“Momma says that there is only so much fortune a man really needs, and the rest is just for showing off.” –Forrest Gump

It might seem a bit strange to be taking pointers from a fictional character, but I love this statement.  In fact, I love pretty much everything about the 1994 Classic, Forrest Gump; the honesty, humility, and lovable-ness of preserved innocence in a corruptible world.

Every time I see reruns on TBS (I own the movie, but put up with commercials anyway), the memorable quotes stay with me for a while, and a most recent viewing left the above sentence resonating.  With the April 27^th tornados still looming large here in Alabama; with our annual United Way Campaign on the horizon, I was already milling the topic of financial responsibility.

A large part of the DoGoodedness Principle is grounded in making decisions based on what is good for yourself, your family, and those around you (your community).  Being a good steward financially is about using what you “need” and sharing the rest.  Now, “need” is defined differently by pretty much everyone (hence my quotations), but you get the picture.

The American Dream is often misconstrued into living a life of excess.  However, an “I earned it, so I can do what I want” mentality only serves to fuel greed, unhappiness, and unhealthy priorities.  How many times have you heard, “Money can’t buy (fill in the blank)?” – The vast majority of these axioms highlighting intrinsic qualities that truly fulfill us as human beings.  Yet, too often, we keep spending and dreaming of spending, because we think that is the path to being complete.

Giving back to your church, community, local non-profits, or people in need will change your perspective on money, and on life, really.  A true sacrifice (one that is felt in your bank account) can completely alter you as a person – and for the better.  Wholehearted giving will help you view every purchase, every financial situation, in a different light.

In all honesty, I hate asking people for money.  In a typical presentation to prospective donors or sponsors, I much prefer showing people what their money goes toward.  Instead of hearing it from me, why don’t you see for yourself?  If I can introduce you to one of the adults receiving services at United Cerebral Palsy or a child taken in by the YWCA daycare program, then I would prefer to do that.  Why?  Because you will never be the same.  If I have to lean on the “tax write-off” selling point, then I know I haven’t really done my job.  A hollow check will inevitably help an organization, but I much prefer to build an army of believers for the cause.  I want to facilitate a lasting connection.

As a fundraiser, it doesn’t get any better than having someone excited about giving.  You see the enthusiasm, the passion, and you know they get it…

If you do not already have this type of connection, this love for a particular cause, then I would love to help you find it.

Forrest shared his wealth with Bubba’s Family, The Fishing Hospital, His Church, and of course, by “Cuttin’ that grass for free.”  How can you give back?

Do Good!

Matt

Feel free to comment, rant, or contact me via matt.a.chapman@gmail.com

It sometimes feels like a battle that we are all losing:  Our waistlines against what America wants to feed us.  Explore the menus of most restaurants and you will find very few dishes that are going to support you in your quest to stay healthy.  So what are we to do?

The answer is simple - Take matters into your own hands.

In an ongoing effort to better my diet, I have learned a few key principles.

Take Another Look at How Much You are Eating

The amount of food I have historically eaten per meal has been too much.  This is probably been the most eye-opening revelation in my quest to be healthier; depressing in a way, but also empowering now that I am aware of it.

First off, don’t let restaurants tell you how much you are supposed to eat.   (Note:  I personally struggle with this on a regular basis, as I like to get my “moneys worth.”)  If this is your Achilles heel, then order less – half order, lunch portion, or simply box it up and take it home with you.  My friend, Kevin, used to save a lot of money with the latter.  The best method of portion control is, of course, to simply make the food yourself.

Another way to battle the urge to overeat is to simply not go too long without eating anything (more on this later).  The three meal system tends to make each into an event, where we are expected to indulge ourselves before another fasting period.  If you are starving going in, then you are more susceptible to overindulging.  Your body may not need the excess, but your eyes may think otherwise.

In short, stop when your body indicates that you have eaten enough.  You don’t have to leave every table feeling “full” or “stuffed.”  Typically, that will only lead to your energy level dropping in order to digest all that food.  Once you get used to eating less, it will feel like second nature.

Find a Routine and Take Control

I can control my eating habits much more during the week – I do my best to take advantage of this and develop a routine of eating fresh, small meals throughout the workday.

Each morning begins with a fruit smoothie (fruit + ice and blend) that I make for Allison and myself.  Since starting this routine, I have been drinking less coffee and feeling more energy right out of the gate.

For the workday, I have a variety of fruits, veggies, and other non-processed snacks at my disposal.  These come in handy every few hours and help keep me at a constant level   Lunch might be a small portion of leftovers, a sandwich, or wrap.   Most nights I amake dinner for the two of us, utilizing meat/fish (that we stockpile and freeze) and any number of fresh or canned vegetables.  A well stocked spice cabinet (I recommend Mr. P’s seasonings) will help you add flair to any meal.

Admittedly, the weekends are always tougher, but momentum and a focus on moderation will power you through.

Stay on the Plateau

This is a common theme here on DoGoodedness, because it rings true in all facets.  View your body as an engine.  It is operating constantly, and needs fuel constantly, so why would you only refuel three times a day with hefty amounts?  To keep a constant energy level, and not get bogged down, more smaller meals is the way to go.  The all-or-nothing approach to eating is going to produce more peaks and valleys throughout the day.

Open Your Mind to New Things

I was a picky eater growing up.  Breakfast was most likely a pop tart or toaster struedel.  Lunch and dinner were typically hot dog or pizza based if I had the choice.  Even in college, this was pretty much the routine.  So what changed?

Eventually, I put aside all of my preconceived notions about healthy foods and gave them a second try.  These days I have a newfound love for the produce section.  Regardless of how picky you may be, there are plenty of options to be had.  Just find what works for you, and pretty soon, you will begin to shun anything with suspect ingredients or processing involved.   I might be getting optimistic here, but you eventually, you might even want to grow some of your own stuff.

In closing, I want to be very clear:  This is not a DIET!  This is a way of life - something that I plan on doing in the long run.  It is built upon principles that are meant to endure.  The key is to start slow to develop and comfortable routine as well as a stable mindset.

DoGoodedness is about having self-control and delighting in it.  You will find that many of these ideas can be applied in many facets of life.  Stay tuned for more!

DoGood!

matt

Going forward, I plan to make DoGoodedness a more interactive experience for everyone.  I’ll be honest with you, and I welcome your feedback, stories, and advice on how to DoGood in your part of the world.  This is an ongoing conversation, and not just me handing down life lessons.

Help me develop a movement around “The DoGoodedness Principle,” and let us all be the best people we can possibly be.

Many Thanks,

matt

By now, you have probably heard about Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution; a show on ABC that profiles one man’s efforts to curb childhood obesity in America’s fattest city.  Behind a little added drama and a slight overuse of pensive cuts, the problem here is very real.  While children eating pizza for breakfast and failing to identify a potato makes for interesting television, the stark reality is that they are a generation headed for a fat-laden epidemic.  If trends continue, these kids are projected to live shorter lives than their parents.

Thankfully, the dire straights depicted on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution have already been addressed in many areas.  Through a generous Grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation and support from local champions, change is already being affected across the country.  Locally, in Birmingham, the Healthy Kids Healthy Communities initiative is carrying out this message.  Here are the main areas of focus.

Education

As with every attempt to change, the key element is, of course, knowledge.  This involves everything from the basics of healthy eating to the proper way to exercise and grow a garden.  A basic understanding of how our bodies work provides a foundation for everything else.  After all, what good is the “how?” if there is no “why?”

Healthy Options

For years, the debate has raged on in schools regarding what options kids should be presented with in the cafeteria.  I personally had a mountain of fried foods as well as pizza at my disposal, and chose poorly pretty much every day of high school.  With all due respect to teenagers and adolescents – they are not the best decision makers.  Choices are great, but it is time that the fryer and manufactured foods be taken off the serving line.  There are ways to make fresh, delicious, as well as cost-effective meals.  The key is getting parents and local officials to get on board with the idea.  That is why the Healthy Kids Healthy Communities initiative has set out to support such a concept.  Local restaurants have even joined the effort to show what this meal can look like.

Healthy Activities

As we all know, diet is 80% of the healthy equation, but the remaining 20% cannot be ignored. As a society, we have been shying away more and more from physical activity.  PE classes are falling by the wayside.  Healthy Kids Healthy Communities seeks to get children moving again, with in school and after school programs.  Additionally, city layouts are being reevaluated to promote alternative modes of transportation.  Bike paths and pedestrian-friendly areas aim to invite families to explore healthy lifestyles.

So what can you do?

Sign the Petition

Show your support for Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution by signing the petition to make local and national changes in governmental regulations.  Those of you who have seen the show are well aware of the stumbling blocks to creating a balanced meal in schools.

Active-ate Your Family

Be a positive influence for those around you, especially children.  The biggest way to do this: quit being lazy.  Quick meals and fast food are easy.  Driving everywhere is easy.  Take the road less travelled.  Set aside time to make fresh, healthy meals.  Get out and walk every now and then!

