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Voluntary

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The definition of charity, according to Mirriam-Webster, is "1: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity, 2 a: generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need b: an institution engaged in relief of the poor c: public provision for the relief of the needy, 3 a: a gift for public benevolent purposes b: an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift, 4: lenient judgment of others". All of these definitions suggest a willingness to help, and a self-determined attitude towards the decision to give. If charity was forced, it would be more like a tax, not a good deed.

As a volunteer myself, it seems that the thought of compelled charity is a strange idea. People help because they enjoy it, and those who choose to help do so in a greater fashion because they truly care about the program, group, or organization they are helping. Charity work takes dedication and understanding, and those are two aspects that cannot be compelled. If donating or helping to any cause was in any way forced, it would cause resentment. Think of social security or welfare. While most people would say this is a good program that helps people in need, there are also some that resent the programs because they feel they are working while other people are getting handouts. Some people in great need of the help refuse to accept it because it has that stigma. Do we want to do this to all of our programs, either public or private?

There are, of course, some naturally compelling reasons for charity. While one reason is quite simply a willingness and desire to help, another reason is the tax write-offs for donations or large gifts to charity. For some people, especially those in a position to give, it is already a motivating factor. It doesn't seem that we need more reason. Personally, it seems to me that what we need to do is enhance the sense of helpfulness and appreciation that volunteers and charitable givers get from their good deeds, and that alone would make it easier for them to give.

Part of my volunteer work includes fundraising and also coordinating other volunteers. Some come once and never come back- but the ones that stick around of their own volition are usually the ones that do the greatest good. As far as fundraising, it is already a difficult time for people to give, being that the economy seems in poor shape. When someone is worrying about putting food on the table, it's harder to expect them to give to any organization. Even though I do work for a not-for-profit that would probably benefit from compelled charity, I realize it wouldn't mean the same thing. It wouldn't be the rewarding experience it is for those who give, and it wouldn't be so rewarding for us on the inside who know, with each hard to spare dollar that is given, that we truly are appreciated and have those who believe in our cause.

Charitable giving is important because it is a gift. A gift given of one's own volition, and from one's own heart, generally because they see the benefit of giving and the organization is in some way giving back to them. The act of charity, regardless of its form, is an act of compassion given for the greater good, and compassion cannot be compelled. When it is, it stops being a gift and starts being a duty, and somehow, that kills the very essence of what charity is all about.

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