Generosity: It’s Spreading

By Julia A. McCready
Village Green/Town²

I’ve been listening to this episode of Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast:

Go To on Infectious Generosity,  For the Good of the Order, Kelly Corrigan

When my girls were young, I must have told them a hundred times: you get what you give. I believe it like I believe the sun will rise tomorrow. Chris Anderson, the genius do-gooder behind TED, believes it too. And with good reason. He’s seen generous giving pay off in big ways — giving his brand to TEDx conferences around the world, giving away TED speeches to anyone who wanted them online, giving attention, support and contributions to the most focused, devoted, strategic efforts on the planet. This is an episode for anyone looking for inspiration.

Chris Anderson’s book, Infectious Generosity* shines a spotlight on how acts of giving can spark a ripple effect in cultivating positive societal change. 

Howard County is full of examples of infectious generosity these days. Initiatives that are alive in the community through sharing goods, services, experiences, and learning include Columbia Community Care, The 3rd, The Community Ecology Insitute, Sobar,  Inner Arbor Trust/Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, The Howard County Library System, Howard County Lynching Truth & Reconciliation,  groups like CARY - - Community Allies of Rainbow Youth, HCPSS Pride, and HoCo Pride, The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County.

The way in which these groups operate and interact locally is significantly different than traditional “charitable giving” models or straight business models. All give ordinary human beings an opportunity to engage, give meaningful input, learn new skills/have new and transformative experiences. It’s not simply about sending an “ask letter” and expecting a check in return. I am convinced that this way of engaging is making a big impact in the community by making deeper and more lasting impressions.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is gearing up for The Big Give. Have you seen their posts? (below)

This year marks the third WGC Big Give and you can learn more about it at their website. (My apologies that I haven’t written about this sooner, as today is the deadline if you want to participate.) What I like about this initiative is that it truly taps into that idea of Infectious Generosity. WGC is giving a learning experience - - How do I learn about grantmaking? How can I impact the needs of women and girls in Howard County as a small giver? How do giving circles transform that giving process? 

Participants will make meaningful decisions that result in real world community grants of their choosing. Past grantees include Bridges to Housing Stability, Columbia Community Care, Girls on the Run, Grassroots, HopeWorks, and the Howard Community College Educational Foundation. 

Another great example to put on your calendar now is United Way’s Changemaker Challenge, to be held May 7th. There are a variety of local sponsors for this event. Notice that WGC is one of them. They’ll be giving away 100,000 dollars to support innovative ideas for social impact in Howard County.

The Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, Women’s Giving Circle and Community Foundation of Howard County are igniting and recognizing new and continued innovation in our community with the Changemaker Challenge. Think “Shark Tank” for social change! This biennial event awards funding for project ideas that promise to make a difference in Howard County. That’s why our theme for the 2024 Changemaker Challenge is – Innovate. Cultivate. Uplift. - - Changemaker Challenge 

I watched the online Live Event in 2021 and it lifted my spirits in during a really challenging time in our community. I’m looking forward to May 7th and will give you more information when I have it. (below)
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Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Can you envision how all of this can spark a ripple effect in cultivating positive societal change?

Read more Village Green/Town² blog posts here

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