PUT UP OR SHUT UP

[jdmyprez_deo_vindice]

We in the liberty movement love to promote the philosophy of private charity over government force and with good reason. I think we are all in agreement that private charity is a wonderful thing that our society has shown a historical ablity to handle while taking better care our poor, sick and downtrodden than any government agency ever has.

That said, there are many of our very own who make excuses or act cold hearted when it comes to being charitable. We will never serve as an example of how this can work if we do not do what needs to be done and put up or shut up. I know times are tough for many folks (including many of our own) but there are numerous ways in which you can be charitable and help someone out while helping promote a tenet of this movement.

If you have absolutely no money to give - volunteer some time at a food bank, homeless shelter, nursing home or animal shelter in your area. There are probably numerous other charitable groups who do a lot of good who would appreciate your time just as much as your money.

If you have anything to spare at all than give what you can. Some of us can give cash and even small amounts go a long way. Some of us can give supplies. Maybe buy an extra bag of groceries and drop it at your nearest food bank or shelter. Maybe you can afford to pick up some building supplies and donate them to a group that is helping rebuild storm ravaged homes. Perhaps you can buy a few toys and donate them to organizations that help take care of needy kids and don't forget those clothing drives where you can help keep a homeless person warm who otherwise would be in for a very long winter.

So if you know about a great organization, please post the contact info here. If you are helping others during this holiday season than let us know and help encourage others to follow suit. Let's let the world know that we not only talk a big game but we walk the walk as well. We have held tons of moneybombs for candidates and political causes so let's just once participate in a lovebomb where we show love and compassion towards our fellow man and help change the world one person at a time.

 

[talkingpointes]

We in the liberty movement love to promote the philosophy of private charity over government force and with good reason. I think we are all in agreement that private charity is a wonderful thing that our society has shown a historical ablity to handle while taking better care our poor, sick and downtrodden than any government agency ever has.

That said, there are many of our very own who make excuses or act cold hearted when it comes to being charitable. We will never serve as an example of how this can work if we do not do what needs to be done and put up or shut up. I know times are tough for many folks (including many of our own) but there are numerous ways in which you can be charitable and help someone out while helping promote a tenet of this movement.

If you have absolutely no money to give - volunteer some time at a food bank, homeless shelter, nursing home or animal shelter in your area. There are probably numerous other charitable groups who do a lot of good who would appreciate your time just as much as your money.

If you have anything to spare at all than give what you can. Some of us can give cash and even small amounts go a long way. Some of us can give supplies. Maybe buy an extra bag of groceries and drop it at your nearest food bank or shelter. Maybe you can afford to pick up some building supplies and donate them to a group that is helping rebuild storm ravaged homes. Perhaps you can buy a few toys and donate them to organizations that help take care of needy kids and don't forget those clothing drives where you can help keep a homeless person warm who otherwise would be in for a very long winter.

So if you know about a great organization, please post the contact info here. If you are helping others during this holiday season than let us know and help encourage others to follow suit. Let's let the world know that we not only talk a big game but we walk the walk as well. We have held tons of moneybombs for candidates and political causes so let's just once participate in a lovebomb where we show love and compassion towards our fellow man and help change the world one person at a time.

My girlfriend and I took a trip to Seattle about a week ago, and on our way into Washington we bought a homeless guy (looked like a hitchhiker) a rotisserie chicken (whole) gallon of water, package of carrots, and last but not least a large package of some keebler cookies. Before offering anything I offered cash or if he wanted alcohol or drugs -- HE DECLINED. We told him to hold on and that we would go get him food. We came back, given the look on his face he didn't seem to think we were. But he seemed very happy and said he was going to retire for the night and put away his sign and retreated towards a tree. Although I told my lady we probably shouldn't speak of it because I felt it is self-serving -- we both almost cried afterwards because we would be so appreciative for someone else to do that for us. I thought it was worth a mention, though I don't believe anyone deserve thanks as there are plenty more people needing any sort of assistance. Maybe the person pulled over to the side of the road really doesn't have help. Maybe your neighbor really wants someone to talk to. Maybe their kids need someone to talk to or to be around. I don't know but I always make it a point to try to help any in any way. My lady says it doesn't make me soft be easy to be abused.

