The Moral Dimension of Philanthropy and Some Musings on Negativity and Isolation

I want to share a few insights from the rearview mirror of my work week.

The first was an opportunity to reflect on the attached speech on the Moral Dimension of Philanthropy in an Era of Scarcity which was delivered recently by Peter Karoff, who many of you may know through The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI). Peter's words impacted me deeply and I hope they will affect you similarly. The question we must then ask is: what do we do about it?

Second, I was privileged to spend Monday in San Diego. It was a very positive experience and I came away having been taught again and with my hopes lifted that I can be a positive force to assist beneficiaries and inheritors. But as I visited with two beneficiaries who are in the midst of the journey to prepare them to become the captains of their own ship I was struck by the unintended consequences of something their recently deceased parent had done.

Their parent had worked on a lengthy life story...hours had been spent in the interviewing process with a highly skilled professional who had then produced a book. I had expected that this effort by their parent would have been something that would be treasured. Sadly, what I discovered is that the perceptions and feelings shared by their parent had actually caused a great deal of hurt and pain. Why? Their parent had accurately--from her perspective--shared stories and experiences. But some of the stories were laced with negative emotions rather than the positive emotions. Instead of being what I refer to as a helpful Guidelight for the children and grandchildren, the book has become a divisive influence.

This isn't an indictment of life stories, journals, or legacy letters or of the importance of their preservation. But it is simply a reflection that if we want our legacy to be as positively impactful on our family as it can be then we must be careful to "speak no ill" and to be sure that our intentions are grounded in positive emotions of love, appreciation, kindness, affection, positive admiration, encouragement, etc.

Third, please take a moment to open the Feeling Alone and Adrift slide and reflect on the individual adrift in the chair and all of the threats hanging over him. I think this slide is the perfect metaphor of the negativity and isolation which pervades our world at this time of economic crisis. Then please open up the final slide which is a quote about the importance of finding a Team of Affinity to help us weather the storms of life and to be able to make our greatest contributions.

I am convinced that a collaborative Team of Affinity empowers us to our greatest achievements. We will get there faster and with a great deal more joy if we share the experience with our Team of Affinity. There isn't necessarily just one Team of Affinity in your life. Think of the Teams of Affinity in your home and family life. Think of the Teams of Affinity in your professional/vocational world. Think of the teams of Affinity in your philanthropic journeys. Each of us has a great debt that we owe to those individuals who have...in the words of Albert Schweitzer...rekindlined the light within us and allowed us to burn more brightly. Please express your gratitude to those who have and are empowering you in your life journey. And above all else, reflect on this quote and consider if you need to spend some time building a Team of Affinity to assist you in crossing whatever oceans of challenges lie in front of you.

John A. Warnick, Holmes Roberts & Owen, LLP
warnicj@HRO.COM