For the last few years I have had the distinct opportunity to serve on a number of boards. The experience has been engaging and insightful.
Of the few boards and committees that I have served I have been exposed to the heart and will of some of this community’s largest givers.
More recently, while serving on various boards, I have been fortunate enough to observe how men and women who understand the importance of giving operate.
When we think of giving we tend to associate it strictly to monetary giving. Though monetary giving is a large part of many nonprofit organizations’ existence, there are other categories that seem equally as viable and have drawn out the best of people in this community who not only want to see our community organizations, not-for-profits, and churches succeed, but will not stop contributing until they have nothing else to give.
This time of year especially represents the time of year when people begin to express their gratitude and take self inventory of things that are most important to them like the less fortunate and family.
I have often heard it said by my peers that you should establish a plan of giving in the areas of time, talent and treasure.
With the constant reminder of the downturn in the economy and an almost disciplined reaction to request for financial assistance many people have chosen to cut back on what seems to be nonessential giving.
It is impossible to give what you don’t have. For some people the very thought of giving makes them cringe.
This year as you prepare to gather holiday gifts include ways to give. There are a plethora of organizations, churches, and nonprofits that will not meet their goals this year. Your service in time, your offering of your area of expertise, and, of course, your treasure might just be what is needed to help some organizations stay afloat this holiday season.
It is your time, your talent and your treasure that covers a holistic approach to giving.
I used to believe in the phrase give till it hurts, but then I realized giving doesn’t hurt, it helps. Whatever you choose to give when done with a right heart is never lost.
I am learning that those who are the biggest givers never go without. They always seem to have what they need when they need it. It is as if they need to give. They do it unselfishly, not to be recognized and not to receive anything in return, but to satisfy the part in all of us that was designed to help others.
From personal giving to corporate giving, our time, talent and treasure is required of us. Give what you can!
Jesse J. Wilkerson is the principal of a local architecture firm and hosts Vision for Success 1240 AM WHBU. His column appears every other Monday on the Business page.
Local Business
Related Photos
Discussion
Jesse J. Wilkerson: Act of giving involves more than money
- Local Business
-
-
Susan Miller: Minds made better thanks to lists
Not all lists are created equal. Indeed, there is an art and a science to list crafting.
-
Gunman robs Old National Bank
A gunman escaped with money from a southside Anderson bank Tuesday afternoon.
-
Emmett Dulaney: The tragedy of the insurance commons
In basic economics, students often hear of the concept of “the tragedy of the commons.” In overly simplistic terms, this is a situation in which many individuals share a limited resource.
-
Report: Hoosier Park leaves economic mark on county
Tourism has become big business in Madison County and Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is the star attraction, concludes a recent report from the Anderson/Madison County Visitors & Convention Bureau.
-
Call answered decades later
Ron Cross' family and friends thought he was crazy for quitting a well-established career, but Cross thought there was something better out there for him. And he wanted to set a good example for his children — now 17 and 24 — by going to college.
-
Gerry Dick Business Briefs: Feb. 5
A compilation of business news items of local and statewide interest, provided by writer Gerry Dick.
-
'Big Joe' Clark: Housing market yet to bottom out
As housing prices slow their massive drop from the highs we saw in 2006, economists and market analysts alike want to have their voices heard when they call for a bottom in the housing market. It just isn’t time yet.
-
Rivals back home, friends here
Football fans began arriving here for Super Bowl XLVI on Friday, bringing together complete strangers, families and old fraternity buddies.
-
Members accuse city union treasurer of stealing
Over $30,000 in dues is missing from a city union, according to two members.
-
Muncie business sells football-shaped windows
Small-business owner Pat Smith says she created the Sports Collection of Windows and Doors to give back to an organization that saved her son’s life.
- More Local Business Headlines
-
