Fast Company Magazine: Philanthropic Travelers

link to entry | comments (0)

Are We Talking about Philanthropy Yet? No, We Are Not

Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Marc Gold 100Friends.com

"Speech after long silence; it is right." - Yeats

Imagine your favorite vacation place. Perhaps it is a cottage by the sea, or a chalet in the mountains; perhaps it is a path in the woods that you have walked since you were a child; or perhaps it is ranch under the big sky where you can see to the horizon by starlight. (Mine is a wooden raft floating in a cold spring fed pond surrounded by silent pines, high in the Green Mountains. There are trout in that pond and a small waterfall, as water flows out from the pond, over a dam, and down onto a marble slab and quartz gravel. The first time I lay on that raft I was age 8; the most recent time was now. I am writing this piece in that spirit.)

Are we talking about philanthropy yet? No, we are not.

Imagine that you are in your vacation place and in that frame of mind, with someone you love. No computer, no cell phone, no jangle in the brain. You have been on vacation for a few days and your mind has cleared. The time has grown late. You have been reflecting on where you came from in life, where you are now, and where you might go in the time you have left. You have been reflecting on your family, career, and on society, the way thing are going. You have felt twinges of grief, joy, regret, even perhaps a touch of guilt at things unsaid or things undone. Yet you have done a lot right, too. You are what people would call a success. You have the capacity and the ability to set an example, to lead, to "rally what remains" and to do more.

No one has said anything for the last 40 minutes. Perhaps in peace with one another, staring together into the fire, or floating on that raft, seeing the stars move, nothing needs to have been said. Now, you rouse yourself and say,

"You know, I have been thinking....."

Are we talking about philanthropy yet? No, we are not.

At certain moments in our lives, moments that used to be called, "existential moments," we achieve life defining clarity, and marshal our resources to the highest ends we are capable of conceiving, much less achieving. The ends in view may be personal, or for family, or for our company, our local community, or for the country, or even for an international cause.

Are we talking about philanthropy yet? No we are not.

These moments of clarity may be few, but they define a life, the clarity of direction, the marshaling of resources and the courage to pursue the dream where it leads. These moments come not just to the wealthy, nor just to generals, statesmen, and politicians. They come also to the artist, the poet, the scholar, the religious leader, and the mother or father, kneeling down to see eye to eye with a child.

Are talking about philanthropy yet? No we are not.

We are talking about what it is to be gifted, to be touched with the graciousness of a gift that has grown within us, passed down to us, or seeded in us and cultivated, by those who went before. We are talking about passing on a tradition, living up to it, frankly, and passing it on intact and enhanced to those who are here now and will come after us.

Are we talking about philanthropy yet? No, we are not.

We are talking about vision, values, virtues, and excellences. We are talking about how you may make a personal decision, from what is deepest in you, to take a positive life-changing step in your own life, that of your immediate family, and of our society. How you do that, if you do that, is up to you. It all depends.

Are we talking about philanthropy yet? No, we are not.

We could be talking about so many things next. But only when that moment of clarity comes, and you say, "You know I have been thinking...." Depending on what you have been thinking, we may soon be talking about, say,

* Down-shifting out of a less than fully satisfying career
* Selling a business and starting a new one
* Starting a nonprofit venture
* Organizing friends and neighbors for a cause
* Assuming a leadership role on a board
* Tossing it all over, and going in pursuit of Gauguin on some tropical isle with your paintbox and easel in hand
* Making a gift of time and money to nonprofit in which you are actively engaged
* Running for political office, or the PTA
* Taking time out to volunteer for children
* Writing a book
* Mentoring heirs
* Holding a family meeting to build and share a sense of direction.

Are we talking about philanthropy yet? You tell me.

Whatever we are talking about it, it begins in a vacation frame of mind, as an upwelling from what is deepest and most alive in you. That is the conversation we need to have. After that, who knows what we will be talking about. You tell me. It all depends. But whatever it is, I bet it will be good. And we can always call it philanthropy, if you want.

Phil Cubeta serves as Chief of Staff and "Charitable Cheerleader" for a division of a financial services firm, located in Dallas. His hobby is serving as a pro bono Morals Tutor to America's wealthiest families. He believes that we cannot save the country or the world until we save the souls of those who run it. Phil reports the work is thankless, "You would think that those who own a Jet could keep a Fool, but such is not the case. I do it for love."

Phil's thoughts on philanthropy are found here: GiftHub.org

Learn More:
Understanding Philanthropic Travel
The Fable of Stone Soup
My First Philanthropic Travel Experience
Emotional Endorphins
Giving while Living: The Deeper News About the New Philanthropy
Affluent Parents Dedicated to Instilling Philanthropic Values in their Children
Daily Om
A Citizen Of The World
Go with the Flow
Angelina Jolie: Philanthropic Traveler
Dr. Jeffrey Sachs on the Strategic Steps Out of Poverty
Personal Openings and World Travel

link to entry | comments (0)

Milton & Fred Ochieng: Medical Philanthropic Travelers

Milton & Fred Ochieng's story is about perseverance.

CLICK HERE FOR INTERVIEW

Some of our goals and dreams come to fruition so easily that it is as if an unseen hand has done much of the work for us. When this happens, we say it must have been meant to be. On the other hand, when dreams and goals require a tremendous amount of effort, we may interpret this to mean that our dream is not meant to be. However, difficulty is not necessarily a sign that our hopes and plans are ill-fated. On the contrary, difficulties and challenges along the path can be important parts of the project's overall meaning.

When everything goes smoothly, we feel blessed by the universe, as if a fleet of angels is guiding and supporting our every move. When things are rough or ambiguous, we sometimes feel that we have been abandoned. And yet, the truth is that we are blessed in both cases. Our angels and guides are always present. They may choose at times to back off and let us figure something out for ourselves, and this is when things seem difficult. But when things are difficult, we learn and grow in specific ways. There is a unique satisfaction that comes to us when we succeed at something that has been a challenge. Our sense of self-reliance expands, and our ability to endure and keep the faith is stronger for having been tested. We learn that we are capable of confronting and overcoming the obstacles in our path, and this empowers us to dream still bigger dreams, knowing that we will not be daunted by the challenges inherent in birthing them.

When we find ourselves facing difficulties with a particular plan or project, the chances are we know already whether we are meant to continue on or let it go. We simply need to look within ourselves for the answer. When an idea is meant to be, it comes back to us time and time again. Then we know we can go forward, no matter what challenges arise, knowing that it is meant to be.

``
Make an appointment with an expert.

Join us on Facebook and get to know us on Twitter

Learn More:
Around the World with Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel
Philanthropic Journeys begin with Exquisite Safaris
Member of the United Nations Foundation World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism
The Advent of Philanthropic Travel by Mark Lovett Global Patriot
Financial Times/FT.com: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travelers
Vacationing in Generosity: Philanthropic Travel
TheGlassHammer.com Philanthropic Travelers
Your First Philanthropic Travel Experience

Philanthropic Travelers:
The One's Who Do: Philanthropic Travelers
John Legend: Philanthropic Traveler

link to entry | comments (0)

US ex-generals reject Iran strike

Pfannenstiel near Egg bei Zurich, Switzerland -by David Chamberlain

Three former high-ranking American military officers have warned against any military attack on Iran. They said such action would have "disastrous consequences" for security in the Middle East and also for coalition forces in Iraq. They said the crisis over Tehran's nuclear programme must be resolved through diplomacy, urging Washington to start direct talks with Iran.

The letter was published in Britain's Sunday Times newspaper.

It was signed by:

* Lt Gen Robert Gard, a former military assistant to the US defence secretary

* Gen Joseph Hoar, a former commander-in-chief, US Central Command

* Vice Adm Jack Shanahan, a former director of the Center for Defense Information

"As former US military leaders, we strongly caution against the use of military force against Iran," the authors said. They said such action would further exacerbate regional and global tensions. "A strategy of diplomatic engagement with Iran would serve the interests of the US and the UK and potentially could enhance regional and international security," the letter said.

It also said that "the British government has a vital role play in securing a renewed diplomatic push and making it clear that it will oppose any recourse to military force".
The US and its Western allies suspect Iran of using its nuclear programme as a cover to produce nuclear weapons, a claim denied by Tehran. Washington has so far refused to rule out military action if Iran does not halt its nuclear activities.

The US has recently beefed up its military presence in the Gulf.

-BBC

Related Links:
British and American plans to bring democracy to the Middle East
Bombs
The War on Terror is the antithesis of Philanthropic Travel
Retired Generals Against Iraq War
US vs. them: US Military costs $550 Billion a year.
Philanthropic Travel: Vietnam
ATTEN -TION!: Ba'Quba, Iraq: November 2004
Iraq Veterans against the War

Are you Experienced?
FoundationSource
For My Culture
The Fable of Stone Soup
Cheetah Hunt Botswana
Personal Openings and World Travel
Why Exquisite Safaris?

link to entry | comments (0)

Richard Branson: Philanthropic Traveler

Photo: Richard Branson, David Chamberlain, Steve Fossett

A "school of entrepreneurship" has been opened at a unique South African university, which provides virtually free education for poor students. The new department at the CIDA City Campus in Johannesburg is being funded by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin group. The university aims to provide business degrees to disadvantaged black students unable to afford higher education. Sir Richard said he wanted the school to help put young South Africans on the "golden highway to economic freedom". The university - CIDA City Campus - was set up from scratch five years ago by a South African businessman, Taddy Blecher, who wanted to tackle the exclusion from higher education facing poor black families.

