Modern Philanthropy: The New American Dream
By Lizbeth M. Brown, Esq.
Filed Under Modern Philanthropy |
There is a new form of philanthropy brewing. The traditional forms of giving have been phenomenal, but today’s colossal issues require an evolution of this art. Today’s philanthropy requires a collective response. It’s about pooling our distinct abilities as individuals and addressing ecological crises, corporate encroachment, and warfare as a group. If we were each working alone, these tasks would be daunting, and even paralyzing. The recognition of the modern philanthropist is that together, “Si, Se Puede.” Yes, we can.
Common Ground Health Clinic is a community clinic, founded in Louisiana in the immediate wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. It’s one of eConscious Market’s non-profit partners. I love their slogan “Solidarity, not charity.” This notion exemplifies Modern Philanthropy because it is participative. It forms a collective of humans who care to improve their community and in doing so, their own lives, and the world. It brings people together in a common cause and movement towards the vision of a better imminent tomorrow.
This brand of participative philanthropy allows us to share in the rebuilding and invigoration of our communities. Rather than using the phrase, “giving back,” why not start saying “participating in”? The world is coming to understand that we collectively participate in the shaping of our world’s reality. Particularly in terms of climate change, it is finally clicking that we are all in this together. That’s a huge milestone– maybe even the first time in the history of the planet, that so many different cultures share an understanding of the global consequences of personal and local actions. As modern philanthropists join together, each offering what they can, we are finally eroding the individualistic American notion of each person having to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. Maybe it’s time to destroy the notion that in order to succeed, it is the imperative of each individual to step on and subvert the attempts of all those trying to do the same. Maybe we are seeing the creation of a new, participative American dream.
There are many ways to define Modern Philanthropy, and eCo Times will continue to explore the development of this exciting sector. For today, I see modern philanthropy as collaborative community building towards a more enjoyable, vibrant, healthful culture for us all to share. Si, se puede.
Posted on April 21, 2008 |
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