| Americans think of themselves as the most generous people on the planet, which is why so many are disappointed to learn that we are not. At least not in the most important ways of measuring charity. The United States undoubtedly has a peerless non-profit industrial complex. Americans are flooded with emails this time of year, ensuring we don't forget to write an end-of-year check to the charity of our choice. We rank highest in terms of currency donated, but that's because we have one of the world's highest per capita incomes. But the Charities Aid Foundation thinks there is more to give. For the past dozen years, the UK-based group has ranked generosity based on what percentage of a nation's citizens has helped a stranger, donated money or volunteered their time in the past year. Indonesia and Kenya take first and second places on CAF's index. The U.S. is third. But we can be proud that we are the only nation in the Top 10 that isn't in Africa, Asia or South America.Donating time, money, and goods is a critical part of the culture in Indonesia and Kenya. A high percentage of both nations are active in mosques or churches. Both also have secular, formal traditions of raising money for others in their community. Indonesia's is called gotong-royong, and Kenya's is named harambee. CAF's World Giving Index does have limitations. Some cultures, like Germany, do not think vital services should rely on donations. When it comes to medical research, caring for the needy or meeting basic human needs, most Germans believe the government has a duty to provide. So they pay higher taxes to guarantee people are not homeless or hungry. Peter Coy at the New York Times had a thoughtful column on balancing what services the government and what charities should provide. Many people have their own philosophies about giving. Some only give to help children, others exclusively to medical research. I don't give to charities that act as government substitutes. Giving is essential for establishing community bonds and neighborly love. But providing cash is not the only, or even the best, way to better our society. Giving others our time, patience and love are more valuable, and the rewards more satisfying than a tax deduction. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment