Philanthropy And Community Service

By Allie Mitchell on April 24, 2016

Philanthropy is something that practically everyone does, but we may not call it that exactly in everyday speak. The term that is normally used besides philanthropy is “community service.” In the end, it is all the same. Philanthropy is simply the act of helping someone else with no reward in return.

The only reward you receive is the idea that you have just helped someone else or improved someone’s day. The word ‘philanthropy’ to most that I’ve noticed has been seen to showcase big acts of kindness.

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In college, large acts of philanthropy appear a lot in Greek life. Sororities and fraternities have assigned organizations that they raise money towards or help out with. College clubs show acts of community service as well, going to food banks and running clothing drives — to name a few.

Big companies have philanthropy functions and galas to raise money. Families even remain a part of community service — when you drop off those clothes at that donation box or when you raise funds to gain new computers for a school. No matter how it’s done, no matter how big or small the act it’s all done with the same idea in mind: the idea that someone is going to have a better day or a better life because of your small act of kindness.

On the other hand, there is a less helpful side of community service. There are people out there who only help others for the advantage of having them do something for them later. Or to be able to tell other people that you did something good for someone else. This is losing the sight of what it really means to give back, to give your time. College philanthropy is becoming more of a between-the-lines type of requirement. I mean this as to say that everyone knows that colleges love to see some type of community service, but everyone tends to ask this one simple question …

How much community service is enough?

The answer is as simple as the question. Do as much community service as you want. No college, job, etc. is going to reject you because you help out too much. As long as you are helping out for the right reasons and not for the praise afterwards then the happy smiles of the people you are helping should make you happy enough.

Everyone loves a well-rounded student who can juggle school, maybe a job, and also do unpaid volunteer work on the side. If you’ve never done it, try it. You might actually love how it makes you feel. Why do you think non-profit organizations are a thing?

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