Kossacks under 35: Giving Back

I think an important habit—especially important for young people (since it is such a great time to form positive habits!)—is the habit of giving back.  This is especially important for those of us who are privileged.  And while we are not as privileged as, say, Republicans (who just abuse their privilege anyway!), we kossacks are, on average, more privileged than the average bear.

Some thoughts on giving back to our communities below the fold.  

I’m a good little Marxist (well, hypocritically so), and I think there is great wisdom in this quotation from Marx in his 1875 Critique of the Gotha Program.

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

Ultimately, I see the same wisdom at play from Jesus, who according to St. Luke said,

To whom much has been given, much will be expected.

Ultimately, I believe we should give a lot back to our communities.  I for my part find that I have great ability to give.  I neither want for housing, clothing, food, nor money.  Likewise, much has been given to white, male, straight, middle-class me.  

Lots of times, people make arguments that we should give because we will feel good.  Yes, giving makes you feel good, but giving should not be a type of masturbation.  We should give because we have deeper motives.

I believe that we must give back to our communities because Fortune has given us the ability to give back.  Since we have the opportunity, we must seize that opportunity to refashion the world in ways that we desire it to be.  Indeed, there is tremendous resistance to positive change.  In fact, one could say there is great evil afoot (e.g., all of the crap that comes from the Bush Administration), and we must do everything we can to turn that tide.

We can sit at home and wish that the world became a vision of peace and prosperity for all, or we can work to make it so.  We are obligated to do that work.

I feel like I do a lot to give back to the community.  Here is a sample to get you started thinking:

• I give away money.  I give money to my parish, Community Food Share (they turn each dollar into 4 meals!), The Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, Heifer International, and Episcopal Relief and Development.  Every month, I put 10% of my gross salary to work in the community.
• I give away time.  Most of that time is given via my parish, where I spend time working with youth, mainly just hanging out (which really does make a difference!).  Come fall, I'll start spending more time with lonely folk, too.
• I go do things...I love going and doing work among those who are less fortunate.  I find that I learn a lot, and hopefully, the work makes a difference.  For an example, here is my diary about my trip to Navajoland last year.
• Oh, and I give time and money to get Democrats elected.

I have lots of cool friends.  Among the things they do (again, just to get you thinking)

• sit on the board of community organizations that positively impact the community.
• work with Engineers without Borders, spending a week of vacation to help improve waste water conditions in third world countries.
• volunteer with Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance to ensure that the nearest Wilderness Area is safe and to provide education to keep it wild.
• organize school projects that provide school supplies to students entering foster care.
• tutor an adult who is learning English, via the library.
• tutor adults learning to read, via the library.

Also, most of my friends work in the non-profit sector.  I wouldn’t change working here.  Yes, I could make more money and work less, but every day I have the opportunity to change the world.  My teacher friends give back every day.  My friends who work at food banks, homeless shelters, a non-profit that provides computers to schools, and tutoring programs, have made a choice to give up wages in order to make a difference through their vocations.

Right now, I’m feeling a little self-conscious.  This diary isn’t mean to be bragging.  Rather, I am trying to illustrate that each and every one of us can find some thing to do that benefits our communities.  

What do you do?  What have you done?  What new thing can you add?

•  Tip Jar

  Now go....make the world a better place!

  But first, tell us how you are doing that.... (or plan to!)

  by Ambrosius on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 06:24:03 PM PDT

  •  Great diary, Ambrosius.......

    I have many worthy causes I give to.  I should do more.

    Waiting for my return email of details on the meet up :)

    by Cronesense on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 06:28:45 PM PDT

  •  Thanks, this is great!

    If you'd like to get a weekly announcement about this diary series, please email kossacksunder35 at gmail dot com.

