What motivates you?

Take a look at this article in today's NYTimes online: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/arts/01donor.html?hpw.

Aside of wishing for his email address, what do you think of his perspectives?

Sophie blogs on our first meeting September 13

This week was the inaugural session of the Youth Tzedakah Fund for this year. We spent a lot of time getting to know one another. We played games that helped us to understand one another, what is important to us, what inspires us and how we think. We spoke individually about our values and our beliefs. These conversations lead us to discuss how and why we construct a mission statement. The mission statement outlines our purpose and reason for being. We began the important work of crafting a statement as a group and had lively discussion about what should be included. Although we didn’t finish the statement we did narrow ideas that we want to include and what types of organizations we want to donate to. The types of organizations we want to serve focus on poverty and the environment. Next time we meet we plan to finalize the mission statement so that we can begin the challenging and exciting work of charity.

Our first meeting

We had a great first meeting on Sunday to kick-off the Foundation for this year. The teens shared their perspectives on values and priorities around giving. I could tell you more, but I would rather have one of teens fill you in. See Sophie's post!

Are you oriented?

Sunday August 30 was our orientation for teens and parents. We had a great turn-out and attendees got a taste of some of the activities and ideas we will be exploring as a group this year.


One of the topics we discussed was motivations: what motivates you in the volunteer work you do or the philanthropy you give? Some of the motivators were power, community, integrity, compassion, responsibility. As the teen foundation begins this year, they will examine some of their collective motivations in their giving. These ideas will help to shape their mission statement, the driving force behind what the teens will achieve together.

Stay tuned!