The Heart of Giving Podcast

Poetry and Literary Activism - Ricardo Maldonado

This week, we feature Ricardo Maldonado, president of the Academy of American Poets. Ricardo shares his inspiring journey from Puerto Rico to leading American poetry, discussing:
How poetry can drive social change and cultural preservation
The power of mentorship in the literary world
Poetry's role in embracing our increasingly diverse culture
Ricardo's passion for using words to create understanding and connection is truly inspiring.
And don't miss last week's episode with Bill Roscoe of the Boise Rescue Mission. Bill offers illuminating insights on homelessness in unexpected places and innovative approaches to helping those in need. Some standout quotes:
"Just pouring money into programs has not caused the number of homeless people to decline."
"The larger, largest number of homeless people in some communities - that's 80% of the homeless population - are chemically dependent or alcoholic, and or suffering with an untreated mental illness."
"We've had as many as 55 people in our shelter beds who are over 65 years old, and the majority of them were over 70 years old."

Meeting Needs of Boise's Homeless and Addicted

In our latest episode, we feature Bill Roscoe from the Boise Rescue Mission. In this revealing conversation, we delve into the often-overlooked challenges of homelessness in Boise, Idaho, and explore the inventive strategies the Boise Rescue Mission is employing to tackle this complex issue.
 
Noteworthy points from our discussion with Bill Roscoe include:
- The evolving landscape of homelessness in Boise, including a surge in elderly individuals facing housing instability
- The mission's emphasis on recovery programs for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues
- Inspiring stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through the mission's programs
- Ways you can contribute and support their crucial work

Building Health Focused Communities for Veterans

In this powerful episode, we explore how Team RWB is making a significant impact on veterans' lives through physical fitness and community connection. Mike shares insights into:
The challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life
How Team RWB's innovative approach is helping veterans find purpose and improve their health
Personal stories of transformation, including a moving testimonial from veteran Ira Brown
The importance of family involvement in supporting veterans' wellness journeys
As someone who cares deeply about service and community, I found our conversation both inspiring and enlightening. I believe you'll come away with a renewed appreciation for the power of giving and the transformative effects of physical activity and social connection.
Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or simply interested in the impact of community service, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making a difference in the lives of those who've served our country.
You can listen to the episode now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video on YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe to The Heart of Giving podcast to stay updated on future episodes.
As always, if you'd like to support our show, please consider making a contribution at give.org. Your support helps us continue to bring these important stories to light.

A New Season of Giving Done Right

In this episode, we delve into:
The launch of Giving Done Right's fourth season, featuring 16 episodes with fascinating guests like Darren Walker and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.
Emerging trends in philanthropy, including direct cash transfers and the importance of listening to communities.
The critical issue of burnout in the nonprofit sector and potential solutions.
The ongoing challenges and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
The role of the nonprofit sector in fostering meaningful debates and bridging ideological divides.
Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette offer valuable insights on effective giving, the state of nonprofits, and the future of philanthropy. Their perspective is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Hope for Ukraine - Feeding Citizens Displaced by War

This week we speak with Yuryi Boyechko, Executive Director of Hope for Ukraine. Our conversation was both eye-opening and deeply moving.
 
The war in Ukraine is now entering its third year, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Yuryi shared with me first-hand accounts of recent attacks on civilian areas and the growing number of families falling into poverty. It's a stark reminder that while this conflict may no longer dominate our headlines, the suffering continues.
 
In our discussion, Yuryi detailed how Hope for Ukraine is providing crucial aid:
• Distributing 1,500 food kits weekly to families in need
• Operating mobile bakeries and kitchens near the front lines
• Running education and mental health programs for children affected by war
• Managing a displacement center for families fleeing conflict zones
 
What struck me most was the incredible resilience of Ukrainian volunteers who risk their lives daily to help others. Their dedication is truly inspiring.
 
I believe this episode offers valuable insights into the ongoing crisis and how we can make a difference. I encourage you to listen and consider supporting Hope for Ukraine's vital work.
 
 
 
 

Community Foundations - A Look Inside

This week on The Heart of Giving podcast, we're diving into the world of community foundations with a very special guest. Here's what you can expect:
Meet Renee Byng Yancey, CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Learn how community foundations act as "super connectors" in philanthropy
Explore innovative approaches to building social trust and community engagement
Gain insights into making impactful donations at any giving level
Don't miss this enlightening conversation about local philanthropy and its power to transform communities!
 
Want to support our mission? Visit give.org to make a difference today.
 

Leadership Across Sectors

In this illuminating episode of The Heart of Giving Podcast, host Art Taylor welcomes Gloria Johnson-Cusack, a multifaceted leader with experience spanning the nonprofit sector, government, and business. Gloria shares her journey in service-oriented work, offering profound insights on finding joy and purpose in philanthropy. She discusses the delicate balance between faith and empirical measurement in nonprofits, and provides valuable strategies for effective leadership in diverse teams. Gloria also delves into her book "Growing the Elephant," which reframes discussions of privilege in a constructive way. Through personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Gloria demonstrates how her varied career has shaped her approach to leadership, offering listeners invaluable lessons for their own journeys in the world of giving and service.

From Classroom to Community: Revolutionizing Philanthropic Leadership

Explore the cutting-edge of philanthropy education with Amir Pasic, Dean of the Lilly School of Philanthropy. Discover how data-driven research, innovative programs like the Phil D, and a global perspective are shaping the future of giving. Learn about bridging academic theory with real-world practice in this insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of philanthropy.

The Gift of End-of-Life Planning: A Discussion with Kimberly Callinan

Join Host Art Taylor as he delves into the sensitive yet crucial topic of end-of-life quality with Kimberly Callinan, President and CEO of Compassion & Choices. This enlightening conversation challenges listeners to consider how facing death head-on can profoundly impact the way we live, while also exploring the legal and ethical landscape of end-of-life choices in America.

Celebrating 200 Episodes: Dr. Helene Gayle's Inspiring Encore

Join us for a landmark celebration as The Heart of Giving Podcast reaches its 200th episode! In this special installment, we come full circle by welcoming back our very first guest, Dr. Helene D. Gayle, now President of Spelman College.
 
From her early days in Buffalo, New York, to her current role leading one of America's preeminent liberal arts colleges for women, Dr. Gayle shares her journey of service and leadership. She offers insights on:
 
- The transition from the Chicago Community Trust to Spelman College
- The impact of major philanthropic gifts on HBCUs
- The enduring value of a liberal arts education in today's tech-focused world
- Her experiences serving on boards of major foundations like Rockefeller and Gates
 
Art Taylor and Dr. Gayle explore the evolving landscape of philanthropy, education, and social change, reflecting on how far we've come and the challenges that lie ahead.
 
This episode not only marks a milestone for our podcast but also showcases the transformative power of dedicated service and visionary leadership. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to our community, this conversation with Dr. Gayle is sure to inspire and enlighten.
 
Join us in celebrating 200 episodes of exploring the heart of giving!
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