    Thanks Ambrosius!

    by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:13:34 PM PDT

  •  you're a good man, charlie browm....

    and so are you, amrbro! that's why we are bff!!
    

    by nonnie9999 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:33:20 PM PDT

    •  And now my heart is going pitter patter....

      because my bff has arrived and left me a beautiful picture!!!!

      by Ambrosius on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:38:47 PM PDT

    •  Dude.

      Why do you both have flowers for hands? :-)

      by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:40:20 PM PDT

      •  we are flower children....

        and we petal our bff-ship all over town!

        by nonnie9999 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:10:21 PM PDT

  •  Ambrosius...you must be an Episcopalian....

    we DO drink a lot but we are a generous lot.  :-)

    by VolvoDrivingLiberal on Fri Jul 06, 2007 at 05:18:24 AM PDT

    •  So true....so true.... n/t

      by Ambrosius on Fri Jul 06, 2007 at 06:02:55 AM PDT

•  if you're still in school

  get involved with campus groups. there are tons of ways, and if there aren't, you're in the perfect environment to make them.

  it's tougher to be an activist once you're out, so make the most of your opportunities while you're there.

  by VoteHarder on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 06:37:12 PM PDT

  •  I find that the risk has increased, too...

    If I want to make a big statement, I now sorta worry about it.  For example, does putting a bumper sticker on my car compromise my objectivity in the classroom?

    I think, after we leave college, there are lots of reasons we "sell out."  I am going to hotlist your diary to read it more closely.  I am sad I missed that when it was fresh.  Thanks for the link!

    by Ambrosius on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 06:40:58 PM PDT

    •  I feel the same.

      I used to have a small anti-W pin on my bag and sometimes I would have that bag with me when I was teaching, but I always kept it turned away from the room. (Ironically I lost the pin after the elections; I took that as a sign.)

      On campus I am hesitant to wear a shirt with a slogan or anything outwardly political at this point. It's tough. If I were in a more "blue" state I might feel differently, but here I worry that a really enabled conservative student might go out of his or her way to get me in trouble.

      The upshot is that it's made me more interested in getting involved with academic freedom.

      by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:17:08 PM PDT

  •  I agree

    about joining a group. I joined student council as a grad student, and I really enjoy it. I have the potential to affect actual systemic change!

    Woo!

    by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:17:49 PM PDT

•  Well

  At Mass I donate $2.50 a week into the collection plate. I also donate maybe $25 a year to my college that I went to. At this point that's all that I can afford.

  by jiacinto on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 06:52:18 PM PDT

  •  asdf

    That's all we should do--what we can do!  Good for you.  I think it is important to do something.

    It wasn't that long ago that it was a stretch for me to toss $10 per month into the collection plate...

    by Ambrosius on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 06:56:42 PM PDT

•  Picking the cause that's right for you

  There are a lot of ways to volunteer your time and expertise, but it's not always easy finding the one that's right for you.  For example, I've been volunteering with the local chapter of the Red Cross (disaster relief) for about 9 years, but I've recently decided it's not the right organization for me.  I respect them, I think they do important work that needs to be done, but it's not where I want to spend my energies.  They effectively put a band-aid on a really bad situation, but they don't really do anything to change the underlying situation.  I'd like to work with some group that is changing the world for the better in a more permanent fashion.  It's going to be hard to tell all the folks I've been working with that I'm moving on, because I don't want it to seem like an indictment of the organization or the people.  

  by sarahnity on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 06:52:34 PM PDT

  •  Excellent point....

    I think it can take a lot of time and energy to find causes that really do good.  I agree that the Red Cross does a lot of good work, and I agree that they aren't fixing the broken system.

    Good luck in your looking and in your communicating your decision...

    by Ambrosius on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 06:57:50 PM PDT

    •  Well I'm waiting until I find replacements

      I'm looking for both a replacement to take over my tasks and a replacement organization I want to work with.  I figure there is no point jumping until I know which direction I want to go.

      by sarahnity on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:05:09 PM PDT

      •  VolunteerMatch

        You should check that site.  I find my volunteer opportunities through them and it's been great.

        by fabooj on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:02:14 PM PDT

        •  Thanks! I'll check it out. (n/t)

          by sarahnity on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:13:35 PM PDT

        •  Oh, FUN!

