I’ve often been irked by strangers asking for my help. I’ve always told myself two things:
1) If they really needed help, there is probably a better channel for getting that help that doesn’t involve knocking on my door or calling me on the phone.
2) I offer my help based on my own schedule and by vetting the recipient of my donation myself.
While both of these statements are maybe somewhat valid, they’re both pretty weak and they’re certainly very selfish.
In reality, I would like for there to be avenues for people to get help (financial or otherwise) that actually work, but it’s clear that these avenues don’t always work and often just don’t exist.
And, as for the second statement, well, I tell myself that I make concerted efforts to give, but how true is that statement, really? I give, but not on any schedule, and certainly not as much as I’m capable of.
I want to help people. I want to be rational but not stingy about giving. I’m intrigued by the notion of donating a percent of your salary as a rule. As an atheist I like the idea of taking this sentiment out of the context of church/religion and applying it to any cause/project/charity of my choosing.
So, I’m starting this project. I value the idea of helping for helping’s sake. At least, I say it’s something I value, so I guess this is the test.
There’s a lot of chaos in the world and sometimes bad things happen and folks need help. There’s also a lot of creativity in the world that just needs a little support. I want to take a more active role in helping.
Every week I aim to help a cause that I’ve chosen and researched as best I can.