putting your visit to the dentist off for 3 years. (...and then expressing surprise at the results of that crawling black thing embedded in your incisor!)
Early money, quick action, will save truck loads of woes!
-Chad
Being Poor Sucks!
This is why I have spent the summer developing this idea: http://www.schoolchildrensbookawards.org
with the aim to switch kids on to reading - and it works. I was looking for somewhere to send the money I raise, 'Room to Read' looks like the perfect organisation...
Hope you enjoyed the rugby!
So, I think it is a balance of giving now and giving later. because if I were to give Everything now, I would not be able to make more to give later...just my two cents.
I have been thinking about that a lot since reading your book. And some of these mini-retirements could actually be used to go and help others.
Thank you for all the links and info on charities. I also hate when they offer prizes, but I suppose if that's what it takes to motivate people towards giving it is worth it.
I think the commenters have already expressed the thoughts that I have, multiple times, but yes, many people think that they should wait before giving something back to the community. The problem is, most of us think that we can help the world by just donating money. We can do many things to help people without having enough money to give. For instance, in the developed world so many things are consumed needlessly. If there is less consumption, the world becomes a bit better.
Similarly, one can help NGOs have websites, provide them free consultancy and other skills or help them raise awareness. Even if pollute less and grow a tree and make sure it grows up you are giving back to the world.
An additional bonus of starting to give right now is the training effect. If you exercise every day, your body will let you know if you miss an exercise session. We tend to keep on doing the things that we train ourselves to do. If we train ourselves to give, giving becomes part of who we are. It may start with money or time, but it spreads throughout your being. A trained giver is more likely to notice opportunities to give and to take advantage of those opportunities. So giving benefits and changes the beneficiaries of your giving, but it also benefits and changes you:-).
I enjoy your blog, keep up the thought-provoking posts.
-b
Just thought I'd try. ;)
Good post!
I read your post about litliberation in conjunction with reading wikinomics. I thought it would be cool to start a facebook group which had the premise that the members belonging to it each contribute one dollar to the firstgiving donation page. With some of these facebook groups having 500,000 , I thought the goal of 17,000 members far-fetched, yet still obtainable. Any thoughts on getting this charity (or facebook group) past its "tipping point"?
Cheers,
Dane
The group can be viewed through this link: http://uvic.facebook.com/group.php?gid=63078714...
As you very correctly note - giving to great causes is so rewarding it is almost a selfish act, and I hope efforts like your schools project bring that great feeling to more people.
FYI - hoping to join you in VietNam visiting the school *we* helped to build with contributions.
Best Wishes,
Rachel
It is great to read that you consider "giving back" an important part of one's lifestyle. I also agree we shouldn't wait. It is amazing what even a small donation can accomplish. Great post.
As a fundraiser, I've been told, and believe, that fundraising is really matchmaking. Find an organization that you want to invest your money in and watch it grow.
Just an update for this post and some proof that you do NOT have to wait until you are rich to give back. I am a 3rd yr student at UVIC (synonymous with Broke :D ) But since reading your post on LitLib and this one, my firstgiving page (www.firstgiving.com/danelow) has raised nearly $6000 to date!!
Thank you again for continued inspiration!!
Dane
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1150952
I don't know if you can even read all the comments you get, but just in case you do, I wanted to let you know that you have had a big impact on me. I didn't know who you were or even that you existed until 3 days ago. But you have managed to decrypt what I have been trying to do blind for most of my life. The clarity of your perception and ability to transmit it is truly a Godsent.
I managed to sneak in my donation at the last minute since the page closes tomorrow (my life has always had this pattern it seems!) so I look forward to the meet up when I can then thank you in person in Nepal.
G.
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Hi G,
Thanks so much for the kind words and donation! I do read these comments on occasion, to be sure :)
Best of luck to you and yours,
Tim
Sincerely and best wishes to all of you embarking on this common need.
Randy
PS- I would appreciate direction + advice in seeking 'green'investors as I have received coast to coast media attention for our efforts but need capital to proceed in meeting the demand of the market. Thanks again.
To say 'giving back' implies that something was taken or borrowed and you are obligated to one day return it.
I prefer the term 'giving' because better emphasizes the fact that you are helping someone not because of an obligation but because you want to.
I know this is picky, but I can't help myself!!
Love the blog, love the book, LOVE THE DIET!!! 40lbs so far and still going!!
-Andrew
To say 'giving back' implies that something was taken or borrowed and you are obligated to one day return it. It also implies that no social benefit can occur when a profit is being made.
I prefer the term 'giving' because better emphasizes the fact that you are helping someone not because of an obligation but because you want to.
I know this is picky, but I can't help myself!!
Love the blog, love the book, LOVE THE DIET!!! 40lbs so far and still going!!
-Andrew
My name is Braden Loader. I'm currently a commerce student at the University of Manitoba, and to be frank, I'm tired of being 21 and not sailing my own boat off the coast of Costa Rica!
