[.uk] Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World (ISBN 0739368060)

Wonderful examples of average people getting involve in the society:
Giving is easy to read, and its formatted so that you don't have read each chapter in its given numerical order, you can skip around and still feel the message. This book breaks down philanthropy into six different categories; giving time, giving things, giving skills, gift of reconciliation and new beginnings, gifts that keep giving, and giving good ideas. Clinton provides inspirational stories of incredible people and information regarding how they have made an impact on the lives of others. However, every chapter covers too much names that are soon to be forgotten by the time you enter the next chapter. No matter how inspiring these people are, you cannot ask the average reader to remember all the information he provided. So this book can be used as a good reference if you like to get involve with non-profit organization.

The Gift of Giving:
Each holiday season, we often find ourselves giving to the Salvation Army, donating to a local homeless shelter or buying toys for impoverished children. But after the holiday season is finished, do you still continue to give? "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World" by Bill Clinton is an excellent guide for those who want to give more. And the book not only addresses all the means of giving but also WHY we should give with examples of many people who have changed and improved the lives of others through their efforts. "Giving" shows the reader the many facets of contribution. For example, you may not have a lot of money to donate but you have extra time on your hands. Donating your time to help at a homeless shelter is a perfect example of how you can give back to your community. Four chapters are dedicated to the following methods of giving: Money, Time, Things and Skills. By teaching children to read at your local school, donating to Goodwill or other nonprofit organizations or gifting money to a charity, you are helping your community as well as well feeding your spirit. Some of my favorite examples in the book are tennis great Andre Agassi's college preparatory school for at-risk students, which requires promises of good faith from teachers, students and parents; Kiva.org, an online charity (and a personal favorite of mine) that donates money to people in third world countries in order to start or maintain business or improve their personal lives; and Heifer International which gives animals that sustain a family with meat and milk as well as provides income and requires the person receiving the animal to then pass on one offspring in order to continue impacting others. Recycling is another gift to your community and the world. Taking time to organize a recycling center at your job or home is essentially giving back to EVERYONE! This book is a great gift, full of inspiring stories that are bound to have you opening your wallet, clearing time in your schedule or rummaging through your closet or garage to find things that you no longer use for donation. From the richest person to the low income individual who wants to give back, there are plenty of ideas and resources in "Giving". The back of the book has a listing of charities, organtizations, books, websites and more, broken down into the categories of money, time, skills and things. Many charites, such as Kiva.org, make contribution easy and require little time. So, regardless of your political affiliation, your income or age you can find a method of giving from this insightful book. You may give for a variety of reasons; your faith, because it makes you happy, the belief that it is a moral duty. Whatever your reason, giving will make a difference in the lives of others, as well as your own.

Great ideas:
I ordered this book right when it came out after seeing Clinton interviewed on a show. Overall I would say that if you need to get inspired to find worthy non-profits to donate to or want to start something of your own then this book will inspire you and give you ideas

Giving:
Clinton describes, how now that he has time, his world experiences in giving as a private person. He describes many NGO's fund raising and giving processes. He describes giving of money, time, ideas, as well as different models of giving. He claims there are three trends leading to an increase in giving, the Internet, charitable giving, democracy, the third of which speaks to the ultimate price we have paid for a free and democratic Iraq. He didn't say that in print, but I read it in the white space between the lines. While he described a stereo-typical agenda of a republican what you really come to appreciate is the non partisan tone in his overall message, a message to take note of. I also took note of his portrayal of a healthy and flourishing economy American economy under G. W. Bush (in print); a far cry from his party dogma, especially his wife. ("this administration...") While inspiring, the book takes on the persona of a Clinton rant, much like the one America endured in his farewell address. To view the rest please visit my blog at: keyword search cigarroomofbooks

Giving Might Be The Fulfillment You Are Waiting For:
If you haven't added the acronym NGO (Non-governmental organization) to your daily vocabulary, this book will park it there permanently. Giving is about just that. Listed is a wide collection of charity groups from food pantries to African AIDS organizations. Each has a specific mission designed, in some way, to better the world we live in. Heading these NGO's are dedicated, sometimes brilliant, sometimes rich and powerful people who found themselves delving into the higher purpose of aiding humanity. From the deep pockets of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet to the Cancer foundation of Lance Armstrong, the stories of Giving are endless, varied and sometimes heartbreaking. Collecting these energies is the Clinton Global Initiative which brings together funding with pledges of action to bring about immediate relief to those who are suffering. Forget about the legacy issues of the author or the political ambitions of his wife. Put aside partisan ideology for what really matters, taking care of your fellow human beings. If you have a big heart, free time or a full wallet then Giving might be the fulfillment you are waiting for.