The Life You Can Save’s Post

Check out the second article in our series on why giving to help the most in need actually benefits those of us who do it! Up next is the psychological rationale - why giving makes you feel good!

What could you achieve in 12 million steps? That's roughly the distance I walked across North America during The Push for Change campaign Every step represented a chance to raise awareness for youth homelessness, to inspire change, and to prove that anything is Possible! But here's the thing: You don't need to walk across a continent to transform your life Your '12 million steps' might look different: 💥 It could be 12 million keystrokes as you write that book you've been putting off 💥 12 million seconds (about 139 days) of consistent effort towards your biggest goal 💥 12 million pennies saved ($120,000) to start that dream business The point isn't the number It's about taking that first step, then another, and another It's about consistency, perseverance, and believing in the possibility of change—both in yourself and in the world around you So, I ask you again: 🚀 What could YOU achieve in 12 million steps? 🚀 What impact could you make if you committed to your own 'Push for Change'? 🚀 Remember, every great achievement starts with a single step Your potential is unlimited. You just need to start walking What's your first step going to be? Share in the comments—let's inspire each other to start our journeys today ♻️ consider re-sharing ♻️ Follow me Joe Roberts 🛒 Skidrow to CEO for more inspiring content like this

As you navigate the realm of giving, consider weaving a strategic approach into your planning. One that spans generations and leaves a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity. Depending on how you do it, you can even create a legacy of gift-giving that continues long after you’re gone. Let’s explore! https://lnkd.in/gqJvaKeq

As you navigate the realm of giving, consider weaving a strategic approach into your planning. One that spans generations and leaves a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity. Depending on how you do it, you can even create a legacy of gift-giving that continues long after you’re gone. Let’s explore! https://lnkd.in/gYxG7hqv

Happy Wednesday, my dear readers! Today, I want to share a story with you—a story about how each one of us can become a beacon of hope and change in our society. Many of us have felt the desire to make a difference, to lend a helping hand to those in need. Yet, often, we find ourselves held back by a lack of resources, guidance, motivation, and a myriad of other reasons. We wonder where to begin. But here's the exciting news: You can join us, you can volunteer with us, and together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of young minds. We can help them nurture and live the dreams they hold dear. How? By spreading awareness about the transformative power of education and the joy of reading. Our mission, #1000freelibraries, is not just about building physical spaces filled with books; it's about creating opportunities, fostering a love for learning, and empowering communities. And you have a crucial role to play in this journey. So, I invite you to take that first step today. Join us, volunteer with us, and let's embark on this meaningful journey together. Together, we can turn dreams into reality, one book at a time #NGO #education #stories #HappyWednesday #Reading #creativity #FreeLibraryMovement #Mission1000libraries #BetterWorld #SanskritiLibrary #LetsBeTheChange

Soulful Reflections for Young Founders Starting a community-based organization, initiative, or foundation is not about fame, recognition, or financial gain. It’s a calling—an unwavering drive to make a difference in people’s lives and uplift our communities. True impact isn't about competing or showcasing our work to the world. If your mission is pure, your satisfaction comes from knowing you've touched a life and created change, no matter who notices. So, let's take a step back and do some soul-searching: Are we in this for genuine impact or just to be seen? Are we focused on outcomes that uplift the community, or are we driven by the desire to impress others? Remember, real change happens quietly—in the lives of those we serve, not in applause from the sidelines. Let’s dedicate ourselves to the purpose, not the praise, and strive to be the change we hope to see. #CommunityImpact #FoundersJourney #PurposeOverRecognition #SocialChange

Thought-provoking interview with Stanford sociologist Aaron Horvath about the emphasis on data and metrics coming at the expense of our trust in each other and institutions, eg., trust the data, but not the people. Although I'm generally data-driven in my orientation toward problem solving and analysis, this interview led me to reflect about a few implications I hadn't considered. A society without some baseline trust among people and its institutions, or in which trust has to be continually earned through metrics, seems vulnerable and burdensome. Good read especially if you're in the public or NGO sectors.

The world has been changing for decades and we don’t engage with the community like we used to; it's a fact of life and we won't be returning to that. Impact data (read: investor-grade data) is quickly becoming a gateway to funding; I don’t agree with this, but in our data-centric society I’m not surprised. In my opinion, with or without data, funders have every reason to give generously, because of tax incentives. Also, funders are risk-averse. Even though there are calls for foundations to serve as our “risk capital”, trying social innovations that the market or state cannot bear (because of accountability + time). And yes, I question the accuracy of impact data, but am encouraged by places like Impact Genome that at least try and tie program services to measurable outcomes, like home ownership, decreases in emergency room visits, etc.. In addition, impact forces nonprofits to focus on donor’s needs and not on services. He's right on all of these points. However, to the point about “whether evaluation is necessary at all..." (referenced in "Counting Alone" essay); yes, indeed it is. In one very crucial respect: We want to ensure that the generous tax subsidies we give are worth what we get in return. That can't happen without data. #philanthropy #socialimpact #corporatephilanthropy #fundraising

I’ve been contemplating the intricacies of data utilization and the potential pitfalls that arise from improper setup and reliance on inaccurate sources. During a conversation with a trusted individual skilled in data analysis, we explored the notion of whether there exists a framework to mitigate these risks. While data theoretically reveals problems, discrepancies in metrics and the assembly of various data sources can introduce complications.

Coffee thoughts: there's a huge difference in working with disabled people, working for disabled people and working only behalf of disabled people. The vast majority of nondisabled people on want to work on behalf of disabled people. It affirms and reinforces saviorism, ableism, power over etc. and our systems like the nonprofit system and governmental agencies and funding reinforce this. Get my book bit.ly/catconjournal to help you break that mindset and cycle.