These past few weeks have given all of us a lot to think about. The Corona virus crisis has paralyzed much of the US and the world, and of course have sent most of us home early for the semester. More than just trapping us inside our homes, the virus has had a huge impact on the economy and people's livelihoods. The number of people filing for unemployment has increased drastically since the start of the crisis, and some sources are predicting that unemployment could rise as high as 20 or 30% (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/26/us-unemployment-rate-coronavirus-business). Those are Great Depression levels of unemployment, something pretty much all of us have not seen in our lifetimes. Not only are those out of work struggling, health care workers, grocery store employees, and other employees for businesses deemed essential are working around the clock and constantly exposing themselves to the danger of the virus. The crisis has drastically escalated over the past few weeks, and each new day seemingly brings worse news.
In our Philanthropy and Civil Society course this semester, I have learned so many new things about philanthropy and how to be an effective philanthropist. In thinking of something to write about in this blog post, I began to think about what important role philanthropy plays now during the crisis and how our class as effective philanthropists can help. During our virtual site visits, I realized the hugely important role organizations like VINES, RISE, and the Urban League play in keeping communities whole and functioning. Organizations like these which provide food, shelter from domestic abuse, child care (especially important for health care workers during the crisis) and other services are essential now more than ever. With no pay and barely anything on the store shelves, organizations like VINES can play a vital role in keeping local food deserts and low income areas fed. RISE and Urban League provide valuable family services, and help keep parents and children safe and giving them beneficial life experiences. With the corona virus crisis ongoing and much of our attention being paid to government institutions or major cities like New York, organizations in communities such as ours play a pivotal role now more than ever.
I am very glad that this semester we have a chance to give to organizations such as these that really need our help and can in return really help out the community we are a part of as Binghamton students. Last month, I helped run the Casino in the Woods event that raised over $3,000 for the Foodbank of the Southern Tier, funds which will be needed especially now. I hope that after this semester philanthropy continues to be a part of my life, and this class and especially this crisis has shown me the vital role local organizations have in keeping their communities healthy and happy.
In our Philanthropy and Civil Society course this semester, I have learned so many new things about philanthropy and how to be an effective philanthropist. In thinking of something to write about in this blog post, I began to think about what important role philanthropy plays now during the crisis and how our class as effective philanthropists can help. During our virtual site visits, I realized the hugely important role organizations like VINES, RISE, and the Urban League play in keeping communities whole and functioning. Organizations like these which provide food, shelter from domestic abuse, child care (especially important for health care workers during the crisis) and other services are essential now more than ever. With no pay and barely anything on the store shelves, organizations like VINES can play a vital role in keeping local food deserts and low income areas fed. RISE and Urban League provide valuable family services, and help keep parents and children safe and giving them beneficial life experiences. With the corona virus crisis ongoing and much of our attention being paid to government institutions or major cities like New York, organizations in communities such as ours play a pivotal role now more than ever.
I am very glad that this semester we have a chance to give to organizations such as these that really need our help and can in return really help out the community we are a part of as Binghamton students. Last month, I helped run the Casino in the Woods event that raised over $3,000 for the Foodbank of the Southern Tier, funds which will be needed especially now. I hope that after this semester philanthropy continues to be a part of my life, and this class and especially this crisis has shown me the vital role local organizations have in keeping their communities healthy and happy.
This post brought about a lot of great points. These are unprecedented times, and like you mentioned, it is changing with every coming day. I liked how you brought this class into the post. With taking this course this semester, we’ve actually given ourselves an opportunity to help out in this pandemic. I’m sure no one expected this when they signed up for the course, as I know I certainly did not. However, with the difficulties we are facing, I feel we are given no other option but to shift our focus. Originally, I felt as if we were a very open-minded class when it came to our donation. This is definitely a good quality to have, but now more than ever I think we may need to shift or alter our view in these times of crisis. We must keep this pandemic in a prominent spot in our minds when we donate, as we can help those suffering. I liked how you pointed out how some of the candidate organizations have focuses that can help in this pandemic such as VINES with how they can, “keep local food deserts and low income areas fed.”
