Embedded Files
Philanthropy has many definitions. Some definitions include the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes; the activity of helping the poor, especially by giving them money; or private initiatives for the public good, focusing on quality of life. But the definition that I find to be the most inspiring, from Fidelity Charitable, is “love of humanity." They go on to describe philanthropy as generosity in all its forms and is often defined as giving gifts of “time, talent and treasure” to help make life better for other people. Philanthropy is practiced by volunteers donating time, money or other resources such as school supplies, computers, clothing, hygiene kits, food etc.
I have seen philanthropy in action in my own life as I have been involved in different service projects throughout my life. I have been a part of painting crews, assembled hygiene kits, and donated food to food pantries. I have also donated old shoes and assembled winter kits for homeless people. Within the Deaf community I have helped decorate at fundraisers and sewed blankets. Philanthropy like these activities is a great approach to civic engagement. When a community gathers together to address issues of public concern they work together to help alleviate those issues through philanthropic pathways. People donate money, time and resources to the cause and work together for the common good of the community.
An issue of public concern within the Deaf community is the oppression of Deaf people which can lead to abuse. Many Deaf people are abused through isolation, intimidation, shame, or manipulation. Because some Deaf adults and children have limited language skills they are unable to inform proper authorities of the abuse happening to them. They may not even know who to tell or where to find help. A philanthropic approach to this issue could be incorporated by either donating money to or volunteering time to causes that assist abused Deaf individuals.
Community Partner Report
Community Partner Report
Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf (SLCAD)
Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf is a non-profit organization that uses philanthropic approaches to help the Deaf community. The mission of SLCAD is "to promote a safe and empowered community for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind people by providing culturally accessible services, advocacy and education." I was able to conduct additional research about this organization through a phone call to their office. The woman I interviewed said they are advocates for Deaf victims in abusive relationships. They want to empower the victim by helping them escape the home they are in, find temporary housing, counseling and legal help. SLCAD assess the victims needs and encourages them on their journey to get back on their feet.
Philanthropy is demonstrated by this community organization in their efforts to assist abused Deaf individuals. The woman I talked to informed me that they write grants to the government to receive funding. They often set up booths at festivals and sell bracelets while trying to get the word out about their organization. They also host events like their annual gala to fundraise. SCLAD is always exploring the needs of abused Deaf community victims and eventually would like to set up a shelter where Deaf victims can stay temporarily, instead of using hotel rooms or Airbnb's.
However, like most business these days they are struggling to keep up with the cost of inflation and could use more monetary donations. This is a way that others, like myself, can support this organization's philanthropic efforts now and in the future. We can also volunteer our time by signing up to help a their events, booths, or annual gala. In 2023 and 2024, I was actually able to go help decorate for their "Under the Sea" gala and their "Witches" gala. Another way the woman at SCLAD told me that we can support them, is by spreading information about their organization. She said many Deaf people do not know about them or are being blocked from learning about them by their abusers. This is unfortunate because SCLAD is an important organization that has a "love of humanity." This organization deserves our donations and support for their continued philanthropic efforts for the Deaf community.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse