Restless Minds Topic: Exploring Generosity

December is the season for sharing—by far the most active month for charitable giving. Americans are generous in donating both money and volunteer services. Even during the pandemic, charitable giving was up five percent in 2020.

At its December meeting, the Restless Minds discussion group will consider the role and implications of philanthropy in our society.

The in-person meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the Sewing Room of Oakwood’s Arts and Crafts Center. All persons with open, inquisitive minds are invited. There are no fees or sign-up requirements. Just show up and participate in the discussion.

Andrew Carnegie believed wealthy persons had a moral obligation to give back. Among the questions for discussion on Dec. 14 is whether that still holds true and how it is practiced. For example, some believe that among the very rich, there is a trend toward using their large donations to shape civic values in their own image.

There is also a debate over whether philanthropic dollars supplant what should be government functions. And is this necessarily a bad thing?

We’ll also discuss individual and corporate giving and how we, individually, decide which of the nation’s 1.5 million charitable institutions to give to.

Plan to attend this discussion right after you write generous checks to your favorite charities.

For more information on Restless Minds, contact Bill Gates or Bobbie Reed at 480-883-7410. If you wish to receive a monthly email in advance of the program, please send the request to [email protected].