Giving Builds Generosity

Scott Harrison, founder of charity:water, believes that generosity is like a muscle that grows stronger with use. Through his experience transforming from a nightclub promoter to running a major charity, he's found that the act of giving becomes more natural and rewarding the more you practice it.

Key Points:

• The Nature of Giving:

  • "The more you give, the more you give" - it's like exercising a muscle
  • Saying "yes" to giving makes you want to say "yes" more
  • Giving should be fun - "the first three letters in fundraising is fun"

• Common Resistance to Giving:

  • People fear saying yes to one charity means having to say yes to all
  • Many put up walls against giving out of fear of endless requests
  • The more you say no, the more inclined you become to keep saying no

• Benefits of Embracing Giving:

  • It's a "joy to give" and a "blessing"
  • Helps encourage social entrepreneurs
  • Creates opportunities to support various causes:
    • Medical treatments
    • Food pantries
    • Global water access
    • Local community needs

• Practical Approach to Giving:

  • Start by saying yes, even if amounts need to be smaller
  • Support those who have "mustered the courage to ask"
  • Don't miss out on the opportunity to end needless suffering
  • It's okay to adjust donation amounts to support multiple causes

The core message is that giving shouldn't be viewed as a burden but as an opportunity for personal growth and positive impact, with each act of generosity making the next one easier and more natural.