112: Teaching the Spirit of Generosity

"...It is only the spirit of giving that counts, and the very poor give without any self-consciousness..."

This week, I’m reading from Random Reminiscences of Men and Events by John D. Rockefeller, published in 1909.

Reflection question:

• Do you celebrate and promote the generosity of Board members, especially those at the lowest income levels? 

Reflection on quote:

I had a conversation with a colleague on whether the requirement to give to prevents lower income Board members from serving. This is a bit of a soapbox for me and I have some strong feelings. When we assume that lower income Board members can’t give, we are making an assumption that has been easily contradicted for generations.

When we assume that a lower income Board member can’t give and therefore don’t allow them to participate in a Board giving requirement, we are making the decision for the Board member.  We are removing agency from that Board member.  We are asking for their opinions, advice, and expertise as a Board member and at the same time, we in essence don’t believe they have the ability to make giving decisions.  Eek.  That smacks of privilege. Professionally and personally, I believe and wisdom from ages past shows us that the poor can teach us the true spirit of generosity. Lower income Board members have the right to choose whether their passion for the cause extends to giving. Spoiler alert.  If they are giving their time, they will give their money as well.  In a time of abundance and luxuries among most Board members, the lower income Board members can model generosity and the importance of obligations to others on the Board.  

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop