What is wealth for?
When managing our wealth we might consider the question “what is wealth for?”. For wealth to accomplish its purposes there are many issues to consider including individualised investment portfolios that meet financial objectives, governance structures and taxation.
But the creation and preservation of wealth is usually not the only purpose. If we want a “better future” for our children, to keep our families together in an increasingly global world, and prosper from this global world, we look at issues of next generation education and philanthropy. These are now increasingly issues of great significance and they tie in nicely together. When you get your whole family involved in your philanthropic initiatives you are not only building a better future for all children but you are educating your own at the same time. The next generation will gain business and organisational skills, get personally involved in philanthropic initiatives, the family gets closer together and the world becomes a safer, more prosperous place – a great way to be strategic about your giving and managing succession!
They Come in the Name of Helping
Yesterday I stumbled upon an online film by Peter Brock, undergraduate student from Skidmore College (thanks to Peter Dietz who posting it on his blog on micro-philanthropy http://www.socialactions.com/about-micro-philanthropy).
Peter’s film no doubt correctly identifies some of the main issues in philanthropy and international development. The film is an interview with young people in Sierra Leone and their opinion of international philanthropy. In my view some of the key issues brought up that I am a firm believer in as well, are that:
·Respect and accountability is a two-way street!
·Dignity and personal involvement is key - the latter might appeal to all “New Philanthropists” out there.
·We all share a common humanity.
It is not about a top-down relationship, and it should not be about a “donor” and “beneficiary” relationship – it is relationships and interactions between real people, families and communities!
To watch the film “They Come in the Name of Helping” online go to http://www.baibureh.org/.
