Whether it be on the battlefield, in the boardroom, in the classroom, or at the dinner table, the frontlines of philanthropy must be occupied by those whose luck or greater insight into the need of others has given them the capabilities to fight in the trenches. Creating discourse amongst my peers both now as a student and after college with my colleagues, and challenging the values of those around me, I pledge to to be a voice for those whose fortuity has made them mute, and a light for those whose fortune has made them blind of their giving potential. No matter what my monetary state my goal is to give my time to others and live a life anchored by volunteering.

To me, Philanthropy extends beyond giving money. It involves being an engaged and empathetic member of the local, national, and global communities in which we are a part of. To that end, my commitment to philanthropy is a commitment to a lifetime of being a community-oriented person through my future work in medicine, my everyday interactions, and my financial ability to donate to causes I find meaningful.

There is no doubt that the future of philanthropy relies on the continuum of generosity that has already begun on the part of many individuals and groups. My father is among these individuals, and I wish to continue giving to the program he began in India to provide equal education for all children, concentrating on rural villages and orphanages. I look forward to investing time and committing my resources to support what he has begun in tandem with my own endeavors for giving. Irrespective of my financial status, time is a resource I do not have to earn, however, one that we all must not waste and use to its maximum potential. My ultimate pledge is to give my time to others through volunteering and keeping a presence of mind that is both humble and fierce in my philanthropic commitments.

There are no words to describe the pure joy you feel when you first step on the stage, feeling the lights’ warmth on your skin and the rumble of the music filling the theatre. This is why I first fell in love with the arts and why I initially chose to pursue a professional ballet career. However, I quickly learned that the dance industry was burdened with adversity. Left and right I saw financial struggle and unfair conditions making it nearly impossible for many individuals and arts companies to succeed. I knew then that this was how I would personally make a difference, through the financial support of an industry that relies primarily on philanthropic giving. Following graduation, I pledge to donate my voluntary time and 5% of my discretionary income each year among the many arts organizations that have impacted and inspired me throughout my lifetime.

The driving force in my life will be to make an impact on the causes I love, but it will not be limited to just donating to 501(c)3 nonprofits. I will actively embrace making an impact through multiple prongs in addition to 501(c)3 donations: by donating to support political activism (sometimes via 501(c)4’s), by supporting companies with impactful practices, by withholding money from companies with destructive practices, and by working for organizations whose work is improving the world. All of my work will be public so I can influence my network with my own actions.

My mother would always say, “Son no matter what little bit we may have, there are others with far, far less.” When I discovered Philanthropy and Social Difference it was the perfect opportunity to become a part of something new and exploratory on campus. Due to my upbringing, the idea of being philanthropic and generous has always been of utmost importance to me. I have now been at my Wall Street firm for about 5 years and when I graduated from Columbia University I envisioned a life where I would have the opportunity to start my own non-profit. Through this Giving Pledge, I will commit to giving away 30% of my income for the duration of my life. My foundation pursues causes which are near and dear to my heart. One of my most passionate ideas surrounds making a difference in the lives of children as I feel they are still one of the most neglected and at-risk groups to this day. A life well lived is not about amassing great wealth or possessions but growing and maintaining a vast legacy in this lifetime. My non-profit is a strong foundation with long term effects on the people and communities we help. I am so passionate about being the difference maker in people’s lives. That is what America is about to me — helping others and building communities of strength through unity. When I was a student Veteran I aimed to do several service projects during the year. These ranged from donating my time through volunteering at several organizations that help Veterans, the Homeless or other disadvantaged groups or giving some money to non-profits or causes that I would come across. I learned about the Giving Pledge through the Bill and Melina Gates foundation who do so much good work here in America and around the world. There are children all over the world who are being subjected to brutal conditions and remain in harm’s way. No matter the amounts of money or reach that I create with this foundation I hope to inspire others to want anything from a small to dramatic change in their own world. Philanthropy will continue to play a role throughout my entire life. As my non-profit grows and becomes a successful venture I hope to grow and reach a network of several thousand people a year. I also have a dream to pass these tenets onto my children someday. Just like my family ensured that I understood the importance of taking care of your fellowman so will my kids. My foundation will become a bedrock of inspiration for others to follow suit. Specifically, it is involved in Children’s food issues and obesity, Children with disabilities, and young Children who suffer from Cancers. I will never forget the impact that I received from taking Philanthropy and Social difference in the Spring of 2017. My classmates and teachers gave me the greatest gift during my time at Columbia University. This Giving Pledge will grow beyond my own life and become a marker of generosity that will continue way beyond even that of my children. Louie S. Terrazas