Our movement is built upon principle and doing what we espouse. Without this we are our enemies. Stand tall, be proud, love yourself, and love others.

 

[jdmyprez_deo_vindice]

My girlfriend and I took a trip to Seattle about a week ago, and on our way into Washington we bought a homeless guy (looked like a hitchhiker) a rotisserie chicken (whole) gallon of water, package of carrots, and last but not least a large package of some keebler cookies. Before offering anything I offered cash or if he wanted alcohol or drugs -- HE DECLINED. We told him to hold on and that we would go get him food. We came back, given the look on his face he didn't seem to think we were. But he seemed very happy and said he was going to retire for the night and put away his sign and retreated towards a tree. Although I told my lady we probably shouldn't speak of it because I felt it is self-serving -- we both almost cried afterwards because we would be so appreciative for someone else to do that for us. I thought it was worth a mention, though I don't believe anyone deserve thanks as there are plenty more people needing any sort of assistance. Maybe the person pulled over to the side of the road really doesn't have help. Maybe your neighbor really wants someone to talk to. Maybe their kids need someone to talk to or to be around. I don't know but I always make it a point to try to help any in any way. My lady says it doesn't make me soft be easy to be abused.

Our movement is built upon principle and doing what we espouse. Without this we are our enemies. Stand tall, be proud, love yourself, and love others.

You just got the most enthusiastic +rep I have ever given out. This is exactly what I am talking about and thank you for taking the time just to care about a fellow humam being.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

http://andrehouse.org/
haven't done this in a long time but this place is a good place in the phoenix,az area

 

[Ivash]

Well said!

I'm actually trying to start a Church organization to advance adoption and fostering children. Adopting a child is the most blessed thing a person can do, and that Churches in the United States and around the world don't advocate it as much as they should is nothing less than sinful.

Please, if you've ever thought about adopting, contact me. I'll be happy to spend however much time is necessary helping you through the process.

 

[nobody's_hero]

I recommend giving 'directly'. I've been burned too many times by large organizations who, if you're lucky, only put about 30% of the money they raise towards the cause they claim to support.

I used to donate to some 'national firefighters fund' (I can't remember the exact name, so don't quote me) over the phone, but one day I decided to look them up and it turns out they were less focused on getting equipment for small departments and more focused on administration costs. No fiscal accountability whatsoever, but undoubtedly someone 'up top' was getting a nice paycheck from a non-profit. Bunch of crooks.

I told them to stop calling me and after that I've always just made direct donations to the local volunteer fire department.

 

[talkingpointes]

You just got the most enthusiastic +rep I have ever given out. This is exactly what I am talking about and thank you for taking the time just to care about a fellow humam being.

Thank you! It was the least I could do. I want to do more volunteer work now though. I used to volunteer with a friend of mine (although he wouldn't call it that). He was a paraplegic without use of his legs. He was a major asshole (which was the cause of his problems, because he was shot). But he

 

[The Free Hornet]

So if you know about a great organization, please post the contact info here.

I would like to promote an organization like FEE, but I stopped donating years ago due to their lack of concern for my privacy:

• We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
• From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customize the website according to your interests.

http://www.fee.org/about/view_privacy_policy

[FWIW, opt-outs are ineffective and show a disregard for the value of time specifically from people who may value time more than money.]

My lasting impression of donating in 2011-2012 is all the crap that came along for the ride (especially the full-color Romney and Bush glossies in the mail). There are 700 unread emails in my "Ron Paul" folder.

You'll have to file me under "SHUT UP". I donate to coworkers causes then I get stuff from their organizations and whoever they sell it too...

 

[jkr]

well...THIS

 

[PursuePeace]

We in the liberty movement love to promote the philosophy of private charity over government force and with good reason. I think we are all in agreement that private charity is a wonderful thing that our society has shown a historical ablity to handle while taking better care our poor, sick and downtrodden than any government agency ever has.

