Give

My life has been shaped by giving. The first job out of college was as a jill-of-all trades for a small arts workshop. I typed up the grants for the director (yes, we had selectrics back then) changed lightbulbs and even cleaned up rooms. From there I worked toward education and equity for women and girls, where I chaired the first national committee on organizational diversification. And later, I worked on AIDS, filling in wherever they needed me --be it the food pantry or helping to draft a proposal to fund a public policy arm of the organization.

Non-profit organizations taught me everything from practical job skills to the spiritual rewards of giving. I also made many friends and perhaps that was the most enjoyable part.

More importantly, they gave me my start as a writer. Every job that I ever had involved writing. Press releases, grants, newsletters, communications --you name it. I'm here because of them. It wasn't college that gave me those skills it was these groups --many of whom existed on a shoestring.

On the sidebar, I've listed a few of the organizations that I give to each year. They reflect my values. People deserve a clean environment, housing, food, healthcare, education and animals need care as well. As the year progresses, I'll take these down and share others. What don't I give to? Individual political campaigns. Even someone I knew who was running for city council found that out. Why? Because people will change their minds over whether or not they'll support something due to political needs. But a cause pretty much remains the same.

The way I contribute is painless. Each time I pay bills, I grab a charity out of the basket. Either I pay online, or I write them a check. Frankly, I don't even think about it --it's become automatic. I also have other times that I give. On my birthday, I choose one (this year it was the local animal shelter) and donate to them. I'm just at that point in my life where I want less stuff and am happy to give.

Recently I found out that my daughter gave $30 of her own money to Nothing But Nets in order to provide nets for children in areas where malaria takes its toll. I remember her coming home with the information, excited about the idea. What I had no idea is that before I could give her some money, she'd gone to her room, taken out the money and given it all by herself.

Tomorrow my writer friend and his wife are coming for lunch. I was going to cook for them, but I'm pretty much a clutz when it comes to cooking (you really don't want to hear about my finger incident). So we're going to a place called Monkey Business which is run by boys from the ages of 13 - 18 who live in foster homes. This place supports their homes and it also gives them job skills. I knew I was hooked after I'd purchased a smoothie and wonderful muffin, walked outside and saw a 13-year old doing the gardening. I can't imagine a better lunch.