Yesterday, I attended a most inspiring workshop, Philanthropy 101, conducted by Siobhán O’Riordan, Director of Communications and Philanthropic Programs, at The Women’s Foundation.
Siobhan is off the hook in getting to the heart of philanthropy…the transformational process occurring from the inside out as a result of giving. While the initial motivation for giving is social responsibility and awareness of or identification with a societal challenge, there is another process unfolding in giving: the miracle of transformation taking place in the heart and mind of the giver who is living authentically from their personal value system—what really matters to them.
Siobhan engaged us in a process and a discussion on how philanthropy links the giver and receiver so that both parties are simultaneously givers and receivers. This is “the new wave of giving” evident in the magic of The Women’s Foundation that is empowering women to give generously.
As I give, I surprisingly continue to receive so much on so many levels, and I am very grateful for this. I see the wisdom in the saying, “One cannot receive with a closed fist.”
We also talked about our own giving traditions across diverse race, cultural, and economic groups. Not surprisingly, everyone in the room came from traditions of giving, including tithing, social activism, community self-help, random acts of kindness, as well as giving to philanthropic organizations.
I encourage you to participate in Siobhan’s brown bag conversations with other philanthropists over the next several months.
Like me, you just may learn something more about you!!!
Claudia Thorne is a member of The Women’s Foundation’s African American Women’s Giving Circle. Her thoughts on philanthropy and participation in this giving circle were recently published in a Washington Post op-ed.