          I can do gardening with/for the elderly!

          OOH! Tree-planting! I have been wanting to do that too.

          Wow, there's a TON of stuff on there for teenagers too, which is a great resource. That's great to know about for any school/church/community group that wants to get some teenagers involved in something.

          Thanks, fabooj! That link is faboojous. I've made that joke before but I'm too tired to come up with a new one.

          by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:18:54 PM PDT

          •  Yes, it's a great site

            I worked with a company raising money for women in West Africa.  I got to meet Graça Machel Mandela through them, that was pretty cool.  I also did planting for the elderly, that was a selfish one, as I wanted to garden and was tired of container gardening.  Unfortunately, the old people I had to work with in my old neighborhood were pure evil and that wasn't fun at all.  Even with my headphones on.  LOL!  Luckily, I got involved with my local senior center via VM and those old people were much more appreciative of my gardening efforts.

            by fabooj on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:39:19 PM PDT

  •  Great point.

    You might also like the people more when you find a group that is doing something more in line with your philosophical beliefs.

    You also hit at the core dichotomy between the two different kinds of volunteering, giving back -- either fixing a present situation, or trying to stop it from happening.

    Both are great. But indeed, very different.

    by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:22:59 PM PDT

    •  I like the people fine

      That's one of the things that has kept me with them longer than I maybe should.  I really like the people (well some of them, I'm not to fond of, but that will be true anywhere) and don't want to leave them in the lurch.  

      It's not that I have anything philosophically against the Red Cross either.  I really do think they do important work that needs to be done.  It's just not the right goals for me.  

      That's really the point I was trying to make.  There are lots of groups out there that are doing great work and you don't need to find the single one that is  most beneficial to society, you just need to find the one that's right for you.  And what's right for you may change over time as well.

      by sarahnity on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:07:04 PM PDT

      •  Cool.

        I think it's incredibly wonderful of you to find a replacement first. Really, I am sure many volunteers just drop their hours like a hot rock. Especially when time gets tight, you know? It's always the giving-back stuff that seems to be the first to go... :-\

        by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:08:21 PM PDT

•  giveback

  the best job I ever had was as a volunteer for a therapeutic horseback riding program, teaching disabled children and adults how to ride.  

  Getting involved physically is the most rewarding and best way to give back, especially if you're struggling to make ends meet.  

  1.  Find something you're interested in, that you would take some reward from. I got involved in the program through a friend because I'm into horses.  I volunteered at a public radio station many years ago because I'm interested in radio.  

  2.  Make sure it fits into your schedule and doesn't leave you "swamped".  The last thing you want to do is have to "un-commit" yourself because other things tie up your time or you're overwhelmed with too much responsibility.

  3.  Give any volunteer work a few test runs before you fully commit to it and don't be afraid to back out if it's not working.

  4.  Get family and/or friends involved, and make friends with other volunteers.  It adds to the rewards.

  5.  As much your volunteer job should be about you, it should ultimately be about the goal/cause/person/result you are benefitting by being there.  IOW, if you're going to "half-ass" it, don't bother.

  by gennifer6 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:19:31 PM PDT

  •  Commitment

    Great, great idea about trying something out before committing. It's tough because often organizers can be great at peer pressure, great at convincing you that you CAN do whatever it is, and so engaging that you think that you want to do it very often.

    The reality may not be the case.

    I'm trying to think of a time I volunteered when I ended up really not enjoying what it was... Hmm... Oh! I did something with kids last year, and the kids were really difficult and hard to handle.

