Giving Circles: A New Approach To An Old Holiday Tradition

Oprah's Angel Network, Warren Buffett, Home Improvement ..Extreme Edition and Bill & Melinda Gates all represent a new kind of giving. The impact of these individuals and organizations give renewed hope for Capitalism and wealth accumulation. With the above models, we learn that having money or being wealthy does not automatically make you a SCROOGE. Remember, Ebenezer Scrooge from the classic tale, A Christmas Carol? Well good ole' Ebenezer worked all the time, lived alone, counted every penny, took advantage of his employees and was not well like in his community. Scrooge was distrustful, lonely and self absorbed. Divine intervention into Scrooge's life came in the form of three dreams in three nights when he was confronted with his own mortality being challenged to examine his past, present and future. It was clear that Ebenezer would have to change his selfish and wicked ways if he wanted a more fulfilling and joyful life.

As I write this piece, I am offering a challenge to each and everyone to begin a new Holiday Tradition Of Giving. No, I'm am not threatening to hunt your dreams if you don't comply, I am asking that we look at the Holidays not solely as consumers accumulating more stuff but as global citizens looking to make a difference. After all is that truly the symbolic meaning of Holiday giving?

You may say, "I don't have the money or power of Oprah, Warren or the Gates'; how can I make a difference?" Well I would like to offer you the idea of a Giving Circle. This is essentially what the big names are doing in Philanthropy today.

What is a Giving Circle?

A Giving Circle is a way for individuals to pool their money and fund projects that might not ordinarily benefit from traditional Foundations.

If you are interested in starting on joining a Giving Circle, here are some recommendations:

Figure out what you are passionate about

Decide on a mission, a group name and set contribution amounts

Determine how to save the money. This can be done through a joint bank account, creation of a foundation or teaming up with a pre-existing one

Find specialist (s) in your area of interest to help educate and direct members

Give tasks to everyone to encourage sustained involvement

Establish guidelines for collecting and donating money

Research from New Ventures in Philanthropy, a Washington, DC based organization shows that there are more than 200 circles in 40 of our United States. Further study indicates that over $44 million is attributed to Giving Circles -- since 2000.

One organization that brought the idea of grassroots Giving Circles to me is DINING FOR WOMEN. This non-profit group was initiated by Greenville South, Carolina Native Marsha Wallace. The idea behind this Giving Circle is for women to come together monthly in a pot-luck style meeting to share food, knowledge and financial support for grassroots programs in developing nations. The thought then is, instead of spending say $30 on a restaurant style meal, let's take that money and make a difference.

DINING FOR WOMEN is just one example of a vision brought to life based on a desire to give. Currently,
there are a number of other circles out there as previously mentioned that you can become a part of. Also if you have a particular passion, certainly create your own. To find out about bonafide circle visit www.givingforum.org , contact New Ventures in Philanthropy or do a web search on giving circles.

Whatever, group you decide to impact, I simply implore you to begin today and join me in a new Holiday Tradition that creates a circle of giving the whole year through.