Giving Back is an important value of Lead Being You and I donate 5% of my net income to causes that I believe in.
Here are some examples of organisations I’m currently supporting on a regular basis:
Global Environmental issues
I’ve cared about the environment and climate change for as long as I was old enough to understand the issues. I have a Master’s Degree in Environmental Planning, and I have volunteered at Friends of the Earth Scotland. I also ran local government District Council Environmental and Recycling Projects. This was back in the day, long before it was popular.
Whilst there is a lot to be done to combat climate change, I’ve chosen to support this organisation Cool Earth . It supports the people who live in the rainforest as a key way to fight climate change. The funds go to support and empower local communities living in the rainforest. The funds help them take back control of their lives whilst also looking after the precious environment in which they live. These communities represent 5% of the world’s population, manage 25% of the worlds land mass, protect 80% of the world’s biodiversity. So far, they have only received less than 1% of development aid to address climate change. It’s a radical solution, and I think radical solutions are needed in these challenging times.
This organisations works to bring water to everyone in the world who doesn’t have it, which is a basic human need. Their working model is that all of the donations go directly to the recipients. Other sponsors support the running costs of the organisation.
I discovered the work of this organisation on this Simon Sinek Podcast A bit of Optimism
I weas particularly inspired by the founder’s (Scott Harrison’s) story. He saw a core problem, (i.e. that the lack of clean water was leading to all manner of health issues in developing countries ) and he created an organisation to doing something about it, by helping provide wells to local communities . It shows me that we can make an impact in very real and tangible ways and that we can change things in our world.
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Support for Women and Girl’s Education
Many of my clients are professional women. Our work together supports them to develop their potential, so that they can contribute at a higher level. I also help women’s empowerment by supporting organisations working a at a global level helping women who’s starting point is much more challenging.
I was very moved by the story of Malala when I heard it back in 2012. As a teenager she was attacked by the Taliban and nearly died for speaking out for her right to go to school and to have an education. Malala has since grown up and now helps to get girls the education they need to get on in life. https://malala.org/
I support this organisation because I resonate with the goals . I believe in the importance of securing equal rights for women and girls across the globe. I want to be part of a world where all everyone enjoys equal rights and freedoms.
Support for Refugees and Victims of Trauma
My Mum was a child refugee many many years ago. I probably wouldn’t be here were in not for the kindness of strangers that she received when she first arrived in the UK aged 12. As I look around today, I see that refugees tend to be highly motivated. I notice that they tend to work hard and contribute a lot to society. They are refugees because they are fleeing perilous situations in their home country. Seeking asylum is a fundamental human right and I believe that refugees deserve support to get settled into their new life. I remember my Mum would often say ‘There but for the grace of God go I.’ I take it to mean to be grateful for what you have and support those who have less then you .I try and follow that as much as I can.
I have chosen to support the Palestine Trauma Centre which uses innovative embodiment methods to help child victims of trauma . I heard about his work through a colleague who has been working with them. Healing trauma is such important work to help reduce hatred passing from one generation to the next . More info here https://www.palestinetraumacentre.uk/
This list is indicative of the types of causes I support.
