I recently finished reading Giving by Bill Clinton and must say that I look at him in a whole new light.  Coming from a Republican upbringing, I was not a huge fan of Clinton while he was in office.  Of course this was before I came a hippie and got into the Dead, Phish, moe., and the scene.    However, after reading this book, I have a new found respect for Clinton and all of the work that he has done to try and make this world a better place.  It could also be that my views have changed over the past few years as I have become more traveled.  Now on to the book.

There were fantastic examples of people who had so little but gave so much.  For instance, somebody who barely made a living by washing and ironing clothes for people saved $150,000 after 75 years.  That money was given to start a scholarship fund.

There was an example of a homeless organization in my own backyard.  Paramus, the town right next to mine, has an organization that helps the Bergen County homeless.  In such an affluent area, people often don’t think that others are going hungry.

There are even examples of non-profit organizations that help individuals and corporations be better eco-citizens by "going green".  With my hippie roots, that is right up my alley.

It has opened my eyes to the many organizations, corporations, and individuals out there that are doing good to make the world a better place.  The next tough decision is figuring out which one I will help out. 

I find myself in an extremely fortunate situation where Microsoft will match what I contribute to any 501(c)3 organization, up to $12,000 per year.  It is nice to double the impact of the donations.  They even match time if you choose to volunteer with an organization.  I encourage all of you to look into what your companies offer for matching.

This quote has stuck in my mind.  "…how much money we could give also applies to gifts of time, skills, things, reconciliation, and new beginnings.  If we all just gave according to our ability, the positive impact would be staggering."

If you can’t find inspiration from this book, I have to question if you are human. 

Give.

-Allen