#16 - Our Giving, Our Stories
amplify
What?
In August of 2020, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County launched our very first “Our Giving, Our Stories!” series in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month.
Black Philanthropy Month takes place each August and was created as a way to inform, involve, inspire and invest in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations, and our lives.
Under the leadership of Malynda Madzel, philanthropist and former WGC Advisory Board Member, “Our Giving, Our Stories!” offers daily profiles throughout the month of August of Howard County philanthropists answering three questions:
Their responses not only provide insights into their beliefs and priorities, they also provide inspiration for others who may not have considered themselves philanthropists, or who may never have thought about the countless ways that exist to give back to one’s community.
Perhaps most importantly, each profile offers an opportunity for Black Women to see themselves reflected in the process of giving, in the act of making a positive impact in our community. It’s one thing to know anecdotally that friends and colleagues are donating, volunteering, serving on boards. Seeing their faces, reading their stories, getting to know the reasons beyond the giving - these all create real and meaningful connections, demystifying the process and creating clear pathways for others to take the first step towards becoming a philanthropist.
So What?
That, truly, is the heart of the matter: seeing yourself in the giving. Going to events, meetings, gatherings, visiting websites, reading newsletters, seeing posts on social media that welcome and embrace everyone, ones that reflect our community as a whole. Knowing that an organization that matters to you is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and walks that talk by putting words into action. Or discovering an organization that comes to matter to you over time as you see their willingness to adapt, to change, and to grow in ways that welcome all.
Which is precisely why “Our Giving, Our Stories!” expanded.
Now, women philanthropists can be nominated throughout the year to be featured in celebration of key awareness months or days, including Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Earth Day, Women’s History Month, National Disability Employment Month, Veteran’s Day, and Independence Day.
What matters is this: amplifying these voices, elevating these stories, celebrating these women in the ways in which they most identify brings us all closer together. It makes us stronger. It makes our community stronger.
Now What?
The reasons people give are as unique as the individuals themselves, and yet we still witness over and over again that we have more in common than we think. By actively choosing to welcome diverse voices to our circle, we invite the circle to grow.
For 20 years, the WGC has dedicated itself to leveraging our collective dollars, to amplifying the power of collective giving, to building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County.
Will you join us?
Be a part of our story.
#WGC20Years
#WGC20Years20Stories
amplify
What?
In August of 2020, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County launched our very first “Our Giving, Our Stories!” series in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month.
Black Philanthropy Month takes place each August and was created as a way to inform, involve, inspire and invest in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations, and our lives.
Under the leadership of Malynda Madzel, philanthropist and former WGC Advisory Board Member, “Our Giving, Our Stories!” offers daily profiles throughout the month of August of Howard County philanthropists answering three questions:
- What moves you to give your time, talent, and financial resources?
- When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?
- What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
Their responses not only provide insights into their beliefs and priorities, they also provide inspiration for others who may not have considered themselves philanthropists, or who may never have thought about the countless ways that exist to give back to one’s community.
- “I am thrilled to lead the WGC’s “Our Giving, Our Stories!” profile series. As a long-time supporter of the WGC, I am so excited to elevate the voices of women in our community who give back in so many ways." - Malynda Madzel
Perhaps most importantly, each profile offers an opportunity for Black Women to see themselves reflected in the process of giving, in the act of making a positive impact in our community. It’s one thing to know anecdotally that friends and colleagues are donating, volunteering, serving on boards. Seeing their faces, reading their stories, getting to know the reasons beyond the giving - these all create real and meaningful connections, demystifying the process and creating clear pathways for others to take the first step towards becoming a philanthropist.
So What?
- “It’s lovely to see yourself in the giving. Representation absolutely matters.” - Candace Dodson-Reed
That, truly, is the heart of the matter: seeing yourself in the giving. Going to events, meetings, gatherings, visiting websites, reading newsletters, seeing posts on social media that welcome and embrace everyone, ones that reflect our community as a whole. Knowing that an organization that matters to you is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and walks that talk by putting words into action. Or discovering an organization that comes to matter to you over time as you see their willingness to adapt, to change, and to grow in ways that welcome all.
Which is precisely why “Our Giving, Our Stories!” expanded.
- "We are excited to build upon our support of National Black Philanthropy Month to develop "Our Giving, Our Stories" into a year-long philanthropic leadership recognition effort" said Hina Naseem and Judy Smith, co-Chairs of WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "Inspiring philanthropic leadership and increasing giving by amplifying the voices of women and girls are among the goals of this effort and we are committed to advancing this important work in our community."
Now, women philanthropists can be nominated throughout the year to be featured in celebration of key awareness months or days, including Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Earth Day, Women’s History Month, National Disability Employment Month, Veteran’s Day, and Independence Day.
What matters is this: amplifying these voices, elevating these stories, celebrating these women in the ways in which they most identify brings us all closer together. It makes us stronger. It makes our community stronger.
Now What?
- “The project that Malynda leads for Black Philanthropy Month is so wonderful. I have people still commenting about how it’s wonderful to see representation at the Women’s Giving Circle: these are the broad ways in which we give and these are the very different folks who are part of this work.” - Candace Dodson-Reed
The reasons people give are as unique as the individuals themselves, and yet we still witness over and over again that we have more in common than we think. By actively choosing to welcome diverse voices to our circle, we invite the circle to grow.
- “Elevating the important stories of how women and girls are giving is critical as we work to engage others in collectively addressing issues in our community, and our country. Thanks to so many women and girls in our community for your voices, your stories, and all that you do to make a difference in Howard County!" - Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair
For 20 years, the WGC has dedicated itself to leveraging our collective dollars, to amplifying the power of collective giving, to building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County.
Will you join us?
Be a part of our story.
#WGC20Years
#WGC20Years20Stories
