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Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World
Here, from Bill Clinton, is a call to action. Giving is an inspiring look at how each of us can change the world. First, it reveals the extraordinary and innovative efforts now being made by companies and organizations—and by individuals—to solve problems and save lives both “down the street and around the world.” Then it urges us to seek out what each of us, “regardless of income, available time, age, and skills,” can do to help, to give people a chance to live out their dreams.
Bill Clinton shares his own experiences and those of other givers, representing a global flood tide of nongovernmental, nonprofit activity. These remarkable stories demonstrate that gifts of time, skills, things, and ideas are as important and effective as contributions of money. From Bill and Melinda Gates to a six-year-old California girl named McKenzie Steiner, who organized and supervised drives to clean up the beach in her community, Clinton introduces us to both well-known and unknown heroes of giving. Among them:
Dr. Paul Farmer, who grew up living in the family bus in a trailer park, vowed to devote his life to giving high-quality medical care to the poor and has built innovative public health-care clinics first in Haiti and then in Rwanda;
a New York couple, in Africa for a wedding, who visited several schools in Zimbabwe and were appalled by the absence of textbooks and school supplies. They founded their own organization to gather and ship materials to thirty-five schools. After three years, the percentage of seventh-graders who pass reading tests increased from 5 percent to 60 percent;'
Oseola McCarty, who after seventy-five years of eking out a living by washing and ironing, gave $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi to endow a scholarship fund for African-American students;
Andre Agassi, who has created a college preparatory academy in the Las Vegas neighborhood with the city’s highest percentage of at-risk kids. “Tennis was a stepping-stone for me,” says Agassi. “Changing a child’s life is what I always wanted to do”;
Heifer International, which gave twelve goats to a Ugandan village. Within a year, Beatrice Biira’s mother had earned enough money selling goat’s milk to pay Beatrice’s school fees and eventually to send all her children to school—and, as required, to pass on a baby goat to another family, thus multiplying the impact of the gift.
Clinton writes about men and women who traded in their corporate careers, and the fulfillment they now experience through giving. He writes about energy-efficient practices, about progressive companies going green, about promoting fair wages and decent working conditions around the world. He shows us how one of the most important ways of giving can be an effort to change, improve, or protect a government policy. He outlines what we as individuals can do, the steps we can take, how much we should consider giving, and why our giving is so important.
Bill Clinton’s own actions in his post-presidential years have had an enormous impact on the lives of millions. Through his foundation and his work in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, he has become an international spokesperson and model for the power of giving.
“We all have the capacity to do great things,” President Clinton says. “My hope is that the people and stories in this book will lift spirits, touch hearts, and demonstrate that citizen activism and service can be a powerful agent of change in the world.”
Bill Clinton shares his own experiences and those of other givers, representing a global flood tide of nongovernmental, nonprofit activity. These remarkable stories demonstrate that gifts of time, skills, things, and ideas are as important and effective as contributions of money. From Bill and Melinda Gates to a six-year-old California girl named McKenzie Steiner, who organized and supervised drives to clean up the beach in her community, Clinton introduces us to both well-known and unknown heroes of giving. Among them:
Dr. Paul Farmer, who grew up living in the family bus in a trailer park, vowed to devote his life to giving high-quality medical care to the poor and has built innovative public health-care clinics first in Haiti and then in Rwanda;
a New York couple, in Africa for a wedding, who visited several schools in Zimbabwe and were appalled by the absence of textbooks and school supplies. They founded their own organization to gather and ship materials to thirty-five schools. After three years, the percentage of seventh-graders who pass reading tests increased from 5 percent to 60 percent;'
Oseola McCarty, who after seventy-five years of eking out a living by washing and ironing, gave $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi to endow a scholarship fund for African-American students;
Andre Agassi, who has created a college preparatory academy in the Las Vegas neighborhood with the city’s highest percentage of at-risk kids. “Tennis was a stepping-stone for me,” says Agassi. “Changing a child’s life is what I always wanted to do”;
Heifer International, which gave twelve goats to a Ugandan village. Within a year, Beatrice Biira’s mother had earned enough money selling goat’s milk to pay Beatrice’s school fees and eventually to send all her children to school—and, as required, to pass on a baby goat to another family, thus multiplying the impact of the gift.