ReplyDeleteGoing on, you mentioned your recent experience with philanthropy and the Southern Tier, which I thought was very cool to see. I too am very glad I took this course this semester and think we have a real chance to help some people out with our efforts. With COVID-19, we’ve been thrown a curveball, but we now have an opportunity to help and we must use it properly.
Luke, your post is very interesting and you present some shocking statistics. With the philanthropy class and recent events, my views on charities have certainly evolved. I liked what you said about the various roles our finalists place in the community. If anything, I think this has made our final decision about the donation much more difficult. Although things seem pretty bleak, it's interesting to see how other organizations (not charities) react to the pandemic. For example, I saw that Binghamton University donated essential protective wear to the nearby hospitals and that is really great. It's evidence for the fact that philanthropy has a big scope and anyone can really help out.
ReplyDeleteIt's inspiring that you helped raise money for the food bank and I hope to do that in the future as well. This class has made me realize the importance of being in touch with the community beyond the university. I hope to join meaningful organizations and help make a positive impact on the community.
Hey Luke! This post definitely resonated with me. I knew that unemployment rates were on the rise and that the economy was getting worse but I had no clue the unemployment rates could reach 20 or 30 percent. These truly are Great Depression-like times where so many people are in desperate need of help, especially those that were already less fortunate before the virus hit. You are definitely right that it is even more important now than ever to keep organizations such as VINES and RISE in our thoughts. Without donations to these organizations, they have a very tough time funding their efforts to solve the problems the Binghamton community is now facing. Without their efforts, many people in need of food or domestic violence shelter will be on their own. I think it's awesome that you participated in the Casino in the Woods, efforts like that are what these people need in these trying times. I agree with you that it is a great opportunity to be a part of this class during COVID, our donation could be the most impactful one yet due to how much more help is needed now with the virus. I too hope to keep philanthropy involved in my life after this class is over as it really has brought me to appreciate the difference that can be made.
ReplyDeleteHey Luke,
ReplyDeleteSo I know you made this post towards the beginning of quarantine and the outbreak of this pandemic. The role of philanthropy has definitely changed in communities around the globe. There is more need for sure because many have lost their sources of income. I believe that many organizations and individuals have stepped up to help those in need. For example, in my community the free and reduced breakfast and lunch program is still being provided through my school district. There are hundreds of volunteers, myself included, that go to package the meals for these students, and then additional volunteers that distribute them. We have delivered over 60,000 meals to students that need them in our community. This time has pushed people to look outside of their own struggles to help others that are in need, and it shows the generosity of humans.
This pandemic is not only going to change the role of philanthropy, but it will also change how society functions. I'm hoping that we are able to grow and learn from this when we get to the other side of this pandemic. For example, I hope that financial literacy is a required class in high school to help students understand how to manage their money. I've never been taught this, and many people haven't, and it is crucial for people to understand. Many people were never taught to save for an emergency fund in case something, such as a pandemic occurred. Many people also don't know that they should start saving for retirement at a young age. All these lessons should be taught, and they aren't. So I'm hoping that changes because it will help make our society more financially responsible as a whole. I also am hoping that this pandemic changes the health care provided to citizens and that health care for all is implemented. It is essential for people to have access to health care in order to lead a good life, and it is a basic need that should be provided. Another change I hope to see in our world is a turn towards more reusable energy and less pollution. There have been significant decreases in the amount of air pollution, and some cities that haven't seen the sun in years due to the immense amount of pollution now have clear skies. I'm hoping that electric cars become more affordable and popular amongst the population due to the significant changes we've seen in the environment since quarantine. (https://www.newsweek.com/earth-day-2020-ways-planet-environment-changed-covid-19-1499268)
As hard as this time has been for so many people, I really hope that we are able to learn from this and grow as a community.