Why Do We Give?

By Allen Caudle, Executive Vice President, Crisis and Training

On April 16 and 17, I will ride my bicycle from Houston to Austin participating in the MS150 for the sixth time. For those not familiar with the MS150, it is a two day charity bicycle tour benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society that successfully moves 13,000 bicyclists and some 5,000 volunteers over a 180 mile route from Houston to Austin and raises more than $15 million each year. I marvel at the amazing planning and execution of this event as they safely move this crowd, hydrate and feed it every 10 miles, provide lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch again to all participants and volunteers, and have smiling faces at the end on the steps of the Capital.

I rode about 110 miles this weekend to train. I admit, I enjoy riding my bike and I receive great humor from looking at the amazing things people will wear to ride a bicycle. This week was the team from one of the hospital radiology departments attired in the skin tight shorts and shirt with the anatomically correct skeleton print. And there was the rider adorned in black and white prison stripes being chased by another rider with a jersey that read POLICE. All in all this weekend, I was on the bike six hours and my thoughts wandered to “why do 13,000 people agree to give a minimum of $450 per person to participate in this event. Why has this event been so incredibly successful for 26 years?”

I started my thoughts with “Why do I give?” The first time I signed up for this ride was because I enjoy cycling, it sounded like fun and my oldest daughter wanted to see if she could do it. As I began my fundraising that first year, I became aware there were a lot of people that I know or their relatives that are touched by this disease. These people were willing to be quite generous and supportive of my efforts.

That first year, as I rode, I enjoyed reading the signs of encouragement along the way. But it tore my heart out and reduced me to tears when victims of MS came out to the roadside in wheelchairs and on crutches to cheer me on and thank me for my effort. It was then that I knew the answer to why I give. I give to those who can’t help themselves. And I give because as a collective group of 13,000 participants, we raise enough money to make a difference.

But why are people so giving?

I happen to live in one of the most giving cities in America, Houston, Texas. I’ve been to charity galas and watched the city’s wealthiest write checks on the spot for half a million dollars and we’ve written more than one news release for a not-for-profit announcing the receipt of a multi-million dollar gift. Why do we give?

I’ve watched the entire city of Houston rally to welcome and support hurricane Katrina victims. We’ve all watched our nation rally to support Haiti and now Japan. Why do we give?

In 2006, Albert Oetgen, NBC News, wrote an article entitled, “Why do Americans Give”:

It’s complicated. And none of this seems to settle it.

But perhaps this does:

Independent Sector, a charity umbrella group, is one of the many organizations that periodically examine the question. In its most recent comprehensive study, in 2001, 84 percent of donors said they believe they can improve the welfare of others.

Buried in the 2001 study by Independent Sector is the fact that households in which members volunteer for charitable causes or at their church give more than twice as much money to charities than households with no volunteers.

Yet those of us who give time also give twice the money as those who don’t.

It seems then, we give because we are good. The part of the American character that is hopeful and generous — while flawed, while not perfect — is fundamentally intact.

Sean Stannard-Stockton, CEO of Tactical Philanthropy Advisors answers the question well:

“Humans are communal animals. Without “others” we find life intolerable. If a person sacrifices themselves for another, it is not simply “unselfish”, it is because they would be completely miserable if they chose to look the other way. Any parent knows that the happiness and health of their children is more important than their own needs. This isn’t “unselfish”; it is just a fact of life. It is hardwired into our DNA."

With all the unrest and wars in the world, with all the shootings and robberies reported every day, isn’t it great to know that deep down inside instinctively, we care for each other.

Give it up for…Culture!

  By Amanda Modglin, Account Executive, Corporate

It’s amazing how much you can fall in love with a city when you get involved in the community that surrounds it.

I grew up in Houston – in a pleasant suburban area, with chain food restaurants all around. I had typical Houstonian experiences, including field trips to NASA and the Museum of Natural Science and family nights in the Theater District and at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Even with all of these childhood experiences, I always thought I would never be back. Why? Because I thought Houston just didn’t have “culture”. (If it is not yet evident, I was not permitted to do much exploring on my own in the city. And at the stage in my life I thought I knew “everything”, though I clearly did not.)