DoGood!

Matt

Feel free to email me: matt@DoGoodedness.com with questions, suggestions, or if you are interested in writing a guest post!

In today’s world, revolutions begin electronically.  Armies are assembled with the touch of a few buttons.  It is easier than ever to have your voice heard.  So why not use that voice to improve your city?

I am happy to introduce you to the Government 2.0 concept.  This genre of web and mobile based applications are bridging the gap between you and your local government.  Utilizing these products, the proactive citizen can email issues or photos directly to city officials.  See a sign that needs to be fixed?  Unsettled with funding appropriations in your area?  Did Garbage pickup omit your house?   Here is your chance to let the powers that be know about it.

For those of you in Birmingham, my good friend Evan Metrock, through his startup Metrocket LLC, has just released an iPhone application that does exactly this.  It is called Better Birmingham, and the product is free for download through the iTunes app store.  A simple form assembles all pertinent information and sends it to the appropriate office.  Contact information is included for the communities of Vestavia, Hoover, and Mountain Brook and will expand to the entire Birmingham area in future versions.

If you live elsewhere, you may also be in luck.  New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and other major metropolitan areas have been utilizing the applications for a while now to streamline Transit Systems and Public Relations. Bypass the red tape and get things done in your city!

DoGood!

matt

Feel free to email me: matt@DoGoodedness.com with questions, suggestions, or if you are interested in writing a guest post!

]]> http://dogoodedness.com/2010/03/25/government-2-0/feed/ 0 http://dogoodedness.com/2010/03/16/the-zone-project/ http://dogoodedness.com/2010/03/16/the-zone-project/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:46:21 +0000 Matt http://dogoodedness.com/?p=455 Continue reading →]]>

Occasionally, when the weather is nice, I like to spend my lunch hour exploring the sidewalks of downtown Birmingham.   The walk serves as a reminder: both in how far the city has come and how far it has to go.  While there are blocks that show signs of progress, many still exude a loss of hope.   Seeing the latter, it is easy to get discouraged.

Thankfully, there are plenty of success stories that show us what we are capable of.  With the right people and wholehearted determination, change can be affected.  Just take a look at The Zone Project in Harlem.

You may have seen an American Express commercial recently that features the charismatic Geoffrey Canada and the impact his Harlem Children’s Zone has had in one of New York City’s poorest neighborhoods.  “If we can fix this block,” he says, ”then we can fix the next block and the next block and the next.”  By 2011, Mr. Canada aims to have revitalized a hundred.  Not surprisingly, this attitude is attracting an audience around the country.

What makes this program different is the approach that HCZ has adopted.  In revitalizing a block, every problem is corrected.  Each building is considered, as they address all of the issues that poor families are facing in the area: from crumbling apartments to crack houses and underperforming schools.  Piece by piece, the standards, as well as expectations, are raised.

This attention to detail is born from HCZ’s “whatever it takes” attitude.  Every child is accounted for.  Education is a cornerstone and progress is closely monitored from preschool to college.  Instilling this accountability in children eventually leads to a similar attitude in the surrounding community.  HCZ leaders refer to this concept as “building a culture of success.”

Consider this approach when trying to create change in your area.  After all, a rebuilding effort is more than bricks and mortar.  It involves fostering an attitude that cares, as well as cultivating a self worth.  If people feel as though they are being invested in, then they will in turn become vested in their communities.  Build your value one block at a time.

DoGood!

Matt

Feel free to email me: matt@DoGoodedness.com with questions, suggestions, or if you are interested in writing a guest post!

A few months ago, I joined several of my coworkers to participate in Junior Achievement’s annual calling campaign.  For the better part of a day, we sat at our makeshift workstations leafing through call sheets – trying to warm strangers just long enough to sucker them out of some money.  Although the cause was admirable and certainly worthy, I couldn’t help but get frustrated with the process.  For the hundreds of calls placed that day, the room’s success rate was unacceptably low.  Volunteers left demoralized and quite accustomed to hearing the word “no.”

This topic, I had planned to explore a while ago, but was emphatically reminded today when an (888) number showed up on the cell phone.  Admittedly, I had given a decent amount to the organization a few years back.  However, now I was being asked for $300 on the spot without any warning or personal connection (the last give was to a friend going overseas for their program).  No disrespect to the caller or group, but this is primarily a waste of everyone’s time.

With the plethora of media outlets these days, it is time for the nonprofit sector to embrace new ways of campaigning for cash.  Gone are the days of mass phone calls and incessant mailings.  The new emphasis is on time-effective and focused campaigns.

