Involving your children not only in your own philanthropy traditions but also encouraging them to be part of decisions for the family is a way to encourage their philanthropic spirit. Ask your children if there are specific places or causes they would like your family to volunteer or give a donation to. You might be surprised to hear what they have to say. They probably know more about your church or your community than you think!
Here are some questions to ask the budding philanthropists sitting at your kitchen table: If you had $1,000 dollars and you could use it to change someone’s life, what would you do with it? What is one problem that you hope doesn’t exist in 50 years? If you could invent something that would make the world a better place, what would you invent? Do you think our family gives back enough? How can we do better? Is there a project or organization you would like our family to support?
This message is excerpted from “Kitchen Table Philanthropy,” written by Emily Hansen, a 2010 Women of the ELCA resource.
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