“Not only are you putting good into the world, but it feels good too.” –Jenn Klein

Are you an overgiver? Women can get into a position of over giving or giving in a depleting way. How can we navigate giving in a better way? I’m talking with Jenn Klein about the benefits of generosity and volunteering — and how to make that a rewarding part of a busy life.

We talk about the helper’s high and the health benefits of giving. We also look at volunteering as a couple or a family. Jenn reminds us that volunteering can be a form of self-care, a way to fill your cup, not drain it.

We talk about: 

• The boomerang nature of giving
• Working with organizations and being intentional about putting kindness into the world
• Giving three ways — time, treasure, talent

ABOUT JENN

Jenn Klein is a world-class and highly respected nonprofit fundraiser, author of the book Giving Is Selfish, speaker, coach and a proud mother of two boys.

For more than 18 years, Jenn has helped nonprofits grow through best fundraising practices and strategies. Jenn also coaches individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices, which, at their core, include giving to charity.

Jenn is on a mission to share the benefits of generosity, not just for others but also for yourself and our world.

LINKS

• Website: https://youareaphilanthropist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jennklein/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youareaphilanthropist/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennkleincoach/

DOABLE CHANGES

Even though we want big change, it’s really little things done over and over that make the difference. So pick a doable thing. Put it in your calendar. Weave it through your days for a week and then move on to the next one. It will have a snowball effect.

At the end of every episode, we share three doable changes, so you can take what you've heard and put it into action. Action is where change happens.

Here are three Doable Changes from this conversation:

• ASSESS HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT GIVING. Sometimes we get on a board or volunteer for an event and start to feel drained instead of filled. It might be the wrong work or the wrong time in your life. Get clear on how your volunteer hours make you feel — which things excite or energize you? Which do you dread? Knowing this can lead to change.
• DECIDE WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER. You can give your time, your talents, or your treasure. What do you have to offer? How can it serve a cause you feel passionate about?
• PUT KINDNESS INTO THE WORLD. Maybe this isn’t a time in your life when you have a lot of time to give. You can still put kindness into the world without a formal or ongoing volunteer gig. Offer smiles or compliments. Send a thank you note. Hold a door. Offer to help a neighbor with a task you see them struggling with. Try building a little more kindness into your day.