I am so inspired by all of the self-made entrepreneurs who now give back in a very big way, Somerville, Gates, Oprah, Bono, etc. People with humble beginnings, who through drive, talent and intelligence have created their own wealth. As impressed as I am by these people, I know the joy truly is in the giving, I’ve created an entire internet based nonprofit around this idea. Philanthropy should not be exclusive to the rich, all of us with $10 or $20 pooled together can also change the world. That’s the easy part, the joy of giving, universal in it’s appeal.
The much more difficult part of the equation is the asking, for money, shelter, food, clothing, clean water, and medicine. I know this first hand. It is awkward to say the least, as a self-made woman, who worked as a cocktail waitress to pay for law school, to have to ask for money. And even though it is not for myself, but for the causes featured on our website, for our operating costs, our salaries, office space, etc., it is still very humbling. I know it shouldn’t be, I know the world cannot be changed without all of us contributing what we have to those who do not have, but, I have trouble getting those words out “How can you help Worldflix.org, what can you contribute?”
So, as much as I admire all the self-made philanthropists, giving away their hard-earned money, I admire the recipients even more. It is much more difficult to ask for help than to give, it takes a very strong person to say he needs money to pay the rent, food to feed his children, medicine for his wife or shelter for his family. The hope for the recipient is to make it through one more day and to say to himself that this is only temporary. When he gets back on his feet, he will give back to those in need, so the cycle and joy of giving can be repeated. This is the mantra I say to myself every day, it is okay to ask others to help us change the world one video clip at a time. One day we may be helping them.
