Domonique Rodgers is an alumnus of NC State and the President of Family First Life Golden State. Philanthropy and doing for others are at the core of Family First Life and in the following article Domonique Rodgers discusses how people can get started in giving back.
Despite what society may believe, becoming a philanthropist doesn’t have to start with writing million-dollar checks. Anybody can get started with philanthropy, no matter their income level — and it can have positive effects on mental and physical health, according to a study published in the International Journal of Medicine.
But as with any new endeavor, Domonique Rodgers of NC State says people often fail to start this altruistic journey because it feels too unreachable. By breaking this mindset, communities across the world can become increasingly philanthropic and help make Earth a better place for all.
The Philanthropic Mindset
Domonique Rodgers of NC State says true philanthropy isn’t just about giving away money. Philanthropists understand the problem’s core to ensure their efforts make fundamental changes.
They think creatively yet critically about issues to come up with new and interesting ways to solve them. The founder of charity: water is a prime example — he didn’t send gallons of clean water to those who needed it; he devised sustainable water plants and educated residents on best sanitation practices.
While the former would’ve provided a short but limited solution, the latter ensures communities have clean water for years to come.
Philanthropy Can Start with Time, Not Money
Domonique Rodgers of NC State says society is quick to think “donate money” if they decide to flex their altruistic muscles. However, philanthropy doesn’t have to come in cheques or wire transfer forms. Individuals can donate their time or other resources to give back to their community.
Residents should find a cause that genuinely speaks to them and volunteer their time. Charities and non-profits recognize the added value of bringing on volunteers with relevant skill sets, knowledge, and experience, so everybody can discover their perfect cause.
Communities are encouraged to check local bulletins and online postings to find nearby philanthropic exploits to give back to those around them.
The Life-Changing Magic of Random Acts of Kindness
For some people, time is of the essence; they can’t get started with philanthropy by spending hours community gardening or coaching a softball team. But luckily, they can still tickle their altruistic tastebuds in small ways — random acts of kindness.
Domonique Rodgers of NC State notes that this saying appeared in schools across the world a few years ago to encourage students to be more considerate of their peers. And now, the term is used in many philanthropists’ everyday lives.
These little random acts take very little time but can be the highlight of the receiver’s day. From holding the restaurant door open for somebody to buying a stranger a cup of coffee, these kind acts know no bounds.
Workplace Benefits for The Greater Good
Domonique Rodgers of NC State says the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic brought out a sense of community in many people, including corporations. In fact, it seemed to have sparked an oh-so-positive uprising in the number of companies that match their employees’ charitable donations. Some even pay their staff if they decide to take a volunteer day!
With this remarkable advancement in the field of giving, there’s nothing stopping anybody from becoming a philanthropist.
Hopefully, this trend will continue to grow until all organizations offer such a generous scheme.
The Best Philanthropists Have a Plan
Giving back to society is important says Domonique Rodgers of NC State, regardless of how people decide to do it. But the best philanthropists always have a plan and a clear vision about what they want their altruism to achieve.
By finding a cause they wholeheartedly believe in, they construct a plan outlining how they’ll regularly support the initiative. Some philanthropists decide to donate a percentage of their income every month, while others set aside one day every three months to volunteer for the charity.
Find Philanthropy Through Teaching Languages
Domonique Rodgers of NC State says assimilating into a new community is perhaps one of life’s most difficult challenges. Therefore, philanthropic endeavors can start with helping others do just that.
By teaching the local language to new residents, tutors actively contribute to their local community. There are always local migrant support or educational charities to get involved with where language fluency is the primary volunteer requirement.
The Bottom Line: It’s All About Sharing
Despite its often humorous connotations, the phrase “sharing is caring” was coined for a reason. It’s true! By telling others about their efforts and the effects they’ve had, philanthropists open the world of giving up to the masses.
At the end of the day, Domonique Rodgers of NC State says humans are creatures of habit. So hearing somebody’s tales of greatness can inspire them to unstick their routine, try something new, and uncover the communal benefits of tapping into their philanthropic side. After all, everybody has one.
