​“She said to him, "It meant the world to me that you stopped and talked to me." And it turned out; it meant the world to him as well. ” 

Through this anecdote of John Sweeney’s experience of helping a woman in need, Chris Anderson’s TED Talk on infectious generosity describes how generosity can spark an emotional resonance for both the giver and receiver. While the word itself finds its origin restricted to old-age nobility, in modern philanthropy, its meaning has extended to more diverse parameters of success, such as empathy and responsibility towards the society that nurtured a person towards success. It encompasses a sense of gratitude that culminates in the act of giving back to society.

Philanthropy in the current world transcends the traditional boundaries of giving a certain amount of money for the upliftment of underprivileged sections of society. Generosity reflects an individual's worldview, showcasing humility, gratitude, and happiness derived from making a meaningful impact and fostering connections.  While monetary contributions remain the most popular and widespread form of giving back, Elizabeth Dunn’s research suggests that generosity that goes beyond the bucks entails a different form of satisfaction. 

As social beings, we often feel this urge to contribute to our society and its related issues in some way, but more often than not, we find ourselves paralyzed with decision fatigue. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to recognize that there are numerous ways to support causes you feel connected to, as long as you're willing to take the first step. 

Volunteering
Time is an invaluable commodity in our lives, and the greatest gift we can give anyone is our time. Research has shown that volunteering and donating our time to a cause we feel passionate about can be enlightening and grounding experience, ultimately making us happier. It could be as simple as spending one hour in a week helping out at an NGO, children’s hospital, old age homes or work at animal shelters. 

Lending skills
Skills are a person’s ultimate asset for succeeding and surviving. Contributing one’s skills to local businesses, community members, or nonprofit organizations which can benefit from them can be a great way to give back and lead a more purposeful life. You can also opt to organize community gatherings or provide instructional sessions to assist individuals in their personal development. Providing complimentary training and educational initiatives presents an excellent opportunity to equip others with valuable skills they might not acquire otherwise.

Supporting local businesses
Supporting small businesses around your area can be a great way to enrich your local community while also fostering better connection with people who live in your vicinity. It not only endorses the aspirations and endeavors of local entrepreneurs but also cultivate a shared sense of unity and belonging among community members.

Donation drives
More often than not, we may doubt the impact of our individual donations on the cause we are donating for. A viable solution to this is bringing together more people where everyone contributes as per their feasibility. This collaborative approach yields a cumulative contribution far surpassing that of individual contribution while also fostering a greater sense of satisfaction and a sense of communal unity among participants.

These are just a few of the many approaches you can take to showcase generosity and lead a more purposeful and grounded life. Philanthropy is an inherent phenomenon and should manifest in ways that resonate uniquely with each individual's concept of giving back. Ultimately, what's essential is experiencing a profound sense of fulfillment, belonging, and purposefulness.
​At Turn the Bus, we find our purpose in using digital technology to make quality education accessible to children of rural Bihar with an ultimate vision to reduce income inequality. You can choose to contribute to our cause by donating your time by volunteering with us or by contributing your knowledge by teaching the students online. Generosity is an act of humility but its effects is empowering, enriching our lives with a sense of fulfillment and purpose.