April 19, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Giving Back
April 20, 2009 at 7:34 am
A big thanks to Brian, and all the others that give back and contribute. Contributing to make society a better place takes many forms. And thankfully, I see signs that more and more people are working to make society as a whole a far better place. Sometimes in the form of cash, other times in the form of service, and let’s not forget all those who take the time to contribute to SSC as well as other knowledge sites.
The more you are prepared, the less you need it.
April 20, 2009 at 7:57 am
Giving back is certainly one the most important activities we can do. I find Steve's definition of success interesting, that we have "learned enough to do well and are earning enough money". The question arises, what is enough? Too often, a person's needs rise with rising income, so that one never does earn enough. I would say that one can start giving back the moment one has anything to give.
I think of many friends who have chosen to work in a field of human services, knowing that they will make less than they might in some other field. There have been parts of my own career that have been dedicated to serving others as a full-time volunteer and those experiences have been some of the most fulfilling of my life.
April 20, 2009 at 9:37 am
dld (4/20/2009)
...I would say that one can start giving back the moment one has anything to give.
I quite agree here. I began serving on non-profit boards when I was 4 years out of college. Anyone can schedule two hours for a volunteer activity, painting a room, cleaning out some landscaping, reading a magazine to a vision challenged senior. This should not be seen as a burden and indeed can make you feel a whole lot better about your self even when your career path is at its most challenging and money is scarce.
On the other hand, I read the foundation's and the students' blogs and I must say I am duly impressed. This is the kind of endeavor anyone should be proud to be involved with and my figurative hat is off to the Knights. Thank you for a great service to these deserving individuals and to the IT community for bringing them to us, and best of luck going forward.
😎 Kate The Great :w00t:
If you don't have time to do it right the first time, where will you find time to do it again?
April 20, 2009 at 10:05 am
You definitely can give back at anytime. It's up to you, and some people are always doing it.
My definition isn't success, but it's a question of focus. Many people when they're younger are focused on growing their career, getting ahead, trying to increase their income. While you might never stop that, I think as you get successful in your field, whatever that means, you at some point stop and look beyond yourself a little and see what you can do to help others.
Some people take action here, some don't.
April 20, 2009 at 10:46 am
How would your life be different if everyone around you while you were young "gave back" in some specific way. Not just by being nice, but by performing active works of service:
to people in the community you lived in
* mowing an elderly neighbors yard
* unpacking boxes at a food donation center
* child care for couple that needs respite from chronic health issues
* writing letter to a serviceman/woman whom you sort of know
* serving on a local board or city council
for a non local issue
* soliciting money for UNICEF
* sending letters to government representative
* spending a year in AmeriCorp
for the betterment of the world
* adding sustainable practices into your life
* spending a year or two in Peace Corp
The ocean is fundamentally made up of drops of water.
April 20, 2009 at 11:18 am
"Young" people looking for a way to give back can consider joining their local Active 20-30 club, a service organization that raises money for various children's charities while working to help members improve their leadership skills.
It's called 20-30 because they kick you out when you turn 40. This keeps it a young group, allowing people in their 20's and 30's to get leadership experience. Often times older people can dominate clubs. In our area, people who graduate from 20-30 often go on to the Lions club.
20-30 is part of a larger set of international organizations and is a great, sometimes life-changing experience. I highly recommend it. And if you don't happen to have a club in your area, consider starting one.
April 20, 2009 at 11:21 am
JJ B,
nice suggestion. Thanks for putting that up here.
April 20, 2009 at 11:28 am
Here here!
Great idea - nice to see it implemented and making a difference.
:{> ANdy
Andy Leonard, Chief Data Engineer, Enterprise Data & Analytics
April 20, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I've heard it said that one truly does not know a thing until they have shown and taught it to someone else.
I firmly believe in giving back, in many and frequent ways... not just often, but weekly and daily, in various ways... to home, community, church, city, county, state, country, and world.
10 to 20 percent (not that a number or quantity should ever be applied) of everything one does should be giving back to causes outside of one's own gain. Just do something.
One who is always on the take will ultimately end up with nothing of lasting value.
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