Clinton writes about men and women who traded in their corporate careers, and the fulfillment they now experience through giving. He writes about energy-efficient practices, about progressive companies going green, about promoting fair wages and decent working conditions around the world. He shows us how one of the most important ways of giving can be an effort to change, improve, or protect a government policy. He outlines what we as individuals can do, the steps we can take, how much we should consider giving, and why our giving is so important.
Bill Clinton’s own actions in his post-presidential years have had an enormous impact on the lives of millions. Through his foundation and his work in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, he has become an international spokesperson and model for the power of giving.
“We all have the capacity to do great things,” President Clinton says. “My hope is that the people and stories in this book will lift spirits, touch hearts, and demonstrate that citizen activism and service can be a powerful agent of change in the world.”
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
173 people are currently reading
2359 people want to read
About the author
Bill Clinton
224 books1,259 followersEconomic expansion and the first balanced federal budget in three decades marked presidency of William Jefferson Clinton, known as Bill, who served forty-second in the United States from 1993 to 2001; the House of Representatives in 1999 impeached him on perjury and obstruction of justice charges, but the Senate acquitted him on both counts.
Born William Jefferson Blythe III, he ranked as the third-youngest president, older only than Theodore Roosevelt and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. People know him the first baby-boomer president at the end of the Cold War. He is the husband of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the junior senator from New York and a Democratic candidate in the election of 2008 in the United States.
People described Clinton as a New Democrat and knew him largely for the Third Way philosophy of governance that came to epitomize his two terms as president. They described his "centrist" policies on issues, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement. Clinton presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history, which included a balanced budget and a reported federal surplus. Clinton reported a surplus of $559 billion at the end of his presidency, based on Congressional accounting rules. His presidency was also quickly challenged. On the heels of a failed attempt at health care reform with a Democratic Congress, Republicans won control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years. In his second term he was impeached by the U.S. House for perjury and obstruction of justice, but was subsequently acquitted by the United States Senate and completed his term. Polls of the American electorate taken at this time showed that up to 70% were against pursuing the allegations. (New York Times December 21, 1998).
Clinton left office with a 65% approval rating, the highest end-of-presidency rating of any President who came into office after World War II. Since leaving office, Clinton has been involved in public speaking and humanitarian work. He created the William J. Clinton Foundation to promote and address international causes, such as treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and global warming. In 2004, he released a personal autobiography, My Life.
Born William Jefferson Blythe III, he ranked as the third-youngest president, older only than Theodore Roosevelt and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. People know him the first baby-boomer president at the end of the Cold War. He is the husband of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the junior senator from New York and a Democratic candidate in the election of 2008 in the United States.
People described Clinton as a New Democrat and knew him largely for the Third Way philosophy of governance that came to epitomize his two terms as president. They described his "centrist" policies on issues, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement. Clinton presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history, which included a balanced budget and a reported federal surplus. Clinton reported a surplus of $559 billion at the end of his presidency, based on Congressional accounting rules. His presidency was also quickly challenged. On the heels of a failed attempt at health care reform with a Democratic Congress, Republicans won control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years. In his second term he was impeached by the U.S. House for perjury and obstruction of justice, but was subsequently acquitted by the United States Senate and completed his term. Polls of the American electorate taken at this time showed that up to 70% were against pursuing the allegations. (New York Times December 21, 1998).
Clinton left office with a 65% approval rating, the highest end-of-presidency rating of any President who came into office after World War II. Since leaving office, Clinton has been involved in public speaking and humanitarian work. He created the William J. Clinton Foundation to promote and address international causes, such as treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and global warming. In 2004, he released a personal autobiography, My Life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
December 26, 2007
As others have noted, Giving is inspiring in that it illuminates a myriad of ways that service can be offered, both in the United States and abroad. I also was heartened to find out how much particular individuals and groups are already doing to fight AIDS, eliminate hunger, improve literacy, mentor youth, provide jobs and job training, etc. And the variety of ways people approach problems is interesting to read about. Unfortunately, I'm often dismayed that there is so much suffering in the world and so much indifference to that suffering. But those feelings are not constructive if they only result in emotional paralysis. However, reading this book has strengthened my resolve to focus my efforts on a few worthy causes where I feel that I can make a genuine difference.
On the other hand, I was disappointed by the fact that this book was neither well written nor particularly thoughtful. Giving is little more than a string of examples organized around a few themes. Some of the examples are more interesting than others. But as I read the book, I found myself wishing that it provided more details about the people who are serving and how their service is making a difference. Fewer examples of giving, perhaps, and more development. Help us get to know the people. Also, I would have liked to see a more thoughtful analysis of the issues surrounding giving, and maybe even some honesty about the potential pitfalls and failures that have arisen in dealing with humanitarian crises.
On the other hand, I was disappointed by the fact that this book was neither well written nor particularly thoughtful. Giving is little more than a string of examples organized around a few themes. Some of the examples are more interesting than others. But as I read the book, I found myself wishing that it provided more details about the people who are serving and how their service is making a difference. Fewer examples of giving, perhaps, and more development. Help us get to know the people. Also, I would have liked to see a more thoughtful analysis of the issues surrounding giving, and maybe even some honesty about the potential pitfalls and failures that have arisen in dealing with humanitarian crises.
October 7, 2009
I can not remember the last time I read such a boring book. The idea of inspiring people to serve and help is an excellent one and I had high hopes for this book.
The major problem with this book is that it reads like a laundry list or a back patting/name dropping list. Bill Gates did this, Bono did this, I did this, and on and on and on. It wasn't inspiring in the least, was repetitive, and not horribly practical.
It didn't give ideas of things that any one person could do beyond the generic: "This billionaire/politician/celebrity donated/raised billions of dollars to start this massive help agency. If you want to help and have billions of dollars or fame, do that. If not, just look for a local chapter of one of the things I just mentioned." It doesn't even seem like Bill Clinton tried.
The major problem with this book is that it reads like a laundry list or a back patting/name dropping list. Bill Gates did this, Bono did this, I did this, and on and on and on. It wasn't inspiring in the least, was repetitive, and not horribly practical.
It didn't give ideas of things that any one person could do beyond the generic: "This billionaire/politician/celebrity donated/raised billions of dollars to start this massive help agency. If you want to help and have billions of dollars or fame, do that. If not, just look for a local chapter of one of the things I just mentioned." It doesn't even seem like Bill Clinton tried.
November 5, 2007
I very much liked the premise of this book: that you could, and should, give no matter who you are, where you are, what you have, or how rich you are. There is almost always something you have that someone else needs. I think I inherited from my grandfather an abhorrence to throwing things away. As a result, I am always looking for new ways to get rid of things I don't need without just trashing them. My favorite go-to places are the public libraries (books, magazines), battered women’s shelters and day care centers (clothes and toys), homeless shelters (food) and the Volunteers of America (just about anything).
But you can give no matter what you have. An extra bike? A baseball glove that is too small? Ice skates? Old books? Aluminum? Unopened cosmetics and sanitary supplies? An extra set of silverware? Musical instruments? Girl Scout cookies you bought out of guilt but will never eat? Time? Money? Whatever you have to give, give.
What I didn't like was that much of the book seemed to be a big bunch of "look at how cool I am and all the people I know and aren't we awesome?" Well, he was president for eight years, not to mention all of the other work he has done and does, so of course he knows a lot of people, and yes, they are awesome and all the work they do is awesome. But the tone kind of rubbed me wrong.
I think I might have preferred this book with anecdotes followed by lists of things to give and where to give them.
But you can give no matter what you have. An extra bike? A baseball glove that is too small? Ice skates? Old books? Aluminum? Unopened cosmetics and sanitary supplies? An extra set of silverware? Musical instruments? Girl Scout cookies you bought out of guilt but will never eat? Time? Money? Whatever you have to give, give.
What I didn't like was that much of the book seemed to be a big bunch of "look at how cool I am and all the people I know and aren't we awesome?" Well, he was president for eight years, not to mention all of the other work he has done and does, so of course he knows a lot of people, and yes, they are awesome and all the work they do is awesome. But the tone kind of rubbed me wrong.
I think I might have preferred this book with anecdotes followed by lists of things to give and where to give them.
March 1, 2016
I really, really wanted to like this book. I wanted to be inspired. But it just read like a long, boring list of non-profits. After three chapters I started to skip around in the book, picking pages at random. And they all seemed the same. Bill Clinton knows so-and-so, who runs non-profit A, that helps people in South Africa...Bill Clinton knows so-and-so, who runs non-profit B, that helps people in Cambodia...Bill Clinton knows so-and-so, who runs non-profit C, that helps people in China.
Not inspiring. Just blah blah blah. So disappointing.
This was published in 2007, and I suspect it was just a publicity piece to help Hillary's run against Obama.
Not inspiring. Just blah blah blah. So disappointing.
This was published in 2007, and I suspect it was just a publicity piece to help Hillary's run against Obama.
September 21, 2007
The first book I've ever read that I found truly inspirational... or that made me want to cry on every page.
The stories of individuals making small differences in the world (read: large differences in their communities) gradually segue into those of contributors to multi-million dollar NGOs; I was in the last chapter when I realized that Bill was giving us the tools to go out there and make the differnce ourselves.
A lovely nonpartisan work by a man so obviously interested in changing the world for the better. At times a little self-congratulatory, but overall more interested in offering examples of positive change than necessarily promoting his own foundation. Then again, he knows his own experiences best, so why not discuss his foundation?
Regardless you all know how I feel about dear Bill, and I do truly love this book.
The stories of individuals making small differences in the world (read: large differences in their communities) gradually segue into those of contributors to multi-million dollar NGOs; I was in the last chapter when I realized that Bill was giving us the tools to go out there and make the differnce ourselves.
A lovely nonpartisan work by a man so obviously interested in changing the world for the better. At times a little self-congratulatory, but overall more interested in offering examples of positive change than necessarily promoting his own foundation. Then again, he knows his own experiences best, so why not discuss his foundation?
Regardless you all know how I feel about dear Bill, and I do truly love this book.
November 4, 2007
I was disappointed that Mr. Clinton is not a better writer. Everyone knows that giving & volunteering are important & vital to our world today. However, this book is not what is going to convince this generation or the next (or the last one for that matter) to give. It is a good resource list if you are looking for organizations to be a part of or to research for future giving; but Mr. Clinton's constant use of "I" and "my foundation" and "Hillary" and "Mr. Bush" make for a pretty monotonous read. The stories he does mention do illuminate the very real problems in this world but to hear him tell it his foundation or Hillary or the Gates or some other billionaire or incredible person is already giving or doing far more than anyone else.
June 5, 2008
I was really disappointed by this. I generally like Clinton; I'm halfway through his autobiography and was really impressed with his storytelling in that.
However, as someone committed to social justice and public service, I didn't find much inspiring in this book. I appreciated the listing of resources, but I suppose I was hoping more for philosophical insight into giving. The last chapter partly appeased my desire, but really, there were only one or two parts of the book where I thought, "Oh! That's interesting!" I get about as much from the reflective narratives my students write about their community service requirement.
However, as someone committed to social justice and public service, I didn't find much inspiring in this book. I appreciated the listing of resources, but I suppose I was hoping more for philosophical insight into giving. The last chapter partly appeased my desire, but really, there were only one or two parts of the book where I thought, "Oh! That's interesting!" I get about as much from the reflective narratives my students write about their community service requirement.
June 25, 2013
I really like Bill Clinton, both as a person and for his politics, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed by this. I didn't think it was much more than a prolonged list of good deeds people had done, with a short concluding chapter that took a half-hearted stab at making a clear moral argument as to why you should give to charity. It was a nice enough read though. The segments which detailed the outstanding charitable contributions individuals had made were particularly enjoyable. I wouldn't really recommend this highly though.
March 12, 2019
demasiado centrado na realidade norte americana e não passa de uma listagem de diferentes projectos de solidariedade. Dá ideias mas verdadeiramente só gostei do capítulo 10.
October 30, 2007
A very inspiring book about all the good that comes from donating your time, your skills and your money. There's an entire chapter devoted to one of my favorite charities, Heifer International, and Clinton has a full list of charities and other organizations at the back of the book. Luckily, all the info is also posted on his website, http://giving.clintonfoundation.org/, so I was spared the hassle of photocopying the resources section.
What I enjoyed most in the book were the individual stories of donors and recipients. At a time in the world when there is so much fear and worry, this book is something you can point to and say, "See? There is still goodness and generosity and hope."
The message is that you can focus on small areas where you can affect positive change. It's a great read for anyone wanting to give something back, regardless of political affiliation.
What I enjoyed most in the book were the individual stories of donors and recipients. At a time in the world when there is so much fear and worry, this book is something you can point to and say, "See? There is still goodness and generosity and hope."
The message is that you can focus on small areas where you can affect positive change. It's a great read for anyone wanting to give something back, regardless of political affiliation.
September 23, 2007
I was excited to read this book as I was looking for a little inspiration to move me back into community service, but so far I have not found it. I'm 3 chapters into it and I think Bill has used the word "I" 500 times. I am finding myself marking questions in the columns that express my frustration with his foundation, his emphasis on certain points and his wording of things. I may have become partially swayed by the recent Newsweek article which talked about the book being WJC's attempt at a legacy (other than Monica and impeachment). I am going to continue with this book and will keep you posted...
October 15, 2007
So Bill Clinton is a Rhodes scholar, Oxford educated, blah blah blah...but the book reads like a fifth grader wrote it.
I picked it up expecting to understand more about how the NGO world works. Instead, I get a litany of names and organizations that he's worked with.
The reason I gave the book three stars is that it's all true. NGOs play a huge role in today's world - and are under appreciated. Clinton and Papa Bush have made huge strides in bringing this to light. There is a LONG way left to go.
This book functions as a Call to Action. And it works.
I picked it up expecting to understand more about how the NGO world works. Instead, I get a litany of names and organizations that he's worked with.
The reason I gave the book three stars is that it's all true. NGOs play a huge role in today's world - and are under appreciated. Clinton and Papa Bush have made huge strides in bringing this to light. There is a LONG way left to go.
This book functions as a Call to Action. And it works.
May 4, 2019
First off, Bill Clinton is a good example of someone who has the ability to make a difference in this world and then makes a real effort to actually do so. A good chunk of his post-presidential time has been spent running his foundation, canvassing the USA for donations for various causes (remember the Bush-Clinton Katrina efforts) and looking for opportunities to give back and lift up those who are not as blessed.
This book was more a review of hundreds of different charities, NGOs (non-governmental non-profit organizations) and foundations that give back to their communities, countries or all over the world. Clinton describes the work being done by the Gates Foundation to large charities such as Heifer International or small charities that operate in a single community.
The message is not to wait to give, but to give now, even if you can only give a little whether it be money, time, expertise or anything else. I'm going to make a more conscious effort to support the charities and causes that we believe in, so I guess you can say that the book worked its magic on me.
This book was more a review of hundreds of different charities, NGOs (non-governmental non-profit organizations) and foundations that give back to their communities, countries or all over the world. Clinton describes the work being done by the Gates Foundation to large charities such as Heifer International or small charities that operate in a single community.
The message is not to wait to give, but to give now, even if you can only give a little whether it be money, time, expertise or anything else. I'm going to make a more conscious effort to support the charities and causes that we believe in, so I guess you can say that the book worked its magic on me.
April 29, 2025
I was supposed to read this for a Grad School class in 2019...and here we are *actually* reading it in 2025. Bill Clinton made excellent points about how you don't need large swaths of money in order to positively impact people's lives. However, the book did read as a laundry list of non-profits doing good work. Which isn't bad per se, but as someone who already does/has done a decent amount of fundraising in her life, it just felt like preaching to the choir. I don't see how this book would have contributed to my education during the course I was supposed to read it for.
March 24, 2020
Although I felt inspired to give back more of my time and resources, the book itself was difficult to read. He flips from one vignette to the next so abruptly that the reader has no chance to develop any type of emotional connection.
March 14, 2025
Slightly dull and took a while for me to read but vitally important. A little dated, caught myself checking to see if a lot of the charities and organizations mentioned were still around.
Two passages in the last chapter really spoke to me and wrapped up the book well. I'll type them out later.
Two passages in the last chapter really spoke to me and wrapped up the book well. I'll type them out later.
July 8, 2018
Made me want to read more about the givers.
March 2, 2009
Love him and loved it. It was really inspiring. I especially loved the chapter on way people give (or don't give!). Eye opening. Totally recommend it.
Lines I loved:
All over the world, intelligence and energy are evenly distributed, but opportunity, investment, and effective organizations aren’t.
Unbowed by Wangari Maathai
When I became president in 1993 there were only fifty sites on the WWW. When I left, there were 9 milllion.
It may be harder to give this money away than it was to make it.
Beyond a certain point, which we’d reached, money has no further value. It can’t bring happiness, but it can save or transform many lives.
I never saw a hearse pull a U-Haul.
In her mind, she was balancing the scales, and that was reward enough.
You are not obligated to complete the task, but you are not free to withdraw from it.
While we don’t all have the same amount of money, we do have access to the same twenty-four hours in every day.
A person who chose not to be consumed by her misfortune but to stand on its shoulders and life others up.
The only limitations on the music they can make are mine.
Researchers cite a mother’s level of eduation as one of the key factors in determining whether her children do well in school. It stands to reason that when a mother furthers her own learning, she becomes more engaged in her child’s.
In Rwanda, women comprise 49 percent of the lower house of Parliament, the highest percentage in the world.
The world is awash in divisions rooted in the human compulsion to believe in our differences are more important than our common humanity.
We know there is no shortage of potential – only a shortage of appropriate support and encouragement.
America is blessed in having citizens whose roots are in every other nation.
Think of all the exciting things that creative teenagers could do if every high school had its own NGO.
Instead of helping some kids beat the odds, why don’t we just change the odds?
People feel different when there’s beauty. They know someone cares.
The only debate is over how soon really bad things will happen an dhow bad they will be.
I believe the advocates – if they’re persistent, practical, and creative – will often prevail.
Who’s happier? The uniters or the dividers? The builders or the breakers? The givers or the takers?
Fun Orgnizations:
Heifer International
The Kid’s Guide to Giving
Children’s Defense Fund
New Hope for Cambodian Children
Bread for the World
Common Sense Media
Globalgiving.com
Thebeehive.org
CHAI
AmeriCorps
Camp AmeriKids
Volunteermatch.org
Dress for Success
Graduate School of Public Service
Women for Women International
Lines I loved:
All over the world, intelligence and energy are evenly distributed, but opportunity, investment, and effective organizations aren’t.
Unbowed by Wangari Maathai
When I became president in 1993 there were only fifty sites on the WWW. When I left, there were 9 milllion.
It may be harder to give this money away than it was to make it.
Beyond a certain point, which we’d reached, money has no further value. It can’t bring happiness, but it can save or transform many lives.
I never saw a hearse pull a U-Haul.
In her mind, she was balancing the scales, and that was reward enough.
You are not obligated to complete the task, but you are not free to withdraw from it.
While we don’t all have the same amount of money, we do have access to the same twenty-four hours in every day.
A person who chose not to be consumed by her misfortune but to stand on its shoulders and life others up.
The only limitations on the music they can make are mine.
Researchers cite a mother’s level of eduation as one of the key factors in determining whether her children do well in school. It stands to reason that when a mother furthers her own learning, she becomes more engaged in her child’s.
In Rwanda, women comprise 49 percent of the lower house of Parliament, the highest percentage in the world.
The world is awash in divisions rooted in the human compulsion to believe in our differences are more important than our common humanity.
We know there is no shortage of potential – only a shortage of appropriate support and encouragement.
America is blessed in having citizens whose roots are in every other nation.
Think of all the exciting things that creative teenagers could do if every high school had its own NGO.
Instead of helping some kids beat the odds, why don’t we just change the odds?
People feel different when there’s beauty. They know someone cares.
The only debate is over how soon really bad things will happen an dhow bad they will be.
I believe the advocates – if they’re persistent, practical, and creative – will often prevail.
Who’s happier? The uniters or the dividers? The builders or the breakers? The givers or the takers?
Fun Orgnizations:
Heifer International
The Kid’s Guide to Giving
Children’s Defense Fund
New Hope for Cambodian Children
Bread for the World
Common Sense Media
Globalgiving.com
Thebeehive.org
CHAI
AmeriCorps
Camp AmeriKids
Volunteermatch.org
Dress for Success
Graduate School of Public Service
Women for Women International
April 4, 2010
This book is an interesting quick overview of lots of ways you can get involved in "changing the world". On the good side, I think Clinton does an excellent job of giving readers just a glimpse of a wide range of ways they can volunteer with their time and skills to make a difference. The book covers everything from homelessness, to food banks, to tutoring, to giving your hair to cancer patients, to things you would never expect.
I also like that the book tries to look at some big picture stuff, like how to make sustainable change (teaching people how to grow their own food) rather than just handing out one meal. I like the list in the back of the book of all the organizations that are involved in helping people, so you can check into those that interest you.
I also like the fact that this book was written by a former president, as he has a wealth of ideas about how to get involved, resulting from his experience as president. I'm also impressed that a former president decided to write a book on this topic.
On the negative side, the very short glimpses into so many giving opportunities don't really help you dig deeply into any topic. So are people spurred to get involved because they know a tiny bit about ways they can get involved, or would they be better served by digging deeper into a few really outstanding examples?
Also, as an economist, I think Clinton spends too much time on economic issues behind poverty, etc. And too much on the economy of giving.
Overall, I'm glad I read it. And I'm glad Clinton wrote it, sharing his vast experiences with all of us on an important topic.
I also like that the book tries to look at some big picture stuff, like how to make sustainable change (teaching people how to grow their own food) rather than just handing out one meal. I like the list in the back of the book of all the organizations that are involved in helping people, so you can check into those that interest you.
I also like the fact that this book was written by a former president, as he has a wealth of ideas about how to get involved, resulting from his experience as president. I'm also impressed that a former president decided to write a book on this topic.
On the negative side, the very short glimpses into so many giving opportunities don't really help you dig deeply into any topic. So are people spurred to get involved because they know a tiny bit about ways they can get involved, or would they be better served by digging deeper into a few really outstanding examples?
Also, as an economist, I think Clinton spends too much time on economic issues behind poverty, etc. And too much on the economy of giving.
Overall, I'm glad I read it. And I'm glad Clinton wrote it, sharing his vast experiences with all of us on an important topic.
May 19, 2009
I received this book as a high school graduation gift. It has been sitting on my bookshelf for three years, and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. After reading the Audacity of Hope, I thought I would take a stab at another book written by a president known for his ability to communicate and touch the public. Unlike the Audacity of Hope, Giving does not have any sort of political agenda. It just outlines the number of ways that people can give, such as giving time, money or skills. I think the book is effective is that Clinton doesn't tell the reader who they should give to. Instead, he includes inspiring stories of those who have given on a small or large scale. The final chapters address the reader's questions about giving- what about the government? Why and how much should I give? I think this should be recommended reading for everyone. After reading this book, it's hard to deny that you have nothing to give.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2010
My friend gave me a copy for Christmas - signed and personalized by the author!!
Now that I'm done reading it, all I have to say is.....BC is the freakin' man. Well, that's not all I have to say I guess. I just think it's so awesome that someone as high profile as he is takes the time to research and put into words a 200 page thesis highlighting those around the world who give to others, on a large and small scale, and how people like you and me can give and make difference. And how it is imperative for us to do so because we are all so blessed!
That being said, the reason for the three stars is that it's one of those books that I wasn't completely *excited* to pick up as I'm sleepily laying in bed at night since the material isn't scandalous or tear-jerking, but once I picked it up I truly enjoyed reading it. It kind of restores your faith in humanity again and makes you feel good inside and motivated!
Now that I'm done reading it, all I have to say is.....BC is the freakin' man. Well, that's not all I have to say I guess. I just think it's so awesome that someone as high profile as he is takes the time to research and put into words a 200 page thesis highlighting those around the world who give to others, on a large and small scale, and how people like you and me can give and make difference. And how it is imperative for us to do so because we are all so blessed!
That being said, the reason for the three stars is that it's one of those books that I wasn't completely *excited* to pick up as I'm sleepily laying in bed at night since the material isn't scandalous or tear-jerking, but once I picked it up I truly enjoyed reading it. It kind of restores your faith in humanity again and makes you feel good inside and motivated!
September 28, 2007
If you're interested in philanthropy, this is a good place to start. Though it seems like a bit of a run-on sentence with the chronicling of 1,000s of charitable deeds and projects, it was heartwarming to read about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I got weepy just like I do when watching that darn Extreme Home Makeover show.
If you are in the business of non-profit, the book also gives some helpful tips for how to expand and become more successful.
Even if you loath the idea of Bill Clinton as a political figure, you have to admit that he's devoting the rest of his life to good causes. He's started a whole initiative to address the world's biggest problems, and he's accomplishing a lot. So ignore the fact that he wrote this book, because it has merit either way.
