Giving What We Can
Tony Ord, an Oxford academic, has formed a society called Giving What We Can aimed at encouraging individuals to donate at least 10% of their earned income to what he calls “efficient charities”. Whilst Tony’s society asks us to make a pledge to give:
The Pledge to Give
I recognize that I can use part of my income to do a significant amount of good in the developing world. Since I can live well enough on a smaller income, I pledge that from today until the day I retire, I shall give at least ten percent of what I earn to whichever organizations can most effectively use it to fight poverty in the developing world. I make this pledge freely, openly, and without regret.
he himself has pledged to give 10% plus anything he earns over £20,000 each year. To do so he is forgoing what he calls “extras” such as a larger house. The website he has launched has some very valuable information concerning giving and the myths around aid.
The project is clearly at an early stage as there are currently only 23 members but this has a combined pledge value in excess of $9.5M.
What is particularly encouraging about the idea is the emphasis that is placed on the value of individual contribution, however small, as a lifetime pattern. We often see the here and now as the only time of value – if we can’t solve the problem immediately its not worth the effort – or someone else’s responsibility. The truth is however that lifestyle changes even if small can have a significant impact.
Tony Ord estimates that his giving, estimated at £1M over his lifetime, could save 500,000 lives.
I applaud Tony’s efforts, which in some ways mirror spiritual principles that have been lost in our increasingly materialistic society, not because of the material value but because of the example towards considering simple lifestyle changes for a lifetime.
The same principle can be applied in so many settings such as using less energy or buying local produce. We can all make a difference through “Giving What We Can” to the issues that really matter.
I wish Tony’s effort a great deal of success.
Posted on November 14, 2009
Filed Under Financial Resilience, Personal Development, Random Thoughts | Leave a Comment
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