Foster ambition
Beginning with only a borrowed building and students learning to type on paper photocopies of keyboards, the university is currently teaching business degrees to 1,300 young people.
In exchange for their tuition, students are expected to help maintain the campus and to teach young people in their own communities during the holidays. "The South African economy is dependent on entrepreneurial activity for creating future economic growth and jobs," said Sir Richard, who is giving his own name to a project for the first time.

The Branson School of Entrepreneurship is designed to foster the business ambitions of young black students. "Currently the economic contribution to South Africa's entrepreneurial sector is below the emerging markets norm, I believe that increasing entrepreneurship in this country is the golden highway to economic freedom," said Sir Richard. Dr Blecher said that he wants Branson's involvement to support students beyond those in Johannesburg, where the university occupies a disused bank building where Nelson Mandela once worked.

Outreach
The university is developing outreach projects for rural communities, where poor families have little prospect of getting access to higher education. A fund, called CIDA Seed, backed by the Virgin group and other UK businesses, will also provide start-up capital for micro-enterprises. The university, which began when Dr Blecher started sending out faxes from his own workplace inviting applications from school students, wants to tackle the lack of opportunity facing millions of black youngsters.

"With wealthy families in South Africa there's no question that they're going to university and get a good job afterwards. But only 3% of the black population over the age of 20 has a degree," said Dr Blecher. Black people remain under-represented in the professions, he says, quoting figures that there were less than 50 black dentists from a population of 35 million.

Dr Blecher approached the problem from a business perspective - and his university is designed to promote the idea of wealth creation and the sharing of that success. Students who attend the university are then expected to fund another student who will follow in their footsteps.

The university has tapped into the expertise of South Africa's business community, with financial services companies sending their staff to help train students. "Our students, from squatter camps and townships, were learning from people who had done three billion rand business deals," said Dr Blecher.

~~
Americans Helping Americans in 2009
Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel announces Americans helping Americans Philanthropic Travel (PROBONO): Leaving the Mines Behind Empowering Appalachia: May 31 to June 7, 2009
~~

Learn More:
The Advent of Philanthropic Travel by Mark Lovett Global Patriot
NPR: Talk of the Nation Slumdog Millionaire Thursday March 5, 2009 with comments by David Chamberlain
The Globalization of Empathy: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel
Philanthropic Journeys: Money & Soul the Great Divide?
Financial Times/FT.com: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travelers
What Should a M/Billionaire Give -and What Should You?
Strategic Wealth Planning Best Practice: Philanthropic Travel
Friends of Ngong Road Schools: Philanthropic Travel Kenya
Hi-Res Slideshow

Vacationing in Generosity: Philanthropic Travel
TheGlassHammer.com Philanthropic Travelers
Your First Philanthropic Travel Experience

Philanthropic Travelers:
The One's Who Do: Philanthropic Travelers
John Legend: Philanthropic Traveler

link to entry | comments (0)

Generosity in Action: Philanthropic Travel

Golden Triangle Tented Camp on Thailand - Burma border.

Sometimes we forget to take the time to recognize the richness that defines our lives. This may be because many of the messages we encounter as we go about our affairs prompt us to think about what we don't have rather than all the abundance we do enjoy. Consequently, our gratitude exists in perpetual conflict with our desire for more, whether we crave time, convenience, wealth, or enlightenment. Yet understanding and truly appreciating our blessings can be as simple as walking a mile in another's shoes for a short period of time.

Because many of us lead comparatively insular lives, we may not comprehend the full scope of our prosperity that is relative to our sisters and brothers in humanity.

If you find taking an inventory of your life's blessings difficult, consider the ease with which you nourish your body and mind, feed your family, move from place to place, and attend to tasks at hand. For a great number of people, activities you may take for granted, such as attaining an education, buying healthy food, commuting to work, or keeping a clean house, represent great challenges.

To experience firsthand the complex tests others face as a matter of course in their daily lives, try living without the amenities you most often take for granted. This can be a great experiment to undertake with your entire family or a classroom. Understanding working poverty can be as easy as endeavoring to buy nutritious foods with a budget of $100 for the week. If you own a car, relying on public transportation for even just a day can help you see the true value of the comfort and conveniences others do without. As you explore a life without things you may normally take for granted, ask yourself for how long you could endure.

The compassionate gratitude that floods your heart when you come to fully realize your abundance may awaken pangs of guilt in your heart. Be aware, however, that the purpose of such an experiment is to open your heart further in gratitude and compassion. This awareness can help you attain a deeper level of gratitude that will allow you to savor and, above all, appreciate your life with renewed grace.

Learn More:
Philanthropic Traveler funded High School opens near Victoria Falls, Zambia: February 2007
Affluent Parents Dedicated to Instilling Philanthropic Values in their Children
My First Philanthropic Travel Experience
The Fable of Stone Soup
Oprah: Philanthropic Traveler
Philip Cubeta: Philanthropic Traveler
Angelina Jolie: Philanthropic Traveler
Daily Om
Giving while Living: The Deeper News About the New Philanthropy

link to entry | comments (0)

Page 1 of 1 pages