Blogging about the helper’s high and risking sounding like a pretensious, “look at me” person, much less clincian, took some thinking. After a super mini teeny ego crisis, authenticity always wins in my book so here, we are.
Like so many clients I’ve spoken to, early in my childhood my family was low income and while this changed for me, it helped foster some sort of accurate worldview between the haves and have nots. My daughter will not have this lived experience. Because her grandmother worked so hard to lift our family into a higher income bracket, and her mother (moi) so hard after plus opportunity, etc etc, my daughter won’t know poverty as long as I can help it.
How do I teach her? I know this is another super common ethical struggle. I know there’s never a right answer, nor a guarantee. I super strongly believe that so much of this answer is in day-to-day pockets of respect for all our community members. However, traditions are meaningful and impactful on children’s development, so I’ve decided that we will pick two organizations yearly and give. This year, Aya and I will give to the Preble Street Teen Shelter (donate to Preble Street here) and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House (donate to local hospice here or become a hospice volunteer here).
Helping Others Makes Us Happy
Elizabeth Dunn, researcher on happiness, tells us specific ways of giving elicit more of a joyful reaction for the giver. Dunn talks about needing to connect to the process of giving, being able to see how our giving makes a difference. For example, rather than writing a check to a charitable organization, give to a specific family in need. Human beings function best when they are a part of social bonds, creating a sense of community. Overall, Dunn teaches us that while we are conditioned to believe that happiness is something we pursue individually, a greater sense of meaning and generosity are the true triggers of a joyful sense of being.
Where to see your dollars make a difference
DonorsChoose is a charitable organization led by teachers who represent low-income school systems, both in your local community and across the country. Teachers post their classroom needs and share impactful stories. These requests can range from funding a science lab to providing food for students facing food insecurity at home. Donors can directly support these initiatives, helping bridge gaps in educational resources and improve students’ lives. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference in the future of children who need it most. Through DonorsChoose, educators have a platform to advocate for their students’ success and well-being.
Looking to support an environmental cause? The Arbor Day Foundation allows contributors to plant a tree, or even an entire forest. The foundation’s mission is beauty and connection to nature, as well as, of course, combating climate change and preserving natural land. The charity also values more than just a one time give, and they run various high-participation fundraisers in order to plant more trees. During these fundraisers, you’ll see your donations matched by private organizations and see where your donation is impacting change through tree growth.
Heifer International is a trusted charitable foundation helping low income rural communities worldwide by working towards the goal of a ‘living income.’ The charity trains farmers, provides them with overhead and supplies to maintain their goods, all within a business model that works to sustain their economic growth beyond initial charity outreach. As of December 2024, individual giving will be matched four times over by private donors.
A key part of the organization World Vision is sponsoring a specific child in need. The organization provides stories of children from all areas of the world, including low income communities in Central America and Asia. The charity focuses on tailoring to each child’s needs, expanding their access to healthcare, food, and transport so that they may receive a better education.
Where to see your time make a difference
Boys and Girls Club of America empowers kids through after school programs. Volunteers serve as mentors who have varied tasks, like helping with homework, coaching a sports game, or simply providing adult guidance. Early in graduate school, intro to psychology courses taught me that (with scientific evidence to back this idea), it only takes one positive adult role model to make a difference in a neglected child’s life.
A well known organization is one of my favorite’s, as it provides both community support, a true sense of team building and camaraderie amongst volunteers and the people they serve. Habitat for Humanity often pairs volunteers with family’s in need, as they build a home from foundation to finish. Volunteerism can also include working as an advocate, raising awareness at local and national levels relative to affordable housing.
Catchafire Catchafire offers unique volunteer opportunities by matching skilled volunteers in areas like marketing, web design, and fundraising with nonprofits in need. Catchafire partners with other charities, like the Gates Foundation and the United Way, to increase impact and provide essential pro bono support to organizations. Volunteers can contribute their expertise to help nonprofits thrive, enabling them to achieve their goals and expand their reach. Through Catchafire, individuals can make a meaningful difference using their professional skills for social good.
Please note: I’ve done some extra research before posting this blog. All foundations listed exceed industry standards for giving on portals like Charity Navigator, meaning they can be trusted to use your dollars in alignment with their mission statements.