Friday, August 17, 2012

Philanthropy Trip by Tianxue Qui, NPL Alumna


Philanthropy Trip - June 18, New York City 

I am leading a group of 11 who are entrepreneurs from China. They are here to observe and learn how philanthropy is done in the US. Everything in China happens faster than the rest of world. It is the same for the wealth creation. This group of entrepreneurs made their fortune through hard work and following their inspiring vision during the past 10 years. While the country and individuals' wealth is increasing, it's time to think about how to wisely use it.

Clarie Gaudiani, who wrote the book The Greater Good, served as the group’s first speaker. Clarie shared stories of how philanthropy drives the American economy and can save capitalism. Clarie is a wonderful speaker and really inspired the group to re-identify what philanthropy is.

In the afternoon, we visited Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, whose President, Melissa Berman, asked the group to consider the following questions when they start their philanthropic journey:
1. Why are you giving?
2. What do you want to achieve
3. How do you think change will happen?
4. How will you assess your progress?
My take away was: The steps are not only a road map for philanthropy, but also good for other things in life.

June 19, New York City

The traffic in the morning is terrible. Plus our driver messed up the address, so we were late for our meeting at Synergos. It's nice to see both Peggy Dulany and Bob Dunn again. Synergos is trying to build a network for philanthropists around the world, so they can share their thoughts and knowledge about philanthropy.

The world philanthropy comes from Greek, meaning Love for Human.  Peggy told us she was so stressed by work at one time so she went up a mountain. The nature restored her energy; she suddenly felt inner peace. Philanthropy not only means giving money, but also your heart, your brain and the whole of yourself.

Peggy is a fourth generation member of the Rockefeller family. How wealth should be passed down is the homework question for the group to think about. Do you have any of your own thoughts on the matter?

June 20, Philadelphia

It's great to be back to Philadelphia and great to see my colleagues at SP2! Although the weather is 95 degree!

Judy Wicks is the founder of White Dog Cafe, she shared with us her story. Judy started her restaurant in her living room. She pays a living wage to her employees; she purchases locally produced organic meat and veggies; she was the first one to use 100% recycle products and clean energy in Pennsylvania. She doesn't want to maximize her profit by lowering the cost, but her unique approach becomes her competitive advantage. After ten years, the annual revenue of the restaurant is about 5 million dollars.

Judy emphasized the four kinds of relationships: with her customers, with her employees, with the community, and with the environment. If every company had White Dog CafĂ©’s mind set, no doubt the world would be a better one.

One of Judy’s waitresses is now a world advocator for the local economy and environmental sustainable development. We admire Judy's courage, her wisdom, and her big heart, which she has for all the world.

Tianxue Qui is a graduate of the NonprofitLeadership Program and currently lives and works in Beijing, China.  After graduation from the NPL Program, Tianxue was tapped by Dean Gelles to be an SP2 employee to assist the school in its efforts to engage Chinese SP2 alumni and contacts with other higher education partners on building China’s philanthropic efforts.  She also was a liaison in SP2’s efforts to forge new academic relationships with several Chinese universities.