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I’m thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. This one has to do with how I promote my causes. The goal with all my activities is to create a national platform where I can do the most good. The challenge is trying to do the most good without contributing to Cause Overload.
These days it seems everyone has a cause you must participate in. And if not you, the people who follow you. Otherwise you’re a heartless asshole, and who wants to be one of those?
In the eyes of many, you’re no longer making decisions for only yourself. They think you’re representing legions of people who follow you. The truth is, you don’t. Unless you’re a legitimate celebrity, most people are only half paying attention to you.
I’m well aware I was “that guy” this year in promoting my causes. But. The experience I had opened my eyes to how we should (and should not) promote these activities. The truth is, I think we’re all a little burned out when it comes to charity, especially online.
For those of you who follow the Bible, this will sound familiar: You’re not really supposed to draw attention to the good you do. Now, The Bible has a ton of terrible advice in it also, but this point is one of the good ones. Running around and banging your drum at the same decibel level everyone else is won’t help your cause.
I was guilty of this too, but not anymore. From now on, aside from what I’m obligated to do promotion wise, I’m keeping my activities for charity low-key.
My approach: ”Here’s what I’m doing. This is how you can help. But, I’m not going to get on my soapbox and beat you to death with my microphone if you don’t join me.
The other thing I’m going to do, and you can see this with #AMHF, is focus on helping local charities. With a few exceptions, I don’t trust national charitable organizations. As far as I’m concerned, my donations go into a giant bank account that is utilized to get more donations with little actually going to people in need. And don’t get me started on the total lack of transparency with these groups either.
I do trust local organizations. I know who is responsible for the St. Lawrence County Arts Council. I know where the board members live, who they report to, and how the money is spent. I know that my money goes toward a local organization that supports local artists and I can see the results of my donation.
I also trust individuals. I trust Mark Horvath of InvisiblePeople. I’ve met the guy, and he provides you with near constant, tangible proof that he is doing good with the donations he receives. Mark doesn’t really focus so much on beating the drum and getting you involved. Instead he says, “Here’s this person’s story, here’s what I’m doing to help.”
That is way more powerful and useful to humanity than anything else.
Lastly, I have not and will not support causes that help people overseas. I think about the giant flaws we have here in America that need to be fixed and the lack of attention they receive. I’d like to help people here who need just as much assistance as those in other places.
So my New Year’s resolution comes in two parts:
1) Don’t beat anyone to death with my cause and support smaller, local organizations that help my neighbors here in America.
2) Don’t attract attention to what I do (other than to let people know, if they chose, how they can help.)
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