I Like Giving: Ideas to Inspire the Rising Gen on Generosity
How do you give back? Last week, Brad Formsma spoke at the Southeast Family Office Forum (SEFOF). He is the author of the book I Like Giving. He gave us practical ideas on how to give. There are seven ways to live generously: Words, Thoughts, Influence, Time, Attention, Belonging, and Money. He asked how can we incorporate giving into everyday life and inspire others to do the same. Through his stories of “I like _____” he showed us examples of how to give.
I like being robbed? Not really the act of being stolen from, but the generosity of others inspired by an act of theft. I grew up in a family business, a small mom-and-pop convenience store. Our small Polish community became a target for thieves, especially our store. One day a customer came in, not with the intent to purchase but rather to hold us up at gunpoint, or so I thought. My mom was at the register; I was beside her, barely able to see over the counter. The large man on the other side had his hand in his pocket pointing at us with what I thought was a gun inside and told us to give him the money. My mom looked at him and said, “Darryl, you don’t want to do this.” He was a regular customer who was down on his luck. He felt desperate and needed cash fast. However, my mom used her kind words to talk the man out of a crime. My mom was generous with words. There is more than one way to give; it isn't just about the money. What a great lesson to pass down to the next generation. Here are some examples of ways to give.
Words: Words mean something; they are powerful. When used as a tool to give, you can change the life of someone forever. Like my mom, she was able to use her words to stop someone from a life of crime. To impact the next generation in your family, use your words to create a meaningful legacy. Write a letter or make a video to share with someone about what they mean to you; it's truly the gift that keeps on giving, even after you are gone. For some ideas, see Legacy Letters by the author of Plan Organize, RIP, Carlene Szostak.
Thoughts: Keeping someone in your thoughts and prayers is meaningful to people, especially when they get older. So many grandparents never get a call or visit from their grandchildren because they live too far away or because of their daily busy lives. To show that you are thinking of them, write, draw, or find pictures of your favorite memories together and create an image or a short scrapbook. It can go both ways. As a grandparent, you can keep a journal or scrapbook for each grandchild to share on their 18th birthday, wedding, or another special occasion.
Influence: Whom do you know? Help people with your sphere of influence, your network. It can be as simple as telling others about a cause you care about on social media or connecting with friends you think might hit it off! Sharing their social media post, blog, or website about their new book or new business increases awareness with hopes of more sales and success. Become a giving influencer with your connections.
Time: Who has extra time? The answer is nobody. Spend intentional time together with family and friends. Find some local organizations in your community that could use volunteers for various functions. Whether this is an individual activity or something you do with your family, giving back with your time and skills could become a favorite tradition! Ask your grandchildren about what is important to them and take the initiative with them to make a difference.
Attention: If you cannot be anything else, be present. There is so much hustle and bustle during the fall leading up to Christmas that intentional time together could be the greatest gift. Put all distractions away and find a fun activity, like driving to look at Christmas lights or a great conversation over a cup of cocoa! Read a book to your grandchildren. If they aren't local, consider recording your voice or videotaping the reading. They will treasure the attention but also will enjoy hearing your soothing voice before they go to sleep. Be giving of your attention.
Belongings: You might think it is just stuff, but someone’s junk is someone else’s treasure. Go through your clothes, kitchen, and storage closets to find things in great shape that you can donate to others in need. Although you might not think of socks and underwear as valued items, many families cannot afford them, so they go without them. Read the book Socks for Christmas by Andy Andrews to learn more about the importance of these gifts.
Money: Yes, a financial contribution is still important. To leave a legacy of giving, engage the next generation in a cause they are passionate about. Do they like animals? Consider donating to an animal shelter or zoo or saving the sea turtles in their name. If they receive an allowance, have them keep a third, tithe a third and spend or invest the other third. Don’t force the habit; be a role model for living generously.
How can you cultivate generosity in the next generation of your family? Think about ways to pay it forward using these buckets of ways to give back. What can you do today that will make a difference? How can you model a generous way of life for the next generation? Make the decision today to “I Like Giving.” Be the difference.