That said, there are many of our very own who make excuses or act cold hearted when it comes to being charitable. We will never serve as an example of how this can work if we do not do what needs to be done and put up or shut up. I know times are tough for many folks (including many of our own) but there are numerous ways in which you can be charitable and help someone out while helping promote a tenet of this movement.

If you have absolutely no money to give - volunteer some time at a food bank, homeless shelter, nursing home or animal shelter in your area. There are probably numerous other charitable groups who do a lot of good who would appreciate your time just as much as your money.

If you have anything to spare at all than give what you can. Some of us can give cash and even small amounts go a long way. Some of us can give supplies. Maybe buy an extra bag of groceries and drop it at your nearest food bank or shelter. Maybe you can afford to pick up some building supplies and donate them to a group that is helping rebuild storm ravaged homes. Perhaps you can buy a few toys and donate them to organizations that help take care of needy kids and don't forget those clothing drives where you can help keep a homeless person warm who otherwise would be in for a very long winter.

So if you know about a great organization, please post the contact info here. If you are helping others during this holiday season than let us know and help encourage others to follow suit. Let's let the world know that we not only talk a big game but we walk the walk as well. We have held tons of moneybombs for candidates and political causes so let's just once participate in a lovebomb where we show love and compassion towards our fellow man and help change the world one person at a time.

Originally Posted by talkingpointes My girlfriend and I took a trip to Seattle about a week ago, and on our way into Washington we bought a homeless guy (looked like a hitchhiker) a rotisserie chicken (whole) gallon of water, package of carrots, and last but not least a large package of some keebler cookies. Before offering anything I offered cash or if he wanted alcohol or drugs -- HE DECLINED. We told him to hold on and that we would go get him food. We came back, given the look on his face he didn't seem to think we were. But he seemed very happy and said he was going to retire for the night and put away his sign and retreated towards a tree. Although I told my lady we probably shouldn't speak of it because I felt it is self-serving -- we both almost cried afterwards because we would be so appreciative for someone else to do that for us. I thought it was worth a mention, though I don't believe anyone deserve thanks as there are plenty more people needing any sort of assistance. Maybe the person pulled over to the side of the road really doesn't have help. Maybe your neighbor really wants someone to talk to. Maybe their kids need someone to talk to or to be around. I don't know but I always make it a point to try to help any in any way. My lady says it doesn't make me soft be easy to be abused.

Our movement is built upon principle and doing what we espouse. Without this we are our enemies. Stand tall, be proud, love yourself, and love others.

Really great posts. Inspiring.
+rep to both of you.

This is a pretty good "charity watch" site for those who donate $:

http://www.charitynavigator.org

 

[donnay]

Just cut checks to our local food pantries and Meals on wheels.

My son volunteers, every year, to serve the homeless and elderly, during the holidays.

 

[MelissaWV]

I recommend giving 'directly'. I've been burned too many times by large organizations who, if you're lucky, only put about 30% of the money they raise towards the cause they claim to support.

I used to donate to some 'national firefighters fund' (I can't remember the exact name, so don't quote me) over the phone, but one day I decided to look them up and it turns out they were less focused on getting equipment for small departments and more focused on administration costs. No fiscal accountability whatsoever, but undoubtedly someone 'up top' was getting a nice paycheck from a non-profit. Bunch of crooks.

I told them to stop calling me and after that I've always just made direct donations to the local volunteer fire department.

Just coordinating to bring them food one day can be a real boost, or offering whatever service it is in your power to give (anything from babysitting to car detailing), goes a long way.

I'm also a huge fan of direct giving, or tangible giving. Money is too vague.

My exception to the money rule is still to the church(es) that helped me out when I was down on my luck. They gave me monetary help with very few questions asked, and did not judge. Now they get a tithing from me every year. I know it's not why they did it, but I see it as an investment in me that is now paying off for them.

 

[Jamesiv1]

My employer (a public corp) is a United Way 'partner' - whatever that means. We get 5 emails a day for two weeks with United Way "Give!" bullshit. Our dept manager even makes a joke to new-hires saying "if you don't donate to United Way you will need to come to my office and tell me why not. And bring your badge and your computer. Ha Ha! only kidding" Read up on the United Way (wikipedia is a good start) to see all the scandals and corruption in that organization.

Any non-profit with million-dollar CEO's ain't worth a shit in my book.

Give locally, so you know where it's going. There's a cool group in my town that provides free housing for homeless families. Free, furnished apartments *with meals* for up to a year. With a computer room for creating resumes and applying for jobs online. If I had money to give, there's where it would go.

 

[MelissaWV]

My employer is a United Way 'partner' - whatever that means. We get 5 emails a day for two weeks with United Way "Give!" bullshit. Our dept manager even makes a joke to new-hire trainees saying "if you don't donate to United Way you will need to come to my office and tell me why not. And bring your badge and your computer. Ha Ha! only kidding" Read up on the United Way (wikipedia is a good start) to see all the scandals and corruption in that organization.

Any 501(c)3 with million-dollar CEO's ain't worth a shit in my book.

Give locally, so you know where it's going. There's a cool group in my town that provides free housing for homeless families. Free, furnished apartments *with meals* for up to a year. With a computer room for creating resumes and applying for jobs online. If I had money to give, there's where it would go.

My experience with United Way charities has not been good. It has been my personal experience that they want to help a certain type of person, and if you do not fit their ideal of that person/family, they don't have time or money for you. I did have someone helpfully suggest to me that if I had children they could find a bed for me at a shelter, or if I wanted to say my then-husband was abusive that they PROMISED they wouldn't REALLY report him, but then they could justify giving me food and money and shelter. Not a single mom, an abused woman, or mentally disabled? Hmm... not as interested. That doesn't make for a good commercial.

 

[RockEnds]

I volunteer my time. There are times that my schedule gets just a little thin, and I have to cut back, but I enjoy volunteering.

 

[kathy88]

Ronald McDonald houses are a good charity. They accept all kinds of donations in addition to monetary. When my youngest had so many problems his first several months we could not have made it through without them.

 

[nobody's_hero]

My experience with United Way charities has not been good. It has been my personal experience that they want to help a certain type of person, and if you do not fit their ideal of that person/family, they don't have time or money for you. I did have someone helpfully suggest to me that if I had children they could find a bed for me at a shelter, or if I wanted to say my then-husband was abusive that they PROMISED they wouldn't REALLY report him, but then they could justify giving me food and money and shelter. Not a single mom, an abused woman, or mentally disabled? Hmm... not as interested. That doesn't make for a good commercial.

Damn, now I have to look up "united way" too.

 

[paulbot24]

This is a damn good thread. My wife and I have been talking a lot about how the states and local communities have been stripped of their abilities and even their desire to help with issues like poverty and charitable work by the federal government. How the federal government's one-size-fits-all "charity" only ever serves special interest groups and people that fit the niche of the moment. Too busy saving the whales to talk to our neighbors. That conversation, along with where the Liberty movement is taking us has helped us realize that it is about time we gave back to our local communities. It is up to all of us to set the example as Ron always says. Can we prove to the federal leviathan that we can care for our hungry, homeless, and less fortunate in our local communities? It is up to all of us to show the answer is yes.

 

[ronpaulhawaii]

http://shiresharing.org/

 

[belian78]

My employer (a public corp) is a United Way 'partner' - whatever that means. We get 5 emails a day for two weeks with United Way "Give!" bullshit. Our dept manager even makes a joke to new-hires saying "if you don't donate to United Way you will need to come to my office and tell me why not. And bring your badge and your computer. Ha Ha! only kidding" Read up on the United Way (wikipedia is a good start) to see all the scandals and corruption in that organization.

Any non-profit with million-dollar CEO's ain't worth a shit in my book.

Give locally, so you know where it's going. There's a cool group in my town that provides free housing for homeless families. Free, furnished apartments *with meals* for up to a year. With a computer room for creating resumes and applying for jobs online. If I had money to give, there's where it would go.

I had an employer very similar to this one. Would really beat the drum of how great it is to be able to be part of the community, and how great it is to 'just donate a couple dollars every paycheck'. Of course legally it was all voluntary, however there were a few that decided not to donate their money though auto-deduction. Needless to say they didn't stay employed very long, they weren't 'the right type of person for our small family team'.