I was invited to a great event last night by my friend James Wong, CEO of Avidian Technologies, to hear Bill Gates speak. I’ve posted about the Gates Foundation in the past, but I was blown away again hearing about his latest philanthropic giving. His foundation pledged $255M to eradicate polio around the world. That’s not even the half of it. Because of that grant, Rotary is matching $100M and the governments of the UK and Germany punched in an addition $280M for a total of $635M to put polio into the history books for good. This is really exciting to see one person leveraged into governments to pursue a common purpose in saving lives! You can read more about this in this CNN article. As much as we might appreciate Bill’s efforts in fighting disease and poverty, it sure does not abdicate our responsibility to be aware of and do something about the growing need around the world.
Giving is down across the board and the need for giving has risen significantly. Again, to most people this sounds like a recipe for disaster and impossible to tackle. However, I think there is growing reason for hope in the future. I think leaders, like you who are reading this blog, and entrepreneurs are keenly aware of the issues that plague us today and many of us have thoughts and ideas on how to combat those issues.
I’m generally not a believer that the government can solve our problems, but individuals especially leaders can. How? We need to be participants first - learn, strategize, give both financially and through service. I’ve learned a ton from folks who are working for non-profits in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. I enjoy thinking about what it takes to effect sustainable change and donating to those efforts. Secondly, we need to lead in those efforts, can we turn our $1 or our 10 minutes in time into a collective $100 and 100 minutes of time through social media and engaging others? We are so well connected that you can make a significant impact.
Whether it be homelessness, poverty, malaria, polio, hunger, domestic violence, etc. There is tremendous opportunity to be challenged and make an impact. Selfishly, I also think the learning I get from thinking about these issues and tackling them through giving makes me a more effective leader and businessperson.
The need is greatest now when most are in hiding. I’m a big believer in delivering hope, you?
Thanks Andy-
Those figures that you throw out are staggering and very generous. Good point on not relying on the government and taking matters into your own hands, I couldn’t agree more.
Scott
thanks for the comment. we’re all rooting for the gov’t to be successful in its programs, but we cannot count on it.
This is a good reminder that being successful in business can also make the world a better place.
absolutely.
The best leaders are those that share their knowledge and experience and to their core want to mentor others and have others succeed.
very true, i also believe that true success comes from helping others achieve success.
Great blog Andy!
Totally agree with you that hope plays a very significant factor in terms of making world a better place. I think, people with hope tend to do more positive than negative things. After all, i believe most people are generally good (but selfish). Those that live a good-enough life and can see hope generally choose not to do something terribly stupid (terrorism, an example).
hendro - thanks for the comment. i also think that having hope is a choice, you can choose to be optimistic and hopeful. there’s really no cost to being hopeful and positive, yet many of us are ok with just staying negative…
Great post. I liked the line: Secondly, we need to lead in those efforts, can we turn our $1 or our 10 minutes in time into a collective $100 and 100 minutes of time through social media and engaging others?
A couple favorite blogs on those topics are Beth Kanter’s and Lucy Bernholz’.
I also wrote a post about how I used social media to raise nearly $2500 for my 25th birthday.
I really believe in the power to use all aspects of technology, especially social media, to make this world a better place.
thanks for your post darwin, it’s encouraging to see folks taking these issues individually and also seeing success. you rock! cool to see twitter and facebook capable of mobilizing people in noble causes.
Giving is important, especially in these trying times. I think that if people can’t give money, they can give some of their time. I volunteered at Meals on Wheels this morning , first time I volunteered anywhere in years, and it was very rewarding. Money is great, but if you can’t give that because of your financial situation, you can always give some time. Plus you get to meet some fantastic people!
thanks jim, great point. time is a huge and undervalued asset these days. a lot of times, just being present and serving provides tremendous value to the volunteer.
You have heard me say it before, but…..
It is awesome, how you consistently take the positive high road, and the wonderful example that is sets for everyone!
Why wasn’t I invited to hear bill speak!
thnx jim, great point.. It is awesome…. Giving is important, especially in these trying times. I think that if people can’t give money, they can give some of their time…… I really believe in the power to use all aspects of technology, especially social media, to make this world a better place……. Great post. I liked the line: Secondly, we need to lead in those efforts, can we turn our $1 or our 10 minutes in time into a collective $100 and 100 minutes of time through social media and engaging others?