Charity is a huge part of our society. As a nation touted to be a melting pot of cultures, we have very diverse groups of people that are either struggling or wanting to help the struggling. Their circumstances are as different as they are individually unique. Because philanthropy is such a huge part of our culture, and because we have such a need for it in America, there are lots of opinions about how philanthropic organizations should be managed. Some of these opinions are negative, while others are positive. Although some are more helpful than others, it’s important to consider them all.
There is one community of thought leaders that have given great advice: TED Talks. They have several amazing videos online discussing humanitarian issues, misunderstandings, improvements, information and more.
Here, I’ve highlighted a few TED Talks that are worth exploring for engaging charity discussions and research.
Dan Pallotta
The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong
In this TED Talk, Dan Pallotta (an avid fundraiser and activist) discusses how some double standards within the industry are causing charitable acts to be more difficult than they need to be. He describes our bond with charities as broken, and aims to fix the issue. The most significant concern of Pallotta’s is that charities and nonprofits are often rewarded for how little they spend, instead of the being valued for the work that they’re doing. Low overhead costs for charities has been a hot topic for many years, and Dan Pallotta wants America to start changing their view of success in this specific arena.
Melinda and Bill Gates
Why Giving Away Our Wealth Has Been The Most Satisfying Thing We’ve Done
Bill Gates is one of the most well-known men in the world. From his incredible technical success to his charitable actions, he and his wife, Melinda, have a lot to teach others. As one of the wealthiest families in the world, they’ve decided to spread that wealth to those who need it most. This inspiring TED Talk goes beyond the nature of donations and dives deep into the nature of giving, showing how everyone is a part of the process and what small impacts can do for significant changes.
Katherine Fulton
You Are The Future Of Philanthropy
This incredibly popular TED Talk on philanthropy is given by Katherine Fulton, the President of Monitor Institute. Here, she discusses various examples of relatable philanthropy that all people can quickly be involved in. This video has reached such immense popularity due to its incredibly uplifting nature. It is a passionate plea for a new generation of givers, focusing on how we have the power to change. If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration, this is a TED Talk you don’t want to skip.
Do you have favorite TED Talks relevant to charitable giving? Let me know by connecting with me on social media. Stay tuned to PepperRutland.org for more philanthropic discussions and updates.