I was delighted to see how efficient some of the Haitian fundraisers were.  In a matter of hours, a handful of initiatives had already brought in funds totaling in the tens of millions.  Our expectations literally changed overnight.

So how did they do it?

Twitter

This does not come as much of a surprise to most of you.  With 75 Million users and the ability to directly and immediately send information to loyal followers, it is no wonder that this site can be so helpful.  Encourage retweets by those who care about your cause and word will spread very quickly.

Of course, information at the speed of light is only as good as the infrastructure you have in place to support it.  Use your tweets to point patrons directly to a donation page that explains in more detail.  Make payment as easy as possible and have receipts emailed immediately.  In the event that you are a large enough organization for such a partnership, look into a text message option where carriers will charge a nominal fee to bill customers on your behalf.

Personal Pages

One of the organizations I work closely with has changed up their annual drive by creating personal, customizable pages for every interested party.  Why would they do this?  Because they have found that these people are their best assets.   They are more apt to attract donations on an individual site than a generic one.  Additionally, this instills a sense of pride that pushes fundraisers to be more proactive.

Facebook

Once again, nothing revolutionary here, but the key to Facebook is using it the right way.  If your organization has open events, they need to be posted on FB.  Allow attendees to invite more people, thus compounding your reach.  If a reputable nonprofit in our area is having a fundraiser, the invite will inevitably circulate to someone in our circle.  This, most notably, costs nothing.  Think of the money you could save on mailings and printed invites…

A fan page on FB will allow you to corral people and to contact them directly with minimal effort.  Just like followers on twitter, you can send messages directly to them and keep them abreast of happenings with your nonprofit.

DoGood!

Matt

Feel free to email me: matt@DoGoodedness.com with questions, suggestions, or guest posts!

Admittedly, I am only halfway through the book Stones into Schools, but the message contained in these pages is begging for an article.  I am happy to oblige.

Building upon the 2006 bestseller Three Cups of Tea, Stones follows philanthropist Greg Mortenson as he proves a universally beautiful point:  The best way to promote peace is not with guns, bombs, and military force, but rather with books, teachers, and schools.  Greg and his rag tag band known as the “dirty dozen” venture to civilization’s most remote areas to carry out their mission.

Empowering People

Much of the ignorance and intolerance in the world is derived from a lack of education.  Here in the United States, we take this liberty for granted.  Schools serve to empower individuals, and in such high profile battlegrounds as Afghanistan, groups like The Taliban are well aware of the threat.  They, like many other militant organizations, thrive on creating fear – a fear that can be quelled through learning.

Greg Mortenson co-founded the Central Asia Institute (CAI) in 1996 to carry out his mission in the remote mountain regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.  As of 2009, CAI has built more than 130 schools, focusing primarily on those for girls: who have been intentionally left out of what schooling has historically been offered.  Because of these efforts, young women are earning high-school equivalent degrees (or better) and going on to pursue careers previously thought to be unobtainable by societal standards.  As household pillars, these mothers will eventually pass along such high expectations to their offspring…and it spreads.

If you want to help fight the war on terror, consider what Mortenson has done.  While our country is spending millions of dollars every day to send troops into battle, the CAI is bettering the next generation of Afghanis (and conveying Western compassion) for a fractional amount.  Please consider donating to their cause.

At Home

Similarly, many of our battles here in America can be fought with a larger focus on education – not only in schools but also in society as a whole.  Whether the problem is obesity, crime, debt, or racial/ethnic intolerance, progression begins with the instatement of a solid knowledge base for our children.  A greater emphasis has to be placed on early development, and families need to reinforce the idea that learning does not stop once they get home.

Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to help improve the education of children in your own community.  Regardless of how busy you may be, there is an opportunity out there that will fit your schedule.  Find time to read in local classrooms, help with an after school program or simply donate books to the Literacy Council or Better Basics.

For those of you in the Birmingham area, I encourage you to participate in Birmingham Reads on April 14^th.  This annual event strives to have volunteers reading in every elementary school classroom in the city.  For more information, check out our Events page.

DoGood!

Matt

Feel free to email me: matt@DoGoodedness.com with questions, suggestions, or guest posts!

As the name obviously implies, LAF was founded by Lance Armstrong, cycling champion and cancer survivor, in 1997.  Dissatisfied with the approach of other organizations, Lance was determined to raise the volume on Cancer advocacy.  The motto of his organization became “unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything.”  I think that sums up their goal quite appropriately.

