Autumn Reflections: Say "Yes" To Being Generous

In this inspiring talk at the NextGen:Charity  conference, Sasha Dichter of the Acumen Fund shares the results of his month-long "Generosity Experiment" on his blog, where he said "yes" to every request for help. 

Note: you may have to open up this post in your browser to view the  video:

WOW...I find Sasha's presentation to be very enlightening when he talks about the general feeling of philanthropists wanting to make  impact investing when it comes to giving these days.  Big bucks means big business no matter how you are spending the money! 

Sasha really grabs my attention when he asks the question..."Is this the smartest way to give?"...when he's talking about giving money to those who beg for it.  "Logic"  takes over for him when it comes to just doing what  "feels"right" because of his position at Acumen where he has been influenced by the  "business of doing business"  attitude.  Where the  "smart thing"  to do would be to give to a homeless shelter in lieu of directly to a homeless person on the street. 

Oh boy...well this week the topic for the Faith Barista JAM is:  Autumn Reflections...reflect on your journey of faith as you enter into the autumn season.   For me autumn is when I ramp up my search for the homeless in my neighborhood, so that I can give out Bags of Hope for them.  Like Sasha, I also have said  "yes"  to generosity and feel like I have made a "direct impact"  on those in my neighborhood.

For me Autumn means cold weather is coming and that's when I really start to worry about the homeless. That would be mainly because I hate the cold weather and I can just imagine their suffering... trying to stay warm.  I do not worry as much about them in the summer because in my opinion (as narrow as it may be...I know ;) it is so much easier to find a spot of shade and, to get out of the heat.  Whereas finding places to keep warn when it gets cold out...not such an easy task!  Combine that with the want/need for warm, comforting foods in the cooler months and it's double misery!

 

Giving out Bags of Hope is my idea of Impact Investing this Autumn...what does that term mean to you?  Share it with us today at the Faith Barista JAM or just leave a comment here if you'd like.

Fondly, Roberta

 

Comments

[Faith Barista]

Roberta - your heart and love for the homeless is just humbling. I see Jesus. Thank you!