There's been a lot of media attention giving to the idea of giving these days. Oprah has been talking about it for years - and even has based her reality TV show The Big Give around giving. Last year, Bill Clinton released his book Giving.
For me, the idea of giving isn't all that novel. Like many girls, the value of giving and helping was instilled in me from a very early age. I even received an award of merit in the first grade for I suppose being such a helpful person. Over the years, I have completed MediWatch's media literacy training program, which helped prepare me in talking to girls about images of women in the media. I even finished program in helping illiterate adults learn how to read.
Later on, I went on to volunteer and serve on a steering committee for an association dedicated to helping women advance their careers in technology. During that time, I delivered seminars to girls about technology and presented at Havergal College's career day. When I think back to that time, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Which is why I'm starting this blog.
Over the next year, I am going to give more mindfully. I've got a lot of personal and financial resources, not to mention a lot of stuff that I don't really need. This is not an act of self-righteousness - although some of you cynics would likely assume that it is. I'm going to be giving mostly because I love the idea of helping others, but also for completely selfish reasons: simply because I like it and it makes me feel better about myself. Along the way, I humbly hope to inspire you to do the same.
I'm not exactly sure how or what I'll give. Nor do I want to bound myself by any rules about what constitutes giving - i.e. must it be financial? Does it have to "hurt" or be difficult? Do I need to give large? For now, I don't really think I need to draft a giving manifesto. I'm just going to start this little project quietly and see what might happen.