    I should not be put in charge of 7 ten-year-olds.

    by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:29:31 PM PDT

    •  re:

      ouch...found that out the hard way, huh?  I would run away from 7 tenyearolds.;)

      by gennifer6 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:01:33 PM PDT

      •  Yeah

        It seemed like a good idea... Honestly, it was more the fact that the kids themselves were difficult and hard to handle.

        I could do it again if i was allowed to use a tranq gun.

        by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:07:10 PM PDT

  •  Definitely on the fit

    I always get asked to sign up people for petitions or to man a registration booth.  I'm not into chitchat and I'm not the most outgoing person, so those are difficult for me.  I always get told, "You can do it!", but really, I can't.  

    by fabooj on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:45:12 PM PDT

•  Time and Money

  The key is deciding whether you can give time or money. In general, I can't give enough money on my own to make a difference (though I do think that ActBlue has changed that by allowing MANY people to give $10 donations that add up to millions). But I have a LOT more energy and time. My Dad always encouraged me to get involved by donating my efforts, so that's how I started volunteering for campaigns and voter registration, etc.

  It's worth considering what kind of impact you want to make. Often, helping 10 people help themselves can have a much bigger impact than giving $1000. The whole "teach a man to fish" principle and all....

  by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:26:15 PM PDT

  •  On money....

    I believe that all of those little bits ad up.  For example, I am able to buy 140 meals per month through the food bank because they are really good at finding cheap food.  A key to making your money have impact is finding efficient charities.

    by Ambrosius on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:29:56 PM PDT

    •  I think --

      I think yes, when multiplied. But if it's just $10 once from one person, it's not enough. Like, with the Tom Allen fundraiser, we pulled in $13K. That's a TON of money!! All in little dribs! Or buying livestock through Heifer Int'l, that can have a huge and long-lasting impact.

      The key, I think, is finding a way to make sure that your donation is either one of many, or repeatable. And then yes, it does add up over time.

      On that note, I in general don't give money to homeless folks on the street. If I have food on me I may split it with them (or offer them the snack I have in my bag) which I feel is more sure of accomplishing its ends than cash.

      by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:35:58 PM PDT

  •  I like to give to entrepreneurs

    and the other night a bunch of folks seemed to like that idea as well: Do something else.  I think we took care of all the loans they offered in Iraq.  

    You can loan an entrepreneur money--yes, you--it just takes $25, and makes a major difference in these communities.  Microcredit won the Nobel Prize recently.  

    http://kiva.org/

    by mem from somerville on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:30:45 PM PDT

    •  What I love about microlending

      is that it truly empowers people to change their situation.  It enables in no way.  

      by Ambrosius on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:32:39 PM PDT

    •  Kiva!!

      Yes, I cannot wait to get a few more summer paychecks, and then I am going to start micro-lending. I am going to ask my Mom if she wants to match me so we can lend more.

      I can't wait!

      by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:33:54 PM PDT

    •  I'm an entrepreneur

      And I need money!  

      I've heard of Kiva, but never thought to look into it for our business.

      by fabooj on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:46:48 PM PDT

      •  Micro-credit

        Kiva might just be for the developing world, but I know there are micro-loan websites out there, some of which are designed for people who would otherwise go to payday loan places.

        So it's totally doable.

        by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:51:12 PM PDT

      •  Of course

        It would help to be dirt poor and in the Third World.  Now I've gotta go make a donation!

        by fabooj on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:51:20 PM PDT

•  I ususally volunteer

  Which is great when it's not taking up all my time.  I just offered to volunteer for the California Democratic Council Convention.  I usually volunteer my expertise, but I've found working with so-called liberals and progressives that my expertise doesn't mean shit, given the color of my skin.  Nothing is more frustrating to sit on a call or in a meeting, make a suggestion, have it shot down (rudely, usually), then have a white person make the same exact suggestion and have it praised AND implemented, (usually by ME!).  Okay, I'm a tad bitter.  Sue me. ;P

  I give money, but lately these "causes" have been pissing me, as it's obvious my name has been sold when I explicitly ask for them not to sale my name.  So, I'm not giving to random people who call and I'm severely withholding from the places I used to give to.  Geez, I'm really, really bitter!

  I suggest that everyone be sure to know exactly what they're looking for when volunteering.  One of the most frustrating things of working on YK last year was the large number of people who volunteered then expected us to bow down to them every step of the way.  If you're in for ego, forget it, especially if you're working with Democrats.  If it's to pad your resume, then you'll also be pretty useless.  If you're looking to meet people (don't expect deep friendships or anything) and work on a project that excites you then go for it!  

  Oh and if you're a control freak, forget it.  Working with liberals will make you appreciate how easy the conservatives have it with their replicants.  You think a meeting at work is bad?  That nothing gets done, or gets done fast enough?  People afraid to accept responsibility?  Multiply by 10, working with liberal groups.  Other than that...have fun!  Or stay out of political causes.  My best time volunteering has been working with the elderly, helping schoolkids or just doing something like Habitat for Humanity.  You'll meet loads of cool people and I guarantee you'll make friends.

  by fabooj on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:39:09 PM PDT

  •  Measurable Impact

    Going along with that, I think, is the ability to measure an impact at the end of a (day, week, month?) and feel like you're having a beneficial impact.

    Plus, putting it that perspective ("here is what I accomplished today") helps it seem more worthwhile and encourage you to keep at it. Even if it's just "I put flyers in mailboxes" or "I stuffed goodie bags" or "I cooked this meal for these people," it's tangible.

    by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 07:44:31 PM PDT

•  Ooh!

  I saw a cool thing in the recent Vanity Fair on Africa (which is serving as an insulator between my burning laptop and my legs right now).

  Bead For Life is a grou pof Ugandan women who make beads and jewelry from old magazine pages. They have bracelets and necklaces, etc. A great gift. The items range from $5 on up.

  It's also great because it's a conversation-starter and people will want to know more.

  by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:00:54 PM PDT

•  Fixed the "35" tag!

  Would have been here sooner, but couldn't find it. I'm thinking using the number might make for a better tag for this series since all the supporting publicity uses it too.

  I'll be back once I've had time to read. :)

  by CSI Bentonville on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:14:24 PM PDT

  •  oh, thanks!

    I didn't even realize. stressful night at one of my many jobs.

    by kath25 on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:16:18 PM PDT

    •  No problem :)

      We look out for each other here... I hope :)

      ~~~~

      I just like coming through the tags so I have an idea of what I'm finding. That's another reason why I like the storyonly, permalink option. Fortunately I don't have to worry too much about connection speed as dial up users do but I do tend to tax my computer and a 1000 comment wonder can gum up the works. Especially if there's pictures! :)

      Hope you can get a bit of relief from the stress. It's not good and life is too short for it. But dang if you aren't all over and busy! Wish I could perform half as well as you do.

      by CSI Bentonville on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:24:22 PM PDT

•  Sorry I'm so late!

  This is a good diary Am...I dig it :-)

  And just so you know...I'm a little lonely lately, so feel free to come hang out with me and watch a movie and we can talk the latest fashions and about the boy(z?) I like and the girls you like...it'll be super fun.

  As for giving back- I always feel like I spread myself a bit thin because I have so many different issues I care about. I'm a member of a few Environmental organizations, choice groups, I give to the DNC, the DCCC, and the DSCC, and then little bits here and there to candidates where I can afford it.

  As for time...I give it where I can. When I was in college and had more time I was on Student Govt. and tons of Committees on campus. Before the last election I canvassed and phone banked a bunch. I haven't done anything like that lately. I've been a bit lazy lately...well, job searching...so just busy doing different stuff.

  Yeah...I should probably start doing some more stuff soon...

  Good diary though Am.

  I like Kiva- someone upthread mentioned that...

  by Elise on Thu Jul 05, 2007 at 08:36:05 PM PDT