Fast forward through college and falling in love with “city life” because of the people and culture I encountered after a couple stints in London and New York, and VOILA! Where am I headed for a job opportunity? Houston.…good…‘ole…Houston – you remember, the land of chain restaurants and no culture.

Two weeks after my move back to the city I call home, I woke up on a Saturday morning to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade. As if receiving some glorious vision from God, I sat up, the clouds parted, and the most amazing revelation came shining down upon me: Holy cow! Houston has its own culture! And the Rodeo is one of the biggest examples of it!

Over the past two years and three Rodeo seasons, I’ve been able to experience RodeoHouston in new ways, including through the events of our client and the Official Lift Truck Provider of the Rodeo, Cat Lift Trucks, and now as one of the 24,000 volunteers that run the Show. Even as a self-proclaimed city girl, I love this Western tradition.

This year, I had the pleasure of being invited on to the Gatekeepers Committee, one of the 74 committees involved at the Rodeo. We man the gates to Reliant Park, paying dues and volunteering time during the three- week Rodeo season to help produce one of the largest economic-grossing events for Houston. Our dues and time also go toward the main purpose of the Show: to give out scholarships to students in the Houston area.

As a volunteer, what did I receive, aside from the warm fuzzy feeling of helping my community? The opportunity to soak up even more of this diverse city attending the event, networking with other volunteers and interacting with a portion of the 2 million+ Houstonians and visitors that pass through the gates into Reliant Park. It was fantastic! And as an extra bonus, my volunteering contributes to Edelman’s Corporate Citizen Engagement Program, and I am getting major kudos from my team!

Take it from this culture buff, if you want to enjoy a city, give up your time. Jump in and volunteer to help your community. You’ll learn and experience new things and get to know the diverse people and offerings that make your city great.

From Online to Organized Groups: Making the most of 2011 as a non-profit

By Lindsay Stout, Account Executive, Dallas


As we wrap up the season of giving and move into 2011, non-profits and charity organizations are still feeling the pinch of the economic downturn from the past few years. With the New Year comes a fresh hope for increased economic recovery, as well as an opportunity to engage new audiences and turn them into volunteers, loyal fans and donors.

Whether you are a large, national-recognized organization or a smaller-scale local non-profit, here are a few tips for making the most of 2011.

Revamp Your Website / Look
A fresh look is a great way to catch the eye of potential supporters. If you have the resources to rebrand your logo or website, take the time to evaluate how this might benefit your organization. Many non-profits operate with an outdated look that no longer accurately represents their organizations.

Our client Camp For All , a Houston-area camp and retreat serving children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs and their families, recently revamped its logo and website. Both designs better convey the mission and motto of the organization, and new functions of the website allow for more meaningful engagement for campers and their parents, Camp For All partners, media and supporters.

Create a Young Professionals (YP) Group
As a YP myself, I’m continually looking for new groups with which I can volunteer and network, and many people tend to become faithful fans of organizations they begin affiliating with at a young age. Now is the time to lock in the loyalty of YPs and create a group targeted toward their interests.

The Junior Friends of the Arboretum at the Dallas Arboretum is a great example of a new membership group designed for the under-40 demographic, including YPs and young parents and families. One of the many perks is that the group has access to special events and extra privileges such as complimentary concert tickets and workshop discounts.

Utilize Social Media
While social media can feel intimidating, it’s an incredible tool for reaching people in a fun, conversational manner in order to promote upcoming events, attract new supporters, grow your donor base, share entertaining videos and photos and drive more traffic to your website.

There are lots of trends you can easily utilize, such as using the #charitytuesday hashtag on Twitter to help promote great causes or creating your own Facebook contests, such as Texas Ballet Theater's Weekly Wednesday Win, which gives fans the opportunity to win tickets to performances and other prizes.

Be sure to tap into your board members, interns or members of your YP group to learn more about Facebook, Twitter, blogs and LinkedIn and to get help with engaging on these platforms. It can seem like a daunting step, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Encourage Volunteering
If your budget prohibits you from taking any of these bigger steps, don’t forget that soliciting help from board members and volunteers is always an option. These audiences are already raving fans of your organizations so let them help you take action! Both board members and volunteers are a great way to help relieve overworked staff, and those who donate their time often turn into those who donate their dollars.

Best wishes and here’s to a fabulous year!