Read Recently “Giving” by Bill Clinton
Title: "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World"
Author: Bill Clinton
Synopsis: Former president Bill Clinton looks at the revolution in philanthropy and how each of us can participate in it.
Assessment: Clinton speaks from the privileged position of a) being able to sell a million copies of a book of his grammar school doodlings and b) being friends with many of the world’s richest philanthropists. Nonetheless his research is thorough and the availability of opportunities to do good in the world he outlines is staggering. While his tone might be a bit triumphal at times, the revolution he describes and the book embodies is plain. Philanthropy is no long the prerogative of the wealthy and the dead. We no longer hand over a blank check to an established institution but expect philanthropy to be park of an ongoing relationship. We no longer pity the unfortunate but empower them to help themselves. Volunteering counts too, as much as the large grants. And in the end, giving should be chocolate not cod liver oil.
Verdict: Uniquely inspiring. Makes me wanna volunteer my fool head off. Website has impressive list of resources too.
"Almost everyone-regardless of income, available time, age and skills-can do something useful for others and, in the process strengthen the fabric of our shared humanity"
–Bill Clinton