If you are in the business of non-profit, the book also gives some helpful tips for how to expand and become more successful.
Even if you loath the idea of Bill Clinton as a political figure, you have to admit that he's devoting the rest of his life to good causes. He's started a whole initiative to address the world's biggest problems, and he's accomplishing a lot. So ignore the fact that he wrote this book, because it has merit either way.
June 9, 2013
I enjoyed many of the stories of giving in this book. Both wealthy people/ organizatioms and your average jane were spotlighted. only dislikes were the quantity of times he said "my foundation" (aka talked A LOT about his own good doing. ..admirable, certainly, but didn't need to be the focal point here) and how the last third or so was more political in health care reform and environment. I understand these are hot and portant topics (when it was written and still today) I had previously been impressed that it was pretty non-political.
mostly a good book for someone looking to get involved in an organization and you are introduced to a plethora of wonderful ngo's that you could be involved with.
mostly a good book for someone looking to get involved in an organization and you are introduced to a plethora of wonderful ngo's that you could be involved with.
December 19, 2009
Arg. I want to give this book 2 stars because it was SO BORING, but I feel guilty because it is about philanthropy, which is obviously important. I am rationalizing the 3 stars because maybe it will be a good reference book. In fairness, I did learn about some organizations and philanthropists I had not heard of, and that was very interesting, but the writing was dull dull dull. It really felt like just before page 1 someone asked Bill Clinton, "Can you name a zillion organizations to which I could donate, and describe them each in a paragraph?" And then he did. But for those who want to identify some new places/people worthy of your time and money, check out the index.
January 24, 2008
A straightforward, easy read. Clinton really does provide some inspiring examples of giving, and he covers so many different categories (not just donating money but also giving time and skills, convincing governments to give, etc.) that there's something for everybody.
To be frank, reading it didn't change my current behavior: as I'm in grad school, I don't feel I have significant excess time or money to give right now, beyond what I've already been contributing before I read the book. But once I have a higher income and more free time, this will be a good book to return to for additional ideas.
To be frank, reading it didn't change my current behavior: as I'm in grad school, I don't feel I have significant excess time or money to give right now, beyond what I've already been contributing before I read the book. But once I have a higher income and more free time, this will be a good book to return to for additional ideas.
November 7, 2007
It was tough for me to rate this book--I came away with a few good book and article recommendations as well as some intersting tidbits and great web sites for charitable causes. The book itself is simply written, and I got through the first hundred pages rather quickly. I then read that a portion of the proceeds from the book go to charity. It seems to me that all the proceeds from a book called Giving should have gone to charity, and this thought clouded my mind as I trudged through the rest of the book.
September 16, 2010
We listened to this on the way from MO to CA, and it definitely passed the time. AND I got to listen to Bill Clinton the whole time. Awesome. The book is worth listening to, all in all, but it's really just a litany of organizations, volunteer opportunities, or ideas for getting involved, etc. Not a bad thing, but I was hoping for something more substantive. On the other hand, I did feel really freaking hopeful after listening to this book, as it certainly gives you lots of examples of people doing good/making a difference, etc.
October 8, 2010
This book is truly inspiring... and it really is just about giving. It made me think of how many of us actually give back? The ideas that come from a child and the force of these ideas (and the person who started the charity) is truly amazing. We don't need to look far, or think big; it's the small steps that count, small steps that many many people can take together to help each community. I would love to be able to do the small stuff, that would make a lot of difference to as many people as possible. Need to get my ass moving!!!
December 16, 2012
Fittingly, this book was a gift to me from someone who is practically a stranger. As a person who is about to embark on an adventure of founding my own nonprofit that hopes to foster a sense to giving in high school students, this book was wonderful. We all have so much to give weather it be our time, talents or money. I was inspired by the numerous examples of people giving of themselves to make this world a better place. I hope to continue to have such generously gifted people in my life.
November 3, 2007
Strongest chapter was 7, "Gifts that Keep on Giving" and it focused on Heifer International. It was strongest because Clinton stayed on topic instead of coming across as a little random. The other chapters bounced between examples of mega-rich people who have done good, lots of name dropping, and repeated "but you can do something like this too." What is really good about the book is the wealth of information (websites, etc) found in the Resources section.
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