The latest issue of Karma & Cents I share some thoughts around local support and international support.  At the end of the day, the questions that should be asked are the same for both local and overseas philanthropy.  In addition to these questions, below is the 2010 list of reviewed and recommended charities.  read more »

On Dec. 8, 2008 I posted the following blog on being $5, $10 and $20 to death around holiday giving.  This year it looks like there is a change in the air - perhaps it is the economy, perhaps it is that people are starting to re-evaluate what their needs v. wants are, or perhaps we, as a social system are exploring some of the deeper inter-connectedness that we have with each other.  Whatever the motivations are, charitable giving is on the rise this holiday season.

How can you be prepared for the solicitations that will be coming your way over the next few weeks?  read more »

(Photo Credit: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/2159017189_ea7539947f.jpg) 

'Tis the season for giving and receiving.  It is also the season of STRESS.  Why do we get so wrapped up in what others are going to unwrap?

What follows are some suggestions of looking at the holiday time as an opportunity for social change.  And the results will be low-stress, high quality and create even better memories than the suffering of Aunt Addie's Santa Clause Sweater that she knit for you 10 years in a row.

There are varying statistics on consumerism; however, the IRS says that each year North Americans spend $1 TRILLION on Christmas gifts.  The World Bank states that $50 Billion per year could move the poorest countries out of extreme poverty (people living on less than $1 per day) and enable them to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

So how do we tie holiday giving with Generating Social Capital?  I will be the first one to admit my consumerist nature.  So how do we apply our "need to buy" with social capital.  I suggested we buy smarter and invest wiser.  The easy way, and what most people do is to make donations to charities that ask us (now is the time of year when Direct Mail campaigns are at their highest).  I suggest taking another approach - one that is more holistic, that empowers you to make the social change where you are at, and engages others in the process.

1. Start a conversation around holiday expectations.  Seriously, talk with your friends, with your spouse, with your business colleagues, with your clients, with your suppliers, with your lover, and most especially, with your children.  Most of the stress we encounter this time of year is around the perceived expectations of gift giving.  Let's nip these expectations in the bud (or butt).  Based on this conversation you will know what to "give" as a gift.
2. Spend time with your children and loved ones.  I sat in a class a couple years ago where the students were learning about the Developing World.  One of the sixth grade girls had just returned from India and shared with her classmates how surprised she was that the children she encountered were so happy even though they had nothing.  The class got into a discussion around happiness and what makes people happy.  In the end it wasn't the stuff that they had that made them happy, but the time that they spent with the people they cared about that gave them the greatest joy. 
3. Empower your children to make a difference.  When it comes to kids they are very candid about their wants and needs.  This year ask your children how they want you to spend their Christmas dollars.  Make a connection between what you have and what others have.  Give them the option of using some of the Christmas money to impact the lives of other children in their own community or other parts of the world.
4. Holidays are about family and friends.  Make a personal connection with others in your community by volunteering with your friends and family at a local shelter, soup kitchen or drop-in-centre.
5. Give to a charity with a proven track record that meets your values and is accountable.  There are some earlier posts on what to ask of a charity before making a donation.
6. Have fun with your giving by sharing it with others.  Instead of stressing about what to buy for your clients and suppliers, inform them of what your company is doing in the community and ask them to join you.

I am not saying don't buy presents.  We all like to give and receive gifts.  What I am saying is make smart purchases. 

Smart Buying Guide

1. Buy gifts from companies that are true corporate citizens, and not just "green washed" (environment) or "pink washed" (breast cancer) or "red washed" (AIDS).
2. Know where your gifts are manufactured and not just packaged - read your labels.
3. Make purchases from locally owned businesses who know their suppliers and can verify the quality and content of your purchase.  This is especially important for gifts of food.

Finally - share your story.  Let others know about how you spent your holidays and generate real social capital.  Blog about it, put it on Facebook, take pictures and post them on Flickr, take video and put it on YouTube and Quantum Shift TV. Let others know how they too can get involved.

Tell me your story - I would be happy to post it on my site.  Do you have a favourite organization that you volunteer with or donate to?  Why is it your favourite?  Do you do something special with your friends or family over the holidays?  What is it? 

On December 23rd I will draw from all the stories shared and make a donation to a charity in that person's name.