My First Post for About Micro-Philanthropy

Here's my first post for about micro-philanthropy.

In late March / early April, I traveled to New York City and Washington DC to attend a meeting of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy and the annual NTEN Conference.

During these events, I discovered that I had original ideas to share with my colleauges, and more importantly, that they were interested. I also came back knowing a lot more about non-profits and philanthropy.

I want to continue the conversations from the EPIP meeting and the NTEN conference, and start new ones. That's why I'm launching this blog.

I'm really excited to be joining the philanthropy blogosphere. I've been lurking on the periphery for nearly a year... reading the work of Sean Stannard-Stockton, Beth Kanter, Lucy Bernholz, and others.

Here's what I hope you'll get out of reading about micro-philanthropy:

• A definition of micro-philanthropy, eventually :-)
• An informed (and informal) perspective on how individuals, nonprofits, and foundations are using technology to create social change
• Original thoughts on why small-scale giving (micro-philanthropy) is so important
• Personal anecdotes on my own efforts to promote small-scale giving and become a better micro-philanthropist

Important facts about me:

• I do not work for a foundation and have no financial ties to the providers of nonprofit or philanthropy serrvices
• I am in this field because I think micro-philanthropy can help North Americans get over their addiction to consumerism
• To earn a living, I work part-time as a web-designer for several Quaker organizations based in Philadelphia.

A quick note on the name of this blog: I went down to New York and Washington DC carrying a stack of business cards that read "Curious about Micro-Philanthropy? Ask Peter". A lot of people responded to the question by saying, "you know, I am curious about micro-philanthropy; maybe you can tell me about it someday." Well, this blog is for those people, and you!