Plenty of Foundations in the Sea

Guest Blogger: Amy Lewis is currently completing herBachelor of Communications-Public Relations Degree at Mount Royal Universitywith an anticipated graduation Summer 2010. Amy has diverse range communication experience.  Including marketing, media relations and,event planning. For her first internship Amy held the position of marketingcoordinator for WorldSkills Calgary 2009. Amy enjoys exploring the variety of options that Public Relationspresents.

The more I learn about the philanthropicsector, the more I am beginning to see the similarities between dating andgiving. I bet you’re scratching you’re head thinking this girl has got somecase of the crazies, but before you come to that conclusion hear me out.

Maybe the problem with dating, and withchoosing an organization to give to, is that the options that are presented toyou are both overwhelming and hard to choose from (There are just far too manyoptions to choose from). I’m sure after a break-up, you’ve heard someone say,“don’t worry, they’re plenty of fish in the sea”. Well the same could be saidwhen deciding to volunteer or donate to an organization. There are plenty offoundations in the sea.

With all the different causes,organizations and foundations to choose from, how do you make your decision?Each is deserving of your donation of time or money. But, what makes one moreworthy of your time or money over another? Do you apply certain criteria or havea specific checklist? Do you accept you first offer? Do you muse whether it’s agood fit or not; maybe solicit opinions from friends? Or is it a decision basedon what’s in it for you?  Regardless ofwhich scenario best describes the way you donate, some strong comparisons canbe drawn to dating, and the decision process you incur when deciding whom todate and whom not to?

Once that decision has been made to donateor to date, you have declared that you are ready to commit to that organizationor person; that you are ready for all the hard work that accompanies thatcommitment. In the end when it comes to both donating and dating, the quest isnot for what looks good on paper, it’s for what aligns with your goals and yourvalues.  It’s for that special spark thatgives you butterflies. It’s that passion that burns like fire within yoursoul.  It’s that relief you feel when youknow you’ve made the right choice. It’s that feeling of complete and uttersatisfaction that rings true to yourself and warms your heart. It’s the feelingof being so darn proud of your passion for your cause/person that you wouldstand on top of mountain shouting for the world to take notice.

Wherever you’re at, enjoy the journey andtake charge with your life – with your commitments – with your passions.