To be completely honest, the idea of giving back was not something I thought about often. Maybe it is because I grew up in the era of Bill Clinton, when prosperity was as real as the economic downturn is now. Or maybe it was because I was lucky enough to not have to think about what it meant to really have nothing. But my eyes have been opened, especially in helping Zack with his company: DoGoodBuyUs (more on this later). Whether it's money, time, a Subway gift card to a homeless person, or just sharing a story, if you are one of the lucky ones to be able to give back- this is the time to start.
My parent's are the example by which I hope to emulate my life. As a therapist and a social worker, they literally define giving back. My dad has worked across every government program to offer help and guidance to those less fortunate to pay for private care, and my mom the social worker, well you only need to look at the definition of her job to know how selfless she is. But, I work in business and in the business world social responsibility is not nearly as important as what the next pay raise will be. Or is it?
Of course it is! Little by little, I have embraced the notion of giving back into my life. Zack founded DoGoodBuyUs in August 2011. The notion is to aggregate goods made by non-profits and charities into a central eCommerce site. Furthermore, to help market and sell these goods for people who may not have the resources to do so. This exposure to those less fortunate and diseases we may be faced with has had an immense change on me and what I value. It is imperative that we take a step back from all we spend money on and take some of it to give back. If you're inspired, take a look: http://www.dogoodbuy.us
I am one of the lucky ones. And if you are reading this, you probably are as well. Think about the causes that are important to you, think about the fact that no matter how bad it is for you, it is probably much worse for someone else, either in the United States or abroad. Take the time to give back. Trust me.
Aww, I hope you showed this to your parents:) I give when I can. For your readers who are also into vividly cheerful abstract art, I will donate 18% of the profit to Feeding America from any painting they buy at www.spkcreative.com or from my product line at www.zazzle.com/spkcreative* if they mention your blog at the time of purchase. They can email me at spkcreative@gmail.com to confirm. I know what it's like to decide which bills to pay, buying groceries with a credit card because of extended unemployment and eating one meal a day--extremely stressful and unhealthy. I donate to Feeding America because I can relate to those in need of food aid and no one should wonder where her next meal is coming from.
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