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avadMost of us give on impulse. It's wonderful when we are suddenly moved to action...by a cause that crosses our personal path or is presented strongly by the media. But I think we all know something is still not working. There is SO much suffering in this world that I feel is completely avoidable...stemming from lack of attention. We are aghast when we hear of it. Yet it is the daily life of so many. And those working/volunteering in these areas feel forgotten and alone while the masses go on with life. We need something drastic, and I honestly think the 10% idea is it. One person doing that is nice, eighteen people...very nice,... but imagine thousands. Constantly. Mathematically.In every financial level, sending help like a pulse to where it is needed. Yes, it could change the world.
I really feel the purpose of the 10% vow is towards creating a measurable baseline that is more consistant and will always be adhered to for life, week by week, month by month, year by year...because it is Needed. It becomes a constant reminder like an alarm bell for us to stay aware of and actively contribute to the various needs of the world that are often Beyond those that come into our daily lives and projects. We start to Search for new ways to help...and that constant searching and listening becomes an important and rewarding part of our lives.
The 10% is based on 'income', but not in a strict end-of-the-year tally. It is simply done in a way that whenever a 10%er receives money, 10% of it is given to help others. It's really supposed to be simple...and I know for me, it's become something I look forward to.
For those that get weekly or biweekly paychecks it is the most continuous process, but I think it also works for those of us that are self-employed or only get paid once in a while. Whenever a check or cash is received, simply move the decimal point over one to the left and you have that much to give. Until next time.
For example: This situation in Pakistan has been bothering me immensely, SO much help is needed,the situation is desperate and it has gotten much less media coverage than Hurricane Katrina or the Asian Tsunami. But I have not had any income in a long while. I finally just recieved $200 from working at a gallery for 2 days, so I am now happily researching where best to donate $20 towards help for the many people suffering there. I also sold a few small artworks at the fair, so as soon as I get paid from that I will have more to contribute.
Perhaps there should be a byline: 'At LEAST 10%' always and forever. The 10% refers to the minimum monetary donation only, but the unspoken understanding is that people who are aware and concerned will always be giving much more in other ways as well...usually by hefty volunteered time involvement in projects that can create better situations and sometimes also by giving more than 10% in monetary donations if and when they can. Giving with time, expertise, or money are equally important. The 10% vow is just one PART of a larger transformation for each individual, but it refers to a continual commitment of a percentage of your monetary income.
As 10%ers it is also a very important thing to be ready to give as a network when a crisis arises. I see it much like setting up a nervous system for the health of the body. Daily we cells must do our best to help the overall organism...and if there is pain or undernourishment in an area of the body we must be ready to react with help. If all of us really start to be 'on call' that way, I truly believe together we could quickly end some of the greatest unecessary suffering.
Also, just a note of caution: having one project or organization that becomes the only thing contributed to tends to cause the donor to become paralyzed and feel they cannot respond to outside needs, so we always must try to be careful of that. I think it is very important to stay flexible with 10% donations so that we can nourish many many different things and not feel overextended...so that we can respond as quickly as possible whenever needed. If one cause truly holds your heart, you can donate often to it...but try to remember that this is a lifelong thing...and perhaps donate every third 10% or so in order to remain more flexible and aware.
I really feel the purpose of the 10% vow is towards creating a measurable baseline that is more consistant and will always be adhered to for life, week by week, month by month, year by year...because it is Needed. It becomes a constant reminder like an alarm bell for us to stay aware of and actively contribute to the various needs of the world that are often Beyond those that come into our daily lives and projects. We start to Search for new ways to help...and that constant searching and listening becomes an important and rewarding part of our lives.
The 10% is based on 'income', but not in a strict end-of-the-year tally. It is simply done in a way that whenever a 10%er receives money, 10% of it is given to help others. It's really supposed to be simple...and I know for me, it's become something I look forward to.
For those that get weekly or biweekly paychecks it is the most continuous process, but I think it also works for those of us that are self-employed or only get paid once in a while. Whenever a check or cash is received, simply move the decimal point over one to the left and you have that much to give. Until next time.
For example: This situation in Pakistan has been bothering me immensely, SO much help is needed,the situation is desperate and it has gotten much less media coverage than Hurricane Katrina or the Asian Tsunami. But I have not had any income in a long while. I finally just recieved $200 from working at a gallery for 2 days, so I am now happily researching where best to donate $20 towards help for the many people suffering there. I also sold a few small artworks at the fair, so as soon as I get paid from that I will have more to contribute.
Perhaps there should be a byline: 'At LEAST 10%' always and forever. The 10% refers to the minimum monetary donation only, but the unspoken understanding is that people who are aware and concerned will always be giving much more in other ways as well...usually by hefty volunteered time involvement in projects that can create better situations and sometimes also by giving more than 10% in monetary donations if and when they can. Giving with time, expertise, or money are equally important. The 10% vow is just one PART of a larger transformation for each individual, but it refers to a continual commitment of a percentage of your monetary income.
As 10%ers it is also a very important thing to be ready to give as a network when a crisis arises. I see it much like setting up a nervous system for the health of the body. Daily we cells must do our best to help the overall organism...and if there is pain or undernourishment in an area of the body we must be ready to react with help. If all of us really start to be 'on call' that way, I truly believe together we could quickly end some of the greatest unecessary suffering.
Also, just a note of caution: having one project or organization that becomes the only thing contributed to tends to cause the donor to become paralyzed and feel they cannot respond to outside needs, so we always must try to be careful of that. I think it is very important to stay flexible with 10% donations so that we can nourish many many different things and not feel overextended...so that we can respond as quickly as possible whenever needed. If one cause truly holds your heart, you can donate often to it...but try to remember that this is a lifelong thing...and perhaps donate every third 10% or so in order to remain more flexible and aware.
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no subject
Date: 2005-11-12 03:47 pm (UTC)I just posted a reeeally obscenely longwinded reply to the comment just before yours so please do me the honor of reading that because you know I can't help it.
The 10% though is just whenever you get the money. Like I said, I don't work a steady job either. I pick up part-time work here and there and get larger chunks of money if and when my artwork sells. So you'd just be doing it less Often, but that certainly wouldn't change the effectiveness.
As for ideas or money,like I said, "Giving with time, expertise, or money are equally important. The 10% vow is just one PART of a larger transformation for each individual, but it refers to a continual commitment of a percentage of your monetary income." By all means, give ideas, give time- all this is needed! Giving 10% also enables you to give to other projects as well at the same time.
oh and researching where your money goes is a wonderful way to be involved in good decision making. Resources like CharityNavigator.org make it easier...I'm actually developing a list of resources for this purpose that I'll include on the