Where do I give my time and money?
Where do I give? This is a question you may ask yourself when faced with a mailer, an email or online invitation.
Consider this.
What will your giving do to help a group or individual?
What is your purpose for giving?
Do you have a passion or purpose you feel called to? A "why?" Will this giving match up with your why?
These questions should be thought about before you impulsively hand out your money or time to anyone. (Side note: it's alright to say no.)
I use to give here, give there. I love helping people and I cannot bare to see the injustice, poverty and lack in the world. For the last few years I've been in the fight to end human trafficking. While, at the same time, I am a mother, a caregiver, a speaker, trainer and coach, and I'm working on me. I have found with my growth that my time needs protection. I guard my hours. The 80/20 rule works.
The 80/20 rule suggests that when you devote 80% of your time to the 20% most important items, projects, etc that you are working on. The result is that you are insanely more productive. What are your most productive tasks or goals?
Brian Tracy says, "the Pareto Principle, this rule suggests that 20 percent of your activities will account for 80 percent of your results." (1)
What in the world does this have to do with your giving?!
Ever been to a potluck? There can be 50 people there and only 10 brought food but there's enough to food to feed an army. When you donate your money (or time) to someone or an organization that is already doing the work you are passionate about you multiply the effect. This is golden!
Consider this, most people would agree that homelessness is a very real problem. I'm heartbroken when I see homeless families and individuals peddling for cash. I use to give to anyone with a child and to women. Then I realized that I could help more people by giving to organizations that are working to help them. A $5, $10 or $20 won't go far even if they spend it on something healthy. However, if I give that money to someone who is already setup to help them you can effectively help more people. Your money will go further.
Just to be clear here, I am not suggesting you give blindly. You need to know about the people you are giving your money to. Plus, does it fit in with your calling? Your passion. Your purpose.
There is Only One You. You have all you need inside of you to become all you can be. There is something you can do that no one else can. Wow! Did you get that?! YOU. You alone. Your unique offering to the world.
If you are looking to know more about your purpose or how you can help in the grassroots effort to end human trafficking I'm here for you.
Please email me at info@jowhipp.com
Siting: (1) https://www.briantracy.com/blog/personal-success/how-to-use-the-80-20-rule-pareto-principle/