Here is a look at what they have done exceptionally well:

Products

Through an advantageous partnership with sports giant Nike, LAF began selling yellow LIVESTRONG wristbands in 2004.  The simple idea was twofold – to bring cancer to the forefront of the conversation and to raise money for research.  Six years later, over 70 million of these have been purchased around the globe, inviting a host of imitators to experiment with the same concept.  Furthering the partnership with Nike and Lance himself, the LIVESTONG brand is now appearing on a wide variety of athletic gear.  This brings up the question:  Do people want to brand themselves with your nonprofit?  Will they wear it on their sleeves and proudly advertise your cause?

Social Media

Let’s face it: you probably do not have a leader with the celebrity power of Armstrong.  You can try to go out and win seven Tour de France titles, but your time might be better spent elsewhere.  What you can do, however, is get plugged in to the social media scene.  This goes beyond simply having a website, a Facebook page, and an email list.  Anyone can do that.  Your challenge is to continually build support through a loyal following.  How do you do this?  First, it is important to invite others into the conversation.

The beauty of sites like Twitter and Facebook is that they allow you to not only talk, but listen to those around you.  Ask for feedback and it shall come.  When people feel like their input matters, then they will become part of your cause.  Lance has mastered this by staying directly connected to his followers.

Events

Another area where I think the LAF team excels is with their events.  They not only encourage, but also support grassroots fundraisers with a well-oiled program.  This allows individuals and volunteers to make the most out of an event.

Taking a page from The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, LAF has established a core group of athletes that train, participate, and raise money in the name of fighting cancer.  Team LIVESTRONG has set an admirable goal of growing to 21,000 members in 2010.  As a runner and cyclist myself, I can tell you that having this kind of a support group really adds meaning as well as motivation for hitting the pavement.

Political Involvement

With nonprofits being so heavily vested in government policies, grants, and initiatives, it helps to have a face on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures.  This is where a person like Lance Armstrong is so invaluable.  He has been a prominent voice for Cancer Survivors and their concerns.  Representatives, Senators, and even the President have no choice but to hear the voices that result from LAF’s National Action Plan.  How can you make sure your voice is heard by policymakers?

Sense of Community

If you have read Lance’s account of his battle with cancer, you are aware of how much he emphasis a community of support – namely from other survivors.  Through hearing such testimonies, one can conjure up hope for their own struggle.  This is the concept behind LAF’s Survivorship support.  Through events, newsletters, and constant contact, Cancer patients are reminded that they are not alone.

Do you have success stories?  Keep them around to remind everyone of what they are capable of.

How else can you improve your organization or nonprofit?  I would love to hear how you are being a trendsetter for the community and world.

DoGood!

Matt

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions, or thoughts on how to make this site better: matt@dogoodedness.com

Miss Katie Furr: DoGooder

I am pleased to present to you a story from my good friend Katie Furr.  She has spent her post-college years living, working, and doing good in New York City.  Enjoy!

As a Southern transplant to NYC, whenever I tell people (mainly in the South) that I live here, they usually respond, “Oh I love New York, but I could NEVER live there! Too big, too many people.”  Yet, I have found something really lovely about living in such a big place. New York, as expansive as it may be, is really as small as you make it.

I walk streets that warm with familiarity. Every day, on my way to the train, I pass Habeeb, who sells me my coffee, ride with the same commuters, and the deli guys where I grab lunch have a welcoming smile. Community has been redefined in a really beautiful way.

When Matt asked me to write about doing good in the big city, I felt like this sense of belonging was such an essential part. I contribute here because I feel very connected to my neighborhood, and want it to improve. The way I “do good” in New York is by volunteering at a local nonprofit. I actually worked there my first two years in New York and that is the reason I fell in love with this part of town.  The organization is Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries (RMM) and it is located in Hell’s Kitchen (where I now reside).  It was established fifteen years ago by a church that saw a neighborhood with growing needs.

RMM serves the community through after school programs for teens and kids, homeless outreach, and an English as a second language program. It also opens its doors for holiday parties and meals.  I have been fortunate to be a part of each of the different aspects of service.  My time there was filled with a host of wonderful experiences.

These days, I am a public school teacher, but I still volunteer with RMM.  I lend a hand because the people there are part of my community.  And for me personally, helping Ani study for a test, working with Joseph to improve his reading, or assisting Kate with buying groceries make me feel like I am bringing a little bit of DoGoodedness to NYC and making my big city feel a little smaller.

All the Best,

Katie Furr

Please feel free to email Matt@DoGoodedness with any suggestions, thoughts, or stories of your own.