Table of Contents
Praise for THE POWER OF giving
One philosophy has been the cornerstone of my success in business and in life: Always be a givera giver of knowledge, time, wealth, and love. I am thrilled to see a book wholly dedicated to every aspect of giving.
Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon do a remarkable job of addressing the all-important questions: Why give? To whom should I give? What should I give? How can I give? When should I give? With pith and wisdom they make a compelling case for the old adage that the more you give, the more you receive.
If everyone followed the advice given in this wonderful book, our world would be a richer, more equitable, and peaceful place. I am personally touched by their deep message. I strongly believe and practice the art of giving and encourage everyone to do the same. The messages in this book resonate within me. The Power of Giving is a must-read. Profit from reading it. Give it to everyone you love.
Jack Canfield, author of The Success Principles and cocreator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series
Extremely impressive... very inspiring.
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, author of The Power of Intention
Weve needed a book like this for a long time. Now its your turn to help. Buy it, share it, give a copy to a friend. This book could change everything.
Seth Godin, author of Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
Our destinies will ultimately be defined by what we give, not what we get. This powerful and inspiring book will help you live a far more significant life and become more the person you were meant to be.
Robin Sharma, author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon have outlined in practical terms the many different ways in which we can give to the world around usand to ourselves in the process.... Those who refresh others are themselves refreshed, and with this news we can all join a chorus and sing praises for this inspiring book!
Stephen Post, coauthor of Why Good Things Happen to Good People
Were all going to have to reach deep to solve the common problems of our world. This wonderful book will benefit both you and your community.
Paul Loeb, author of Soul of a Citizen and The Impossible Will Take a Little While
The Power of Giving is a splendid book and an exquisite introduction to the topic of giving and generosity. Harvey McKinnon and Azim Jamals highly readable book inspires readers to make changes that will create a win-win-win for themselves, their families, and their communities. The Power of Giving closes the elusive gap between personal empowerment and making our world a better place.
Tim Draimin, founding executive director, Tides Canada
The Power of Giving is an authentic, inspiring, moving, and practical book about abundance, hope, and the basic truth of philanthropy: the love of humankind. Balanced perfectly, the authors shift seamlessly from reflection based in experience and supported by research, to memorable stories that illustrate their thesis, to advice about living, loving, and giving that will inspire readers in many ways. Wise, warm, and wonderfulthis book belongs in every home and office.
Kay Sprinkel Grace, coauthor of High Impact Philanthropy
Harvey and Azim elicit in their marvelous, important book The Power of Giving the best in human beings. Their suggestions, presented with humility and grace and courage, give each of us a renewed opportunity to think about the many, endless ways in we which we all can and must be kind, compassionate, and unstinting. In their hands, this passion to serve has become, effortlessly, a contagious art form, a virus as they describe it. Please read this book and share it with everyone you know.
Dr. Michael Tobias, ecologist, author, filmmaker
A great guide to building a more caring world. Give a copy to everyone you love.
Ken Burnett, author of Relationship Fundraising
Everyone who reads this book will quickly be affected by what the authors call the giving virusand the world will be a much better place as a result.
Art Hister, M.D., author of Dr. Art Histers Guide to Living a Long and Healthy Life
Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin
A MEMBER OF PENGUIN GROUP (USA) INC.
New York
We dedicate this book to all those who give
of time, of wisdom, of wealth, and of love.
And to our families, for the joy they give us:
AZIM: farzana, sahar, tawfiq
HARVEY: marcia, james, ian
acknowledgments
To write any book involves the generosity of many people: our friends who make helpful comments, our heroes who inspire us, those who support us in many ways. Over the twenty-one months it took us to complete The Power of Giving, many people contributed to making this book a reality. We fear we may miss thanking someone who helped, so we first want to thank everyone who helped make The Power of Giving possible.
Our first-edition editor, Audrey McClellan, made the book cleaner and leaner. Thanks also to Johanna Vondeling, Sharon Boglari, Nancy Painter, Roy Bendor, Lynne Boardman, Nicky Brinkhoff, Kim Buschert, Michele Davidson, Renee Eaton, Shannon Johnston, Allan McDonald, Tracy Vaughan, Franois Trahan, and Rachel Zant for their wisdom.
A prime example of the power of giving is the generosity of the people who helped put the first edition of the book and Web site together. Our special thanks to Merle Kamin, Melanie Bitner, Rolf Maurer, Carellin Brooks, Paul Culling, and especially Doug Forster and Radiant Communications, who made a special contribution by donating the Web site design and hosting.
We will give away a portion of our authors profits from book sales to charities through the highly respected Tides Foundation (U.S.) and Tides Canada Foundation. So our sincere thanks to Tim Draimin and all the folks at Tides for their great work. Two other friends whose lifelong commitment to philanthropy deserves special recognition are Carol Newell and Joel Solomon. Many thanks for all that you do. You are an inspiration.
The reason you hold this edition in your hands is thanks to our agent, Donna de Guitus at the McBride Agency. She is an angel. Her support over the years has been both generous and amazing. Our editor at Penguin, Gabrielle Moss, has also been a delight to work with. Her enthusiasm for this book has been wonderful. To the other staff at Penguin who have worked on this book (and therefore are promoting giving) we greatly appreciate the work you do.
To the generous souls who will spread the word about this book, and the ideas contained therein, thank you in advance.
To the many great nonprofit staff we have worked with over the years, thanks for the work you do, the passion you bring to your work, and the positive change you have brought to our communities.
Our deep appreciation goes to Paul Brainerd, Maria Luisa Chea, Carlie, Lynette and Russ Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Raj Naidu, Craig OBrien, Jenny Oad, Salim Premji, Eleanor Ryrie, Severn Suzuki, Peggy Taylor, Hussain Tejany, Joy Trek, Caroline Van Nostrand, David Van Seters, and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas for your inspiring stories.