I have a prospective business idea in the form of a self-guided adventure travel company, yet feel my business plan and concept are loose and undeveloped. I believe some serious strategic aid is to be sought if I'm not to be one of the several thousand internet sites that bite the dirt immediately. Realizing this may be an atypical request, I can only hope you'd humour me, as a newcomer such as myself could learn a lot from your business savvy. Where and when may we meet?
As urgency is a matter of opinion, I'll leave it up to you!
Regards (I just can't do the "cheers" thing),
Braden Loader
P.S. Apologies to those with intellectually stimulating comments, all I can do is try!
I am actually, right now (and have been for at least 1 week today), planning to have a local architect draw up new plans for my city's big pride: the green and lovely park (located besides our almost as lovely lake running by the city). I want to make the park more alive. Not just green, but a place where people can really interact with each other more than they do today.
So what I am doing is getting numbers from the architect. Numbers covering the cost of doing the drawings, the required work etc and then I will see if I could donate money from my own account so that this will happen. Though, I approach the whole donating thing a bit different from others. Look at this:
1) Donate a lump sum payment into a high paying savings account (4,45% is fully possible to get in Sweden. Inflation over here is 3,3% approximately at this time) and then let the interest from that savings account pay of a loan I will take out to get things running right now.
2) Tell the lenders that the first year needs to be all "interest only" (annuity loan). The next year and all the years thereafter (until the loan is paid of) will be paid directly from interest income on savings. This requires doing the numbers correctly, but we learned math in school:).
This way of financing things works equally fine with purchases of stuff and experiences too. Just do the numbers and it will work out pretty fine in the end. This way of financing things makes most sense if the income is automatic as Tim describes in his book.
Would love Tim's response to this approach. Thanks in advance. Take care.
Very good post. Giving is also an important example of community service involvement and care for our world for those around us.
You may not be, as far as I know, an evangelical Christian, but what you have affirmed sounds a lot like our doctrine of the tithe: giving is for everyone, not just the few and the rich. We evangelicals have had a lot of trouble with a "second half" idea that you can do whatever it takes to make a killing in the first half of your life so that you can go and give to, or volunteer for, "ministries" in the second half. Ken Lay taught Bible class in Sunday School till he got clapped in irons. And this first half-second half mentality is probably part of how he justified it all. I say, and you'd probably go along with this way of putting it, live on both sides of your mid-life crisis from age 20 till you're in the nursing home!
To frighten you further, a lot of your stuff overlaps with the Christian and Jewish doctrine of the Sabbath. What that is about is, God can run the universe without me one day a week. (Actually, He can do it without me altogether; He has stuff for me to do, but I'm not indispensable.) And the world won't collapse into dust and ashes if I get off the cell phone for a while (one of the real reasons we grumble at people bellowing into their cell phones at all times and places, as if the universe wouldn't exist without them for a little while) or not look at my e-mail for a few hours, or this, or that. And that sounds a lot like the things you are saying!
Peace, Howard
It wasn't until I had a stroke that I started to look at my life closer at 48.
Since then I quit importing yachts from Italy and started and new innovative way to raise money to feed the hungry.
Take a look at our demo website. We are still raising money to finish the website so that we can launch in 2009.
Looking forward to hearing what you think.
Kindest Regards,
Mark G. Andries
Director
Although we're separated by only one small degree, I've been reluctant to request an intro until I felt that I was in a position to add at least as much value to you as you have to me (& that's no easy feat, to say the least!). With that said, I submitted an innovative idea to Google's 10 to the 100th Project that I believe could be beneficial to your education initiative. Here's a 30-SECOND VIDEO to explain "Hungry for Change" (click on 'more info to the right of the video for a more detailed explanation):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCQPLnXFE-4
Tim, if the idea resonates with you, and you'd like to learn more about HfC, I'd welcome (with arms wide open) the opportunity to discuss it further.
Keep rockin' the casbah
J
I'll check it out. Thank you.
All the best,
Tim
After having a bleeding stroke at 48, I started to evaluate my life. One of them was to give back.
Take a look at my new charity and its idea that will raise millions for charities that feed the Hungry. www.shareameal.org/demo
you are my idol.
I love you man.
Let's hope you change my life.
Thanks for writing your book.
The Bible mentions a woman that had very little but gave very much. It didn't seem like a lot in terms of the amount, but it was a lot to her. People need a leader in all areas of life, sometimes your small donation will lead others to give. Many raging wild fires have been started by a small ember.
Take action when you see a worthy cause and make sure that you are giving to perfect strangers as well as those whom you know. Sometimes people give for approbation so that others think highly of the giver. That type of giving is so self centered it almost defeats the purpose.
I went to the room2read, and the litlib donorschoose site and didnt feel absolutely comfortable about splashing an impulsive $250 (good cause or not). Especially with the declining value of the pound (Im in the UK).
However inspired by your post I did a google search and set up a direct debit to SOS Charities.
I wouldve much preferred to have given it to room2read or litlib as you had interviewed the CEOs and gone over their accounts, so Id be sure my money was being used wisely / efficiently.
Shame that I couldnt give to the charity of my choice (i.e. your choice as I'd trust your judgement) because there wasnt a direct debit option.