On guerrilla giving

Through the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s newsfeed, I discovered fellow Canadian philanthropists – from Vancouver – and known as the Guerrilla Givers.   Their approach is unconventional, fresh, and thrilling.

Here’s what they do:

What?

Guerrilla Giving is (r)evolutionary–at least it feels that way for us.

Revolutionary because in today’s world, freely giving of our own resources on a mostly daily basis subverts many of our silent agreements (e.g. capital equals security, give as a tax write off, save for a rainy day, etc.).  It calls into question our ego’s insatiable appetite for self-gratification.  It lifts our sights to a higher vision.

Evolutionary, because Guerrilla Giving emboldens us to step into a current of grace that draws us forward as a global community.  It opens our hearts and hands to each other, especially to the stranger.  It employs a model of trust in the benevolent spirit of life.

As such, Guerrilla Giving is, in truth, a kind of guerrilla marketing for a life of connection—between ourselves, our neighbours, and the transcendent (God, Universe, Spirit, whatever name you choose).  There are, of course, countless ways that people nurture their spirituality, whether it’s through yoga, meditation, prayer, or commitment to a spiritual community.  All of these are fantastic.  We have also found that giving on a (mostly) daily basis is one of the most exhilarating disciplines to teach non-attachment (for me–a daily struggle) and the interdependence of all of life.

When and How Much?

Just as we are blessed in innumerable ways each day, our plan is to give on a daily basis whenever possible.   For a year (a lifetime?), we’re committed to giving away 10% of our annual gross income in daily increments to mostly random recipients.  We have had experience with tithing in the past (10% traditionally)  but it was often done as an after-thought, at the end of the month or at the end of the year–written as a cheque or dropped in an offering bowl.  Giving like that was rarely joyful for us.  Guerrilla Giving, on the other hand, is fun, adventurous, and immediate.

Do we have any second thoughts, doubts, fears, anxiety about all of this?  Absolutely.  We’ll share some of these thoughts as we go along–but go along we will.

Where?

Wherever the Spirit leads.  The gifts will often be money–randomly planted in places throughout the city.  Other times, gifts will be things (food, clothes, flowers etc.) given usually to random people….

My thoughts?

I think it’s a tremendously good way to wean oneself off the addiction to making money and unthinkingly serving the all-consuming money god.  It’s taking “random acts of kindness” and “paying it forward” initiatives to a new level.  And for that, I congratulate and heartily applaud this family.

I also like the subversive nature of the act, as they mess with the system.  I am optimistic with what is happening in their hearts as they give.  And I love their blog.

But this initiative isn’t good philanthropy.   If I understand the model correctly, the guerrilla givers redistribute wealth without accountability.  Free money not linked to work and productivity isn’t all that helpful.  It is a nice surprise – a lottery win – for a lucky recipient.  But there’s no assurance that funds spent will be directed into charitable activity, and most gifts left for the public will likely be spent on consuming treats.   (That said, an occasional good report comes back, noted here.)   My question: Is this really philanthropy?

Your thoughts?