Generosity Fitness–a New Year Resolution for 2017!

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Giving Speaks

It’s time to add Generosity Fitness to the list of our New Year Resolutions, for the spirit and expression of generosity enhances and deepens all the other aspects of life. Generosity matters. It inspires giving and brings happiness to our lives.

This tradition of New Year Resolutions arose eons ago, inspired by the legend of the Roman god Janus, who is depicted with two faces. One of the faces of Janus looks to the past and the other to the future. The Romans believed Janus could forgive their transgressions, so they made offerings and promises at the beginning of each new calendar year. Janus was believed to take notice of these gifts and bless the peoples’ lives for the year. That’s where the month of January gets its name.

According to a recent NBC News poll based upon Google search terms most used in 2016, the Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions for 2017 are: Get Healthy, Get Organized, Live Life to the Fullest, Learn a New Hobbies, Spend Less/Save More, Travel, Read More. Not surprisingly, these resolutions are about improving one’s life through good health, learning and see new things, and effectively managing money and material possessions. Essentially, this boils down our drive to experience happiness.

A good deal of research has been conducted about the correlation between altruistic behavior and happiness. Experiments have been conducted at various universities, including the use of brain scans that track the various pain and pleasure centers affected by altruistic behavior, such as charitable giving, helping others, and volunteer service.

O Fireworks ur pleasure centers light up not only when we receive money or kindness, but also when we give money away or help another out of compassion. Studies show that those who receive money are more likely to give money away, and in larger amounts than those who have not received money before being asked to give.

One Harvard Business School study looked more closely at the cause and effect relationship between giving and happiness. Happier people give more and giving makes people happier, such that happiness and giving may operate in a positive feedback loop (with happier people giving more, getting happier, and giving even more).

So, how might we fulfill our resolution for greater Generosity Fitness in 2017?

Make a commitment to a regular practice of giving and volunteering
Contribute the cost of your daily coffee to a cause that matters to you–or better yet, the cost of your monthly fitness or golf club membership!
A Month of daily acts of giving and kindness
$5.20 or $52 per week for 52 weeks of the year given to your faith community or other worthy organizations
Sponsor a program or scholarship that will benefit to those in your community
Make a planned gift or bequest to a cause or organization that matters most to you
Organize a social fundraising event that brings people with common interests and a desire to make a difference in their community
Most of all, use your imagination. Be creative. Experience the joy of cultivating generosity in the world!

May this new year bring you many blessings and great abundance~

References and Resources for this article:

Anik, Aknin, Norton & Dunn. Harvard Business School working paper, Feeling Good about Giving: The Benefits (and Costs) of Self-Interested Charitable Behavior. 2009. http://www.hbs.edu/research/pdf/10-012.pdf

Brooks, Arthur C. Who Really Cares. Basic Books. 2006.

Chan, Amanda L. Huffington Post. 2013. 7 Science-back Reasons Why Generosity is Good for Your Health.

Firestone, Lisa. Huffington Post. 2014. The Benefits of Generosity.

Feeling Good about Giving: The Benefits (and Costs) of Self-Interested Charitable Behavior. Authors: Lalin Anik, Harvard Business School Lara B. Aknin, University of British Columbia Michael I. Norton, Harvard Business School Elizabeth W. Dunn, University of British Columbia

Smith, Jordan Michael. New Republic. Sept. 2014. Want to Be Happy? Stop Being So Cheap!

Stewardship Leaders—A Valentine for You!

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Giving Speaks

Dear Ones Who Raise and Steward the Funds~

We may not tell you every day how much we appreciate all that you do to raise (and give!) the money to sustain us. We realize that much of what you do is for our success and benefit, but it often goes unnoticed with everything else going on around our faith community.

We know that you put your heart into your effort, because you love this congregation–what we believe in and value and stand for in this world. And, you have formed meaningful relationships with the givers among us—those who choose to generously support our ministries and programs.

On this occasion of Valentine’s Day, we take the time to express our admiration and affection to you, for you enable our congregation to make a difference. We can remember that the very origin of the word Valentine means strong and healthy. This is what you do for us: keep our community strong and healthy.

Your efforts are worthy and we thank you!

To express our love and gratitude on this occasion of Valentine’s Day, we pledge our generous financial support and partnership in the venture and responsibility of stewardship.

With grateful hearts,

Your Congregation

Giving Speaks Consultation

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Giving Speaks

Giving Speaks offers consultation and services customized to suit your organization’s unique mission, goals, priorities and needs.

If your organization has not recently clarified its strategic vision and/or mission, priorities, short- and long-term goals, you may benefit from having an assessment process conducted. This type of in-depth review of the organization and its funding programs is often a good place to start.

The charitable giving and fundraising landscapes are changing!

With the changes in the economy that are affecting charitable giving, it is more important than ever for organization leaders to follow best practices in their stewardship and know the most current strategies for effective fundraising programs.
Fundraising has changed dramatically in recent years with the increasing availability and social-networking and online media. Organization leaders must gain familiarity and comfort with these new fundraising opportunities.
Donors are more sophisticated and selective than ever before. It is essential that you know how to relate to your donors effectively to maximize giving to your organization.

So, what does Giving Speaks have to offer you and your organization?

Assessments of fund development programs and stewardship practices
Strategic visioning and mission clarification processes
Planning for short-term, mid-range, or long-range goals
Coaching for professional and board leadership
Training for stewardship and fundraising volunteers
Campaign planning
Preaching, worship planning, faith development, and workshop presentations

Workshops can be conducted as webinars for your congregation or organization using Skype, Google Hangouts, Go To Meeting, or Zoom. This is an affordable and easily accessible means of providing your staff and volunteers with focused training in these vital areas of organizational health and well-being without the added costs.

Contact Laurel Amabile, Giving Speaks, for more information: