There are many varying names for the different generational groups that came along after the Baby Boomers – Generation X, Generation Y, the Millenials, Generation Z, Generation@. Regardless of the name and the many positive traits these different groups possess, we’ve all heard a few negative descriptions applied to all of them, such as spoiled, entitled, self righteous and selfish. With the rise of technology and the increased ease we have in reaching goods and services, today’s children are inundated by messages telling them about all the wonderful ‘things’ they can and should have.
As parents, grandparents and mentors, it’s up to us to help our children cut through the clutter and recognize what’s most important. And, when you consider that companies have doubled their spending on advertising to children since 1983, we’re going to have to be sure our message is loud and clear.
Talk About Giving fans – You have spoken! Thanks to everyone for visiting our Facebook page and nominating your favorite Midlands, SC nonprofit for the $2,000 Summer Grant Giveaway! We received almost 600 nominations for more than 60 Midlands nonprofits – wow! You’re a passionate group, but the fun isn’t over yet. It’s now time to meet the top 12 finalists and vote for your favorite to win at the Talk About Giving Facebook page. The polls will be open until midnight, August 10. Don’t forget to tell your friends! Good luck to the finalists! More
What works for other families might not work for yours. In fact, what works for one of your kids might not work at all for another of your kids. Everyone is different. This is probably one of the first lessons you learned about being a parent—and the philosophy is no different when you’re seeking to include philanthropy in your family’s conversation. While some kids might be totally motivated to make a difference in the community after a serious family discussion on the moral obligation of giving, others would rather get behind a family volunteer day at a local nonprofit.
It’s important to encourage each of your children in their individual philanthropic interests, but you should also look for ways to make giving a shared value that brings your family together. Writing a charitable mission statement is a great way to unite your family around your commitment to giving. You can tailor this activity to your family’s varying ages and interests. Does your eight-year-old daughter love to draw? Let her make a poster of your mission statement. Maybe your thirteen-year-old is a budding entrepreneur? Let him give your family “foundation” a name. More
It’s always eye opening to see your own state, city or a community nearby referenced in the national news. Yesterday, while perusing the Chronicle of Philanthropy I happened upon a news brief from a larger USA Today article entitled ‘Youth Programs Hit as States Cut Budgets.’ Looking a little closer, the Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort, SC was one of several examples used to illustrate how youth organizations across the country are scaling back services, shedding employees and in some cases, shutting down due to cuts in funding.
And we all know that it’s not just youth programs in small towns like Beaufort that are affected. With the Great Recession still looming, we’re seeing an increase in need and a decrease in funding to support services. We recently blogged about the increase in family homelessness in the Midlands and the financial issues local nonprofits such as Harvest Hope Food Bank and The Family Shelter are facing. And these are just a few examples of growing problems that need to be addressed and shrinking budgets that need to be subsidized. We’re in a pickle that is likely to get worse before it gets better; and a big part of the solution is going to have to be you and me. More
If you saw The State this past weekend you might have noticed several references to family homelessness, a rising issue facing the Midlands. It was surprising to learn that in the past four years the state of South Carolina has seen a 46 percent increase in homeless students in public schools. Even more shocking: every school in Richland District One has at least one homeless student. And it’s not an issue unique to our backyard. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, families and children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. More
