Why I Serve
This mini-course defines philanthropy and describes the research-based motivations for giving time, talent, or treasure for the common good. Participants are prompted to explore how and why to motivate themselves and others to serve. Each participant is guided to write a "Why I Serve" statement.
After completing this course (about 45 minutes), the learner is prompted to take a four-question quiz based on the content. Upon successful completion of this quiz, the learner may request a certificate suitable for a professional development portfolio, or as proof of .75 educational clock hours that can be used toward continuing education credit in most states. Please contact your State Department of Education or school district for specific information. Documentation of the completed courses and copies of the certificate are stored under "My Account" of the Learning to Give website where the learner may access (and print) them at any time.
The learner will:
- define philanthropy as giving time, talent, or treasure or taking action for the common good.
- identify the seven motivations for giving and examples.
- explore personal stories and motivations, values, talents, and giving passions.
- write a personal "Why I Serve" statement.
We all have experience with gifts of time and treasure that have made a difference in our lives. What is a strong memory for you of a meaningful gift? Maybe you felt happy to clean a friend's house while they were in chemotherapy. Maybe someone surprised you and shoveled your driveway on a busy winter morning. Giving has an impact on the giver and receiver that is bigger than the gift itself. In this section, we explore how philanthropy impacts people.
Different influences and motivations lead us to take action, volunteer, give money, or advocate for something. Taking these actions is a conscious choice. Read about the seven different motivations for giving.
Reflect on talents, time, connections, and local resources to determine what and how to contribute to a better community.
The fabric of our nation has been woven by volunteers and nonprofit associations working and sacrificing to create a civil society for the common good. Philanthropy is a tradition in our democracy.
How does one become a lifelong philanthropist? These stories from dedicated philanthropists tell how community, historical events, faith, and family influence a philanthropic character.
This quiz has four multiple-choice questions based on the mini-course "Why I Serve." If you answer 75 percent correctly, you will have the opportunity to download a personalized certificate. You may revisit the course and retake the quiz, if desired. There is an additional open-ended question...