I pledge to embrace the mindset that giving is central to being a follower of Christ. I pledge to give my time and efforts to volunteering with nonprofits that advocate for vulnerable populations (individuals with disabilities, abused children, survivors/victims of human trafficking). At my first paycheck, I pledge to give 10% of my income to nonprofit organizations/the local church as I have deemed them trustworthy and efficient with my funds. I hope to increase my involvement and influence in nonprofit work by potentially serving on the board of directors if my skills could benefit the organization. Additionally, as I grow a family, I will instill the idea of giving in my family by encouraging volunteering and monetary donations not out of obligation but out of a joyful heart to give.

I feel so fortunate to receive an education at an incredible institution like Texas Christian University, and I feel a sense of duty to give back to the community that has shaped me into the woman that I am today. After graduation, I pledge to give habitually to my community in a manner that inspires my friends, family, co-workers, and peers to do the same. I will give at least 8% percent of my annual income to causes and organizations that align with my core values of faith, family, justice, education, and healthcare. Through this process, I pledge to practice due diligence and build lasting relationships with the organizations to which I contribute my time, talents and finances. I will review my giving practices annually to measure the effectiveness of my gifts, and hold myself accountable, adjusting my giving pledge as necessary. Finally, I will include my family in all aspects of my giving processes to encourage their active participation and inspire them to embody the qualities of a responsible donor in their adult lives.

As a TCU Honors student who was provided by various donors the opportunity to take the Nature of Giving colloquium, I feel a sense of duty to give back what I have been so generously given in terms of both time and finances. Therefore … 1. I hope to build upon TCU’s mission to become an ethical leader and responsible citizen in the global community. 2. I will invest in my community through providing financial support, giving my time and talents, and creating meaningful relationships with organization leaders. 3. I will practice giving throughout my life by establishing and maintaining at least one partnership with a charitable organization. 4. I pledge to donate a minimum of 5% of my annual personal income to a cause(s) of my choosing. 5. I pledge to share my experiences from this class with friends and family as a way of paying it forward. In order to remain actively engaged, I will review my donations and involvement annually.

After graduation, I pledge to give 10% of my gross income and participate in at least 10 hours of volunteer service per year. I want to establish this goal as a jumping-off-point for future growth, especially as my annual income increases throughout my life. At the end of each year, I plan to reevaluate my goals in preparation for the coming year.