The Nature of Giving class at TCU has helped me understand how to give well, why to give well, and all that is at stake if I don’t give well. Giving time and money to those who need these resources more than I do is something that is important to me as I look toward my future. While giving has always been important to me, I now know how to perform extensive due diligence in assessing nonprofits. This ensures that I will give effectively moving forward. I pledge to give 5% of my annual income upon receiving my first paycheck to nonprofits that are helping causes close to my heart, such as social justice, equal rights and opportunity, women’s issues, addressing basic needs, and advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. When I am finished paying off my student loans, I pledge to increase my giving to 10% of my annual income. In addition to a monetary gift, I also plan to give my time and energy to nonprofits I am particularly passionate about through volunteering. Additionally, I will continue to conduct extensive research before giving to organizations and promise to educate my friends and family on how they can give well. Finally, I pledge to give spontaneously as immediate need arises among people around me. I am thankful for what I have learned in TCU’s Nature of Giving class and am looking forward to applying what I have learned as I give throughout the rest of my life.

The “”why”” of my pledge involves several things: First, I want to do my best to embody humility, service, generosity, gratitude, and compassion because of my belief in God and the dignity of the human person. Second, I desire to be a responsible global citizen (whilst being a citizen of the U.S. and Canada) that is cognizant and committed to advancing principles of justice, equity, inclusion, peace, integrity, transparency, safety, and empowerment by meeting by meeting both immediate needs and seeking to enact long-term solutions to institutionalized sources of injustice and problems that face our future generations. Finally, the need for giving is made evident to me by the duty I feel after what I have learned from this class as well as seeing the challenges that my family, friends, and the community around me face. As far as my giving pledge, I pledge to give at least 10% of my annual income once I begin working full-time to charitable endeavors that make an impact on the world. I specifically wish to give to causes after I have done extensive research on platforms that hold organizations accountable such as GuideStar and Charity Navigator. This is to ensure that any resources I provide to organizations that are ethical, transparent, responsible, and that operate with integrity. Furthermore, I wish to ensure that these organizations deeply understand the needs of those whom they serve and make a tangible difference on those whom the aid is intended to empower. Moreover, I desire to give to organizations that work toward both immediate relief and long-term solutions to systems of injustice and problems that face our future generations. I pledge to give to a variety of causes such as (but not limited to) economic development, crisis services, educational reform, environmental sustainability, criminal justice reform, research and treatment for diseases, humanitarian aid, the protection of human rights, and efforts to promote peace in the world. Donating money is not the only way I wish to be involved. I also plan to donate my time and talents by advocating and volunteering at organizations that work for the causes that I am passionate about. I also wish to be deeply involved and to make meaningful relationships with the leaders of these organizations. Moreover, I wish to establish a practice of being diligent and strategic in my giving by conducting an annual review of potential nonprofits and my past donations. Furthermore, I understand that a posture of giving goes beyond giving a set percentage. Therefore, I pledge to be open to spontaneous generosity in my community. Finally, I pledge to spread an awareness for the need and urgency of philanthropy to those around me.

TCU’s Nature of Giving class has reaffirmed my passion in helping others by teaching me how to give intentionally, effectively, and from the heart. After I graduate from law school, I pledge to give at least 5% of my annual income. Once I have paid off my student loans, I pledge to up my giving to at least 10% of my annual income. I am committed to giving to organizations that focus on education, legal aid, and health care because I believe these to be fundamental human rights. Additionally, I will continue to be diligent in my giving and evaluate my past donations as well as potential nonprofits at least once per year. This will ensure that I am actively attempting to do the most good and giving to organizations that I truly care about. When I’m a lawyer, I will commit to monthly pro bono hours where I will offer free legal assistance to community members or non-profits in need of legal assistance. Lastly, I pledge to give spontaneously to people around me who are in immediate need that I can help meet. I am so grateful for this class and the lessons it has taught me and I will continue to use these lessons for the rest of my life.