I AM THAT GIRL has four core values. This week, we want to focus on one:
THAT GIRL Gives Back: She shares her love and gives back to her community any chance she gets. She's leaving this world better than she found it.
We've all heard we are 'supposed to' give back. But what does that ACTUALLY mean? We often hear questions like, why should I care? What's in it for me? And what does it actually look like to "give back"?
There is a shift in generosity, a new paradigm of contribution. We all have experiences that shift our perspective, and we learn that it matters that we give back - not only because it's good for those who receive and it makes the world a better place - but because - it's good for us. When we find ways to contribute positively to the world from our own resources, privilege, or passions, we actually live more meaningful lives! That feels like a win win.
One key to having a spirit of "THAT GIRL Gives Back" is to cultivate a sense of gratitude. Cliché as it might sound, the more grateful you are for the people, experiences, and circumstances of your own life, the more likely you are to fuel that gratitude into generosity. In the coming months, we will unpack things like awareness, advocacy, and social responsibility. We'll discuss privilege and ally-ship, and what it means to choose to live generously.
ACTIVITY - Define the Terms
As a group, answer these questions collectively so that you can get on the same page about this topic.
What does GIVE BACK mean to you? How do you give back? How has someone given back to you recently?
Why do you think it's important to be generous?
Do you think that altruism is something we have naturally?
ACTIVITY - Eyes That See
Another key to being THAT GIRL who gives back is to be on the lookout for opportunities to give back. In order to see, you have to look!
Step 1: On a piece of paper or a note on your phone, list out 5-10 needs in your school or community right now. This could be anything from smaller class ratios to more ADA compliant sidewalks. Maybe there's a high homelessness population in your city, or there are soup kitchens that get busier around the holidays.
Think about our basic human needs: food, shelter, water, and a sense of belonging. Who do you know personally - or just know of - that needs something in those categories?
Step 2: Share your lists out loud as a big group.
What are the common trends?
Are there any overlaps?
Did anyone bring up a need or a people-group that you had not thought of before?
Step 3: What are you going to do about it?
Okay, this is a big step, yes. But it is also a step that can be broken down to smaller steps:
VOICE: You can use your voice (perhaps this reminds you of another one of our core values?) to speak about this need. Tell others about what you see. Are you aware of a problem in society that you think needs to be discussed more? Help others gain the same amount of awareness that you have. We don't always have resources to help overhaul these needs, but we always have our voice.
FIND AN OPPORTUNITY: Did you see anyone else who noticed the same need you did? That's an opportunity for collaboration! How can you use your collective voices to give back? We are stronger together, after all.
PRIORITIZE: Use this time to talk, either as a big group or in smaller groups, about what changes you want to see made first. How can you all give back to one of these needs, right now? There are so many of you right here, here in this moment. Be creative!
RESOURCES as you think about how to give back:
Gratitude Journals like THIS ONE can be a great way to regularly remember what you're grateful for.
Adam Grant's TEDx Talk - "Are You A Giver Or A Taker?"