The flip side of getting

volunteer

Giving is what you do when you realize just how much you’re taking.
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The helper’s high

helping hands

Why it feels so good to give. more

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Beyond novels and neckties

novels and neckties

It takes self-awareness and creativity to give presents people truly want. Why not try an intangible gift instead? more

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Reflections on the generous life

cherry generous

How to share the power of generosity at home, at work & around the world. more

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Ode Magazine

The goodness of crowds

bees

When large numbers of people give a little, they accomplish a lot.
Charles Best | Sept/Oct 2009 issue more

Photographs: istockphoto.com/florintt (bees); istockphoto.com/yinyang (coins)

The global economic recession is an opportunity to fuel social change. While financial instinct says philanthropy will suffer in times of economic distress, there’s evidence that the challenges we face are no match for collective action.

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Ode Magazine

The art of receiving

1208 SPIRIT Receiving Layout.indd

Receiving is harder than giving, but can lead to even greater personal and spiritual growth.

Hilary Hart | December 2008 issue more

Photo: iStockPhoto.com

During a visit to Paris, my mother bought me a gift and dropped it in the mail. I didn’t receive it very well.

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Ode Magazine

Our lady and the juggler

Invisible gifts produce visible results.
Paulo Coelho | December 2008 issue more
A medieval legend tells us that in the country we know today as Austria, the Burkhard family, a man, a woman and a child used to amuse people at Christmas parties by reciting poetry, singing ancient troubadour ballads and juggling.

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Ode Magazine

Gifts that make a difference

poss_philnthropy

Brigid Marshall |October 2008 issue more

Photo: istockphoto.com/robhadfield

It’s a sight familiar to every parent: children running around screaming, “Happy Birthday” plates, goody bags and a mound of presents next to a cake. Birthday parties come around all too often for moms like Debbie Zinman and Alison Smith.

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Ode Magazine

No more charity please

Moniek Zegers says we shouldn’t be giving more but taking less.
Marco Visscher | December 2007 issue more
Charity is in. Bill Clinton has written a bestseller about it and rock stars are organizing concerts. But Moniek Zegers, co-founder of the recently launched Dutch Comité tegen Goede Doelen Gekte (“Committee against good-cause lunacy”) says we shouldn’t be giving more but taking less.

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Ode Magazine

Giving makes us happy

giving

The longest-running study of our time shows that helping others leads to a beautiful life.
Jill Neimark | September 2007 issue more
Laura Goodall believes she has a great life. But it hasn’t been easy. Her father deserted her mother when Laura was in high school.

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