The phrase “Where Is The Love The Love” encapsulates a yearning for genuine connection and care. This article explores how this sentiment applies to the field of philanthropy, challenging conventional notions and advocating for a more inclusive and love-centered approach. It examines philanthropic practices in Vietnam and the USA, questioning current definitions and measurements, and ultimately seeking to restore the core value of love to its rightful place in giving.
Overlooking the Everyday Giver: Where Is The Love The Love for Small Acts of Kindness?
Philanthropy often conjures images of wealthy individuals and grand gestures. However, this focus overshadows the countless “small” givers whose everyday acts of kindness form the backbone of communities. While the contributions of high-net-worth individuals are significant, the collective impact of everyday givers, engaging in mutual aid, care work, and collective giving, is often underestimated. This is particularly evident in collectivist cultures like Vietnam, where family caregiving and community support are deeply ingrained.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the power of collective action in both the USA and Vietnam. Individuals mobilized to support their communities, demonstrating resilience and generosity. However, cultural differences emerged in how collective action manifested, particularly regarding compliance with public health measures. A more inclusive understanding of philanthropy would delve into these nuances, comparing and contrasting the motivations and practices of everyday givers across cultures. By shifting our attention from “big” givers to the collective force of “small” givers, we can gain valuable insights into fostering collaboration and well-being.
Redefining Philanthropy: Where Is The Love The Love in Our Definitions?
Traditional definitions of philanthropy, often focused on “voluntary action for the public good,” can feel sterile and transactional. They lack the warmth and relational aspects inherent in the original Greek meaning of “love of mankind.” This article argues for a definition that embraces the expressive roles of philanthropy, emphasizing love, connection, and community building.
Examining the Vietnamese terms for philanthropy, “từ thiện” (love, goodness, benevolence) and “thiện nguyện” (goodness, voluntarism, affection, goodwill), reveals a closer alignment with the original meaning of the word. These terms highlight personal values and resonate with the idea of philanthropy as an act of love. A more inclusive definition would move beyond transactional language, centering instead on the relational and emotional aspects of giving.
Measuring What Truly Matters: Where Is The Love The Love in Our Metrics?
Current methods of measuring philanthropic impact often prioritize quantifiable metrics like dollars donated or services provided. While these measures are important, they often fail to capture the less tangible but equally valuable expressive aspects of philanthropy. Ignoring care work, mutual aid, and non-monetary forms of giving paints an incomplete picture, particularly in contexts like Asia where these practices are prevalent. Furthermore, relying on short-term, transactional measures can incentivize nonprofits to prioritize easily quantifiable outcomes over long-term, transformative change.
The Oregon Food Bank’s framework for performance evaluation, which prioritizes “love and equity” over monetary metrics, offers a compelling alternative. By focusing on personal growth, relationship quality, and community solutions, this approach recognizes the transformative potential of philanthropy. This article advocates for a broader adoption of such measures, ensuring that the “love” in philanthropy is not lost in the pursuit of quantifiable results.
Bringing “Philos” Back to Philanthropy
This article concludes with a call to action: to restore the “philos” (love) to philanthropy. By recognizing the contributions of everyday givers, adopting more inclusive definitions, and embracing measures that reflect the expressive roles of giving, we can move towards a more love-centered approach to philanthropy. This shift will not only enrich our understanding of giving but also foster more inclusive and cooperative societies. Let’s ask ourselves, “where is the love the love,” and strive to make it the driving force behind our philanthropic endeavors.
