Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.

~William James

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Do something funny for money…

…is the tagline for a U.K. event called Red Nose Day.  It’s a simple concept, yet what’s amazing about the U.K.’s “Do something funny for money” campaign or Red Nose Day is that it’s recognized by the whole country. Everyone is challenged to raise money. Adults and children participate and raise money by singing, dancing, wearing pajamas to work, donning a crazy hairstyle, planning a sponsored silence, etc..  The day ends with TV specials on the BBC where celebrities and comedians come together to raise money through laughter.  Powerful documentaries are mixed in within the comedic specials to remind viewers of the need for support as well as to highlight the impact the raised funds can have. Proceeds from Red Nose Day go to programs that help those in need in the U.K. and across Africa.

For a great video that gives a general overview of Red Nose Day, please click here to visit the official Red Nose Day site.

Or you could smile and learn more by checking out the YouTube video below.  :)

Should the U.S. have one day where all citizens are encouraged to fundraise?

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So you think you know a lot about philanthropy?

Prove it!  The website learningtogive.org has several fun quizzes that test your knowledge of philanthropy.  Below is a philanthropy pretest.  Do you know what percent of adults give?  Perform community service?

http://learningtogive.org/lessons/institute/defining_philanthropy/page1.asp

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What is philanthropy?

As you read through our blog, we hope you consider how you would define philanthropy (and that you do not think it is the study of insects!)…

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“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

–Howard Thurman

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Detroit Partnership Day

Also known as “DP Day“, this event brought over 1200 volunteers to spend a day bettering the city of Detroit.  Volunteers participated in a variety of projects such as: helping to erase blight by demolishing abandoned homes, beautifying neighborhoods with urban gardens, creating friendlier spaces for children by cleaning up parks and schools, and changing the landscape of neighborhoods by painting murals.

Below is a picture of a volunteer working with Public Art Workz.  The major focus of their work is the “Papillion Effect“.  Volunteers painted butterflies to be placed around the city.  The butterflies are symbolic that Detroit is on it way to reemerging into a more beautiful and lively city.

In addition, volunteers were able to see Public Art Workz hang a beautiful mural of Barack and Michelle Obama dancing above a local building to be appreciated by all members of the community.  (Picture below, but unfortunately mural is small).

D-SIP alumni, Joseph Sutkowi and Amanda Olson were instrumental in the success of the day.

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