“Giving Back Involves a Certain Amount of Giving Up”

This spring I was fortunate enough to begin the interview process for a coveted internship at the Mackinac Center. In my first few months of employment, my eyes were opened to the complexity of running such a sophisticated organization. More importantly, I was exposed to the importance of small donations in keeping things going. They can come from almost anyone who believes in a cause.

One demographic group I find extremely important is young people. Giving back is often not a priority for young people because it is more difficult for them financially as a college student or young professional. But even a small donation is important; supporting a cause close to your heart gives a sense of personal fulfillment. Giving also opens up a young person — any person, actually — to a group of people who care about the same cause. People who give to the same cause share a passion for the organization and have something in common, regardless of how large or small their gifts may be. And a small gift can have a large effect. For example, a $25 gift helps us reach 50 people with our publications. It can have a snowball effect through the continuing gifts generated from those publications.

Is giving easy at a young age? No. Does it have many rewards once that sacrifice is made? Absolutely. When reflecting on this topic, I think of a quote from General Colin Powell, who said, “Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up.” Always remember that a small gift given today might greatly affect someone else